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. 2024 May 17;19(5):e0302974.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302974. eCollection 2024.

Repository of MRI-derived models of the breast with single and multiple benign and malignant tumors for microwave imaging research

Ana C Pelicano  1   2 , Maria C T Gonçalves  1   2 , Tiago Castela  3 , M Lurdes Orvalho  3 , Nuno A M Araújo  2   4 , Emily Porter  5   6 , Raquel C Conceição  1   2 , Daniela M Godinho  1   2
Affiliations

Repository of MRI-derived models of the breast with single and multiple benign and malignant tumors for microwave imaging research

Ana C Pelicano et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

The diagnosis of breast cancer through MicroWave Imaging (MWI) technology has been extensively researched over the past few decades. However, continuous improvements to systems are needed to achieve clinical viability. To this end, the numerical models employed in simulation studies need to be diversified, anatomically accurate, and also representative of the cases in clinical settings. Hence, we have created the first open-access repository of 3D anatomically accurate numerical models of the breast, derived from 3.0T Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of benign breast disease and breast cancer patients. The models include normal breast tissues (fat, fibroglandular, skin, and muscle tissues), and benign and cancerous breast tumors. The repository contains easily reconfigurable models which can be tumor-free or contain single or multiple tumors, allowing complex and realistic test scenarios needed for feasibility and performance assessment of MWI devices prior to experimental and clinical testing. It also includes an executable file which enables researchers to generate models incorporating the dielectric properties of breast tissues at a chosen frequency ranging from 3 to 10 GHz, thereby ensuring compatibility with a wide spectrum of research requirements and stages of development for any breast MWI prototype system. Currently, our dataset comprises MRI scans of 55 patients, but new exams will be continuously added.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Dielectric property curves of normal breast tissues and tumors for frequencies between 3-10 GHz.
(a) Relative permittivity curves. (b) Effective conductivity curves.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Examples of breast models with multiple tumors available in the repository.
Exams 31 (top left) and 2 (top right) include only benign and malignant tumors in both breasts, respectively. Exam 4 (bottom left) exhibits a malignant and a benign tumor in one breast, and a healthy breast.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Exam selection window of the executable file.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Example of a MRI exam and corresponding label map (Exam 11 of the repository).
(a) Axial view of a T1-w_Dixon-W_pre-processed image. (b) Axial view of the corresponding Label_map_simple.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Label map selection window of the executable file.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Frequency selection window of the executable file.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Save model window of the executable file.
Fig 8
Fig 8. Dielectric property maps for a frequency of 6 GHz.
(a) Axial view of the relative permittivity map for a frequency of 6 GHz. (b) Axial view of the effective conductivity map for a frequency of 6 GHz.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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