Partnering with Technology to Shape the Future of Research

 By Dr. Noelle Cutter

The draft paper we initially circulated was more of an overview—a starting point for what we hope to refine into a final publication. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with the Terason ultrasound system, and after using it firsthand, we found it to be an extremely effective imaging tool, especially for the specific group of patients we studied.

Our focus was on women with dense breast tissue—primarily athletes under 45, some of whom fell into a higher-risk category. As we know, traditional mammography often struggles to detect abnormalities in dense breast tissue. This made it essential for us to explore the capabilities of the Terason system in providing clearer, more reliable imaging.  We were beyond impressed with its performance. Having access to a portable, high-quality ultrasound device was invaluable. And, of course, Dr. Robert Bard’s expertise in radiological imaging played a crucial role in this project.

Background & Motivation

This study is a passion project for me. As a triathlete and endurance athlete, I’ve noticed within my own community—both as a coach and as a competitor—that many women I train with have been diagnosed with dense breasts, myself included. Several had cancer scares, and one was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. These experiences sparked conversations: Why was this happening? Was there something unique about this group of women that made them more susceptible?

We already understand the link between dense breast tissue and increased cancer risk. However, we wanted to examine this relationship specifically in young female athletes—individuals who are typically considered the pinnacle of health. This led to further questions: Could hormonal variations play a role? Does body composition—low body fat, high muscle mass—affect breast tissue density? Would these women benefit from tailored screening approaches beyond standard mammography?

This is where the Terason ultrasound system became instrumental. Its ease of use, real-time imaging capabilities, and portability allowed us to conduct screenings efficiently and conveniently, even in unconventional settings like race events. Athletes were eager to participate, making it possible for us to gather valuable data. Beyond our specific focus group, we recognized the potential for this technology to improve screening accessibility for other communities—particularly those with limited access to routine breast exams.

Study Overview & Findings

For our initial case study, we worked with four women under 45, all endurance athletes with pre-diagnosed dense breasts. One was a breast cancer survivor. Our goals were to evaluate the sensitivity of the Terason device, assess imaging resolution, and determine any unique findings within this population.

Case Summaries:

1.      38-Year-Old Marathon Runner

o    Mammograms had been inconclusive.

o    Ultrasound confirmed the need for continued routine monitoring.

2.      Endurance Cyclist

o    Experienced regular hormonal imbalances.

o    Ultrasound revealed a suspected fibroadenoma, which she was previously unaware of.

3.      Breast Cancer Survivor (Triathlete, Ironman Competitor)

o    The ultrasound effectively distinguished post-treatment changes from previous malignant areas.

o    Provided valuable insights for ongoing monitoring.

The results demonstrated the advantages of Terason’s imaging capabilities—particularly in identifying lesions that mammography might miss. The system’s accessibility, portability, and high-resolution imaging made it an excellent tool for this specialized patient population.

Implications & Future Directions

Beyond the immediate study, the potential applications of this technology are vast. We’ve seen firsthand how the Terason ultrasound can empower women to take charge of their healthcare—whether it’s through better screening, education, or simply knowing their options. This device’s flexibility could extend its benefits to underserved communities where access to breast imaging is limited.

Looking ahead, we hope to expand this research into larger clinical studies, incorporating a broader patient pool. There’s also an opportunity to explore collaborations with other researchers who share similar interests in breast health and innovative imaging solutions. Securing funding will be key to scaling these efforts, and publishing our findings is an essential next step in that process.

Final Thoughts

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the combined support of Terason and Dr. Bard. The integration of cutting-edge imaging technology with expert analysis has allowed us to take significant steps in addressing gaps in breast cancer screening for young, active women.

Ultimately, our goal is to continue advocating for improved screening methods, particularly for populations that may not fit the standard model of breast cancer risk. The more we can learn, share, and innovate, the better we can support women in making informed decisions about their health.

