ERC Grant for Mischke to intensify the detection of breast cancer

Dr André Mischke of the Department of Physics and Astronomy has received an ERC Proof of Concept Grant to the amount of 150,000 euros to make mammograms more accurate with less radiation by means of incorporating technology from particle physics. A mammogram is an X-ray of the mammary gland with which breast cancer can be detected at an early stage. 10 to 30 per cent of malignant tumours are currently not detected.

Mischke is conducting research on the quark-gluon plasma, the form of matter that supposedly immediately followed the Big Bang. This plasma DROP [soup] is being recreated in the particle accelerator at CERN by smashing together the nuclei of atoms under extreme conditions. Breakthrough innovative sensors were developed to measure the result of these collisions.

Double improvement

"In principle, these are the same sensors that are used in mammography photo cameras, but less sensitive," explains Mischke.  By making use of the sensors of CERN, the accuracy can be much improved.

If it turns out that the accuracy is enhanced, the intensity of X-ray radiation can be decreased. Seeing as X rays actually contribute to the development of cancer, this may be a major improvement.

Prototype

Mischke is carrying out this project in cooperation with Dr Jan Visser from Nikhef in Amsterdam where they build the detector for CERN, and with the radiologist Dr Hugo de Jong from UMC Utrecht. The goal is to develop a prototype with which pre-clinical research can be conducted.

An ERC Proof of Concept Grant can only be applied for by researchers who have been awarded an ERC Grant. Mischke received an ERC Starting/Consolidator Grant in 2007 for his research on the properties of the quark-gluon plasma.
 

More information

Monica van der Garde, Press Officer of the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, +31 6 13 66 14 38, m.vandergarde@uu.nl.