Harmonic Signal Detection Based Magnetic Nanoparticle Imaging System for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

An imaging method based on the second harmonic (Bs2) signal detection from the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been developed to be applied for the Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) detection during the breast cancer diagnosis. SLN can be detected by measuring the magnetic field signal of the injected MNPs tracer inside the body, instead of the conventional methods such as radioisotopes and/or blue dye tracers. The position and amount of MNPs accumulated at the SLNs are determined based on the magnetic field map measurement. The developed system can detect until 100-μg MS1 type-MNP sample located at a depth of 30 mm from the detection coil. Future improvements on the system and MNPs selection could further increase the detection sensitivity. MNPs that are accumulated at the deeper position under the body’s surface can be detected and distinguished with higher spatial resolution.