Breast Thermography Clinical Research & Dynamic Thermal Analysis
Authors: M Salhab, W Al Sarakbi, K Mokbel*, Rassiwala M, Mathur P, Mathur R, Farid K, Shukla S, Gupta PK, Jain B, Arora N, Martins D, Ruggerio D, Tousimis E, Swistel AJ, Osborne MP, Simmons RM, Dr. William Hobbins, Dr. William Amalu, Keith LG, Oleszczuk JJ, Laguens M, Ng EY, Sudharsan NM
Abstract: Dynamic Thermal Analysis
Dynamic thermal analysis is a safe, non-invasive imaging modality showing promise for the early detection of breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women with dense breast tissue. Circadian rhythm irregularities in tumor physiology and localized heat signatures are key diagnostic indicators. Larger multi-center trials are needed to validate its utility in clinical screening.
Introduction
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. While mammography remains the gold standard, its effectiveness is reduced in women with dense breast tissue—particularly those under 50. Alternative methods like MRI, electrical impedance scanning, and thermal imaging are under development to fill this diagnostic gap.
Circadian Rhythm and Breast Cancer
Tumor angiogenesis and chronic inflammation can cause a consistent rise in localized breast temperature. These thermal signatures disrupt normal circadian rhythms. Research indicates that malignant cell proliferation exhibits ultradian (non-circadian) thermal behavior, which can be used as a marker for early tumor development.
Dynamic Thermal Analysis (DTA)
DTA uses wearable microprocessor sensors to collect breast temperature data from eight sites per breast over 48 hours. The First Warning System (FWS) is one such technology that records over 9,000 data points per patient. Early studies showed this system detected 91% of breast cancers, even those missed by mammography.
Data is analyzed with neural network algorithms, significantly reducing false positives and increasing sensitivity. This makes DTA particularly valuable for premenopausal women with dense breasts and high-risk patients.
Limitations & Considerations
One challenge is the rate of false positives. Patients flagged by DTA with no physical or mammographic findings may experience anxiety. However, this group could benefit from additional testing using proteomic profiling, nipple aspirate fluid analysis, and ductoscopy. Improved neural net algorithms are also helping refine accuracy.
The Future of Breast Thermography
Dynamic thermal analysis may become a primary screening tool for younger or high-risk women. With ongoing improvements in artificial intelligence and thermal data interpretation, DTA could reduce unnecessary biopsies and increase early cancer detection. Large-scale, multi-center studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical adoption.
Clinical Research Supporting Digital Infrared Thermography in Breast Cancer Detection
Effectiveness of Non-Invasive Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging in Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Arora N, Martins D, Ruggerio D, Tousimis E, Swistel AJ, Osborne MP, Simmons RM
Results: DITI correctly identified 58 of 60 malignancies (97% sensitivity). Specificity was lower at 44%, but negative predictive value was high at 82%.
Conclusion: DITI is particularly valuable for adjunctive screening in women with dense breast tissue.
Thermal Detection of Embedded Tumors via Infrared Imaging
Authors: Mital M, Scott EP – Virginia Tech
Using embedded heat sources in agar, this study used infrared imaging and genetic algorithms to accurately estimate tumor heat signatures and locations. The method shows promise for improved DITI diagnostics and localization of abnormal tissue activity.
Beating Breast Cancer with Early Detection: The Role of Digital Infrared Imaging (DII)
Authors: Dr. William Hobbins, Dr. William Amalu
DII is presented as a tool for very early warning of breast cancer, even before malignancy develops. Especially suited for women under 40, with dense breasts, or undergoing hormone therapy. FDA-approved as an adjunctive tool, DII helps detect angiogenesis and hormonal influence that indicate cancer risk before tumors form.
Biomedical Engineering Handbook – Chapter 25: Medical Devices & Systems
Contributors: Dr. William Amalu and colleagues
- FDA approved as an adjunctive screening tool in 1982
- Average sensitivity and specificity of 90%
- An abnormal thermogram may carry up to 22× increased risk for future breast cancer
- When combined with mammography and clinical exam, early detection rates rise to 95%
Circadian Rhythm Chaos as a Breast Cancer Marker
Authors: Keith LG, Oleszczuk JJ, Laguens M – Northwestern University Medical School
This paper explores how disruption in circadian temperature patterns may signal early risk for breast cancer. It proposes that abnormal thermal rhythm — or “circadian chaos” — is a stronger risk indicator than even family history.
Thermography and Simulation for Early Detection
Authors: Ng EY, Sudharsan NM – Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Researchers developed a numerical bioheat model of the female breast and compared simulation results with real thermographic data. Results showed that temperature gradients in early tumors can be detected by infrared cameras and are influenced by tumor size, depth, and blood perfusion.
Medical Infrared Imaging of the Breast: An Analysis of 100 Successive Cases
Author: William C. Amalu, DC, DABCT, FIACT
PCRC Infrared Imaging Lab – Redwood City, California | March 18, 2015
- 22% were classified as TH3 (questionable); of these, nearly half were “first alarm” thermograms.
- 43% were TH4 (abnormal), with more than half detected by thermography before any symptoms.
- 35% were TH5 (very abnormal); 50% were first alarms, with some showing warnings 3–4 years before diagnosis.
- 92% of true cancer cases were in TH4 or TH5 abnormal categories when TH3+ adjustments were factored in.
- 63% of cancers occurred in the left breast, consistent with published literature.
- 50% of patients had no other warning signs—thermography was the first and only early alert.
Conclusion: This analysis reinforces that MIR is a powerful adjunctive tool for early breast cancer detection, especially in asymptomatic women and those under 40. Its use improves chances of early intervention, breast conservation, and survival—particularly when traditional imaging is limited or delayed.