Ultrasonic characterization of human colon carcinoma cells in the 5-25 MHz frequency range

ORAL

Abstract

Early recognition of cancerous tissue is crucial in receiving a favorable prognosis. Diagnostic tools that allow for an understanding of differences in the ultrasonic characteristics (such as speed of sound (SOS), attenuation, and backscatter coefficients (BSC)) in malignant and benign cells can aid in early diagnostics. Although statistically significant distinctions between benign and cancerous tumor scatterer properties have been demonstrated, there is little knowledge about which cell characteristics create differences in scattering. This study centers on the development of innovated techniques using quantitative ultrasound to quantify the microstructure of HTC (colon cancer) cells in an attempt to establish a greater understanding of scattering mechanisms. To analyze these characteristics HTC cells were cultured, suspended in agar and prepared into samples. Broadband BSC measurements were conducted using focused transducers and narrowband attenuation and SOS measurements were performed using receiving and transmitting transducers. All experiments were made in the 5-25MHz range at 33\textdegree C. The results introduce relevant data useful for comparative studies and further analysis.

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Authors

  • Amy Longstreth

    None

  • Nelaka Govinna

    Aramco Research Center - Boston, Aramco Research Center - Houston, None, NOAA/ESRL/Global Monitoring Division, University of Connecticut, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Clark University, Tufts University

  • Nelaka Govinna

    Aramco Research Center - Boston, Aramco Research Center - Houston, None, NOAA/ESRL/Global Monitoring Division, University of Connecticut, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Clark University, Tufts University

  • Nelaka Govinna

    Aramco Research Center - Boston, Aramco Research Center - Houston, None, NOAA/ESRL/Global Monitoring Division, University of Connecticut, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Clark University, Tufts University

  • Nelaka Govinna

    Aramco Research Center - Boston, Aramco Research Center - Houston, None, NOAA/ESRL/Global Monitoring Division, University of Connecticut, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, Clark University, Tufts University