In vivo validation of time domain optical mammograph with high-sensitivity detection chain

Optical mammography is an application of diffuse optics that combines the advantages of cost-effectiveness, non-invasiveness, no significant dependence on breast density and capability to derive information about breast composition. Literature reports promising preliminary results when employed for breast cancer risk assessment, lesion characterisation, therapy monitoring and prediction of therapy outcome. In view of a clinical trial on the monitoring of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we upgraded our time domain multi-wavelength optical mammograph exploiting new technology based on silicon photomultipliers and high throughput time-to-digital conversion. The setup is presented, together with the validation of its performances via laboratory and in vivo tests.