Quantitative ultrasound from single cells to biophantoms to tumors

There is no underestimating the importance of modern imaging to the improved detection and management of diseases such as cancer. Ultrasound offers a cost-effective and safe modern imaging modality. A quantitative approach, termed quantitative ultrasound (QUS), offers the capability to examine the anatomic microstructure of tissue, hence opening up opportunities to quantify/diagnose such microstructure. One approach to improve specificity with QUS techniques, a model-based approach, is to develop ultrasonic scattering models that match the anatomic geometry of the tissue type under investigation. To do so, an approach from simple (individual cells) to moderate complexity (groupings of cells imbedded in a supportive structure) to significant complexity (actual tissue/tumors) has merit, especially if the degrees of complexity are with the same cell type. Therefore, an approach for improved imaging capabilities with quantitative ultrasound is that from single cells to biophantoms to tumors, and is discussed herein.