We’re excited to move forward—refining our findings, seeking funding, and expanding our research. The potential here is enormous, and we’re eager to see where it leads next.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: CANCER ON LONG ISLAND

8/2024- From London England, Dr. Noelle Cutter sat before the podcast camera, poised to introduce her esteemed colleague telecast from Long Island, NY. "It is my pleasure to welcome Benjamin Honigsfeld to the camera —soon to be Dr. Honigsfeld—who has been both a former student and now a co-researcher alongside me. Together, we have been investigating breast cancer, with a particular focus on its prevalence on Long Island and within the surrounding environment. It is an honor to have him join us today."

PROUD PROFESSOR HOSTS FORMER TOP STUDENT

In recent years, their research has centered on understanding how breast cancer manifests in the Long Island and tri-state area—an issue that has long been a source of concern. The region has shown an unusually high incidence of breast cancer, with an alarming number of younger women receiving diagnoses each year. This pattern has raised critical questions within the scientific community, prompting Dr. Cutter and Benjamin Honigsfeld to explore potential environmental and biological factors at play.

Their collaboration stemmed from a shared curiosity about this unsettling trend. Honigsfeld, once a dedicated research student under Dr. Cutter’s mentorship, had expressed a strong desire to delve deeper into the available data. Both researchers arrived at the same pressing question: Why isn’t there more research on this issue? What crucial information remains undiscovered, and how can they contribute to filling these gaps in knowledge?

Turning to Honigsfeld, Dr. Cutter reflected on his unique perspective, shaped by his background in cancer research and his ongoing journey toward becoming a medical doctor. "Given your experience in both studying cancer and your current medical training, how has this research shaped your understanding of the issue? Where do you see our investigation heading next as we continue to explore this critical topic?"

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A TOXICOLOGIST'S GEO OVERVIEW:  Feat. Benjamin Honigsfeld

Between earning a bachelor's degree at Molloy and pursuing a medical degree, Benjamin Honigsfeld had the opportunity to obtain a master's in toxicology. This academic background provided a strong foundation in environmental toxicology, particularly concerning chemical spills and environmental disasters. When discussing the notably high incidence of breast cancer on Long Island, it became clear that such a pattern could not be purely coincidental. This realization led to an in-depth investigation into the unique environmental factors affecting Long Island.

"...When we start talking about the high incidence of breast cancer on Long Island, there's gotta be a reason", states Honigsfeld. "It just can't just be a random event. So I started really looking into what's so unique about this area- like the Hudson Bay area in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. A few things popped out that I included in my report- but the major one that caught my attention was the Grumman oil spills. And there's a plume in Bethpage. So basically during the second World War, the United States government enlisted Grumman and other aspects of the military industrial complex to gear up for combat. 

At the time, the long-term environmental consequences of mass-producing weapons, fuel, and aircraft were not well understood. As a result, substantial environmental damage occurred, including a groundwater contamination plume originating in Bethpage. This contamination introduced volatile organic chemicals into the water supply, including 1,4-dioxane, a suspected carcinogen that has only recently come under scrutiny.

The primary focus of this research has been Long Island, though there is also a smaller contamination plume further east in Suffolk County, near Calverton. One of the most pressing concerns in the scientific community is the presence of 1,4-dioxane in these chemical plumes. A recent study, conducted by an Ivy League institution in May, identified 1,4-dioxane as likely hepatotoxic, with potential links to hepatocellular carcinoma. This compound has been detected in multiple chemical spills, including those in Bethpage and Calverton.

Another significant area of interest in cancer research is immunotherapy, particularly CAR T-cell therapy. This cutting-edge approach involves extracting helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells from a patient, modifying them with recognition proteins and antigens specific to cancer cells, and reintroducing them into the body. This method aims to sensitize the immune system to cancer cells, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response. While CAR T-cell therapy holds promise for treating ovarian cancer, its applications extend to many other forms of cancer, and ongoing research continues to explore its potential.

Future research is likely to focus on further investigating the relationship between volatile organic compounds, 1,4-dioxane, and breast cancer. Current findings suggest hepatotoxicity and a potential link to hepatocellular carcinoma, but more extensive studies are needed to determine whether exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of breast cancer and its various subtypes. As research progresses, uncovering the full impact of environmental toxins on cancer incidence remains a critical priority.