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| Dr. Srirang Manohar advances technology with the invention of PAM.Photo: Frans van der Veeken |
What do you write in your publication about your research topic Optics Express?
`The article discusses the use of the Twente photo-acoustic mammoscope (PAM), developed by UT scientists to detect cancerous breast lesions. Presently, clinicians rely on X-ray mammography and ultrasound imaging to diagnose breast lesions. These methods have many drawbacks. A malignant tumor has a large number of tiny blood vessels that provide it nutrition. PAM uses pulsed light from a laser to scan the area of interest in the breast tissue. When the photons of light are absorbed by the blood vessels, the temperature in the vicinity increases, resulting in a pressure wave. This pressure wave can be detected as ultrasound, which allows high-resolution images to be made. This helps to detect the area of increased vascularization, which is an indication of the presence of cancer cells. The use of only light will not give a sharp enough image because the light is scattered. It is the marriage of light and sound in PAM, which offers tremendous benefits in the diagnosis of breast cancer.'
What benefits can PAM offer compared to conventional imaging techniques?
`The PAM uses ionizing radiation and the breast is just mildly compressed, unlike the severe compression that is used in X-ray mammography. The procedure is more comfortable for the patient. The current examination takes about half an hour, but with faster ultrasound detectors this can be improved.'
Did you have to overcome any obstacles during the making of PAM?
`The PAM is definitely a leap forward for the world of breast imaging diagnostics. But we did have to overcome many obstacles before PAM could see the light of day. We had to meet the recommendations of the Ethics Council.
`But eventually, thanks to the multiple brainstorming sessions amongst our colleagues at the university and the terrific support of the technical team of the group, PAM began to take shape within our university grounds.'
Who helped in the development of PAM?
`For the actual patient trials, we received the help of an excellent BMT student and wonderful support from the nursing staff at the Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST) in Oldenzaal, where the studies took place. For this research project through the use of physics, we developed an imaging technique and then evolve it to a level of sophistication that would be sufficient to use in actual clinics and that made all the hard work worthwhile.'
How did you learn Dutch?
`I try to converse with my Dutch wife and colleagues in Dutch as much as possible. Many things helped, for instance, I often listen to Dutch TV and radio programs. When I first moved to the Netherlands, I attended a Dutch language course, offered by ROC-Twente, which allowed me to become familiar with the language. Yet it is only through the actual use of the language, which offers you the maximum benefits.'
How do you like living in the Netherlands and do you have plans of permanently living here?
`My wife is Dutch and that is a strong motivating factor to continue living here. I love the working environment at the University and find the Dutch people quite easy to get along with. I do not rule out anything for the future, but for now, we do not have any immediate plans of moving.'
