XGBoost Enhances the Performance of SAFE: A Novel Microwave Imaging System for Early Detection of Malignant Breast Cancer

We are thrilled to share our latest research publication titled "XGBoost Enhances the Performance of SAFE: A Novel Microwave Imaging System for Early Detection of Malignant Breast Cancer," published in the journal Cancers. This study represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve breast cancer screening and early detection using advanced machine learning and microwave imaging technology.

About the Publication:

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and early detection is key to improving survival rates. However, current screening methods, like mammography, face limitations, particularly in younger women and those with dense breast tissue, where sensitivity is reduced and there is a risk of false positives and radiation exposure. To address these challenges, we evaluated SAFE (Scan and Find Early), a microwave imaging device that uses non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to detect breast cancer safely and effectively. An XGBoost machine learning model was developed using S11 and S21 electromagnetic parameters collected from a large patient cohort, analyzing SAFE's ability to classify cases as malignant versus benign or healthy across key factors such as breast size, density, age, and tumor size.

Key Findings:

• The study analyzed 526 patient samples, with the model trained on 334 samples, validated on 112, and independently tested on 80 samples, achieving an overall sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 81%, and accuracy of 81%.
• SAFE demonstrated especially strong sensitivity in patients with dense breast tissue (91%) and in younger patients (83%), populations where traditional mammography is known to be less effective.
• The system successfully detected 80% of small lesions (T1, under 2cm) and 82% of larger tumors, highlighting its potential for early diagnosis across tumor sizes.
• As a radiation-free, non-invasive alternative, SAFE is particularly well suited for frequent screening in younger and high-risk populations, complementing existing diagnostic tools.

Access the Publication:

To read the full publication and delve into the details of our research, please follow this link.

We are proud of the continued progress in demonstrating SAFE's potential to improve breast cancer detection, particularly for populations underserved by conventional screening methods. We invite you to explore the study findings and join us in our mission to transform breast cancer screening through innovation.