ERC grant for André Mischke to improve the detection of breast cancer
Nikhef researcher Dr. André Mischke has been awarded an ERC Proof of Concept grant worth 150,000 euros to use technology from particle physics to make a more accurate mammogram with less radiation. A mammogram is an X-ray photo of the breast tissue that can be used to detect breast cancer at an early stage. With current mammograms between 10 and 30 percent of malignant tissue cases are missed.
Mischke does research into the quark-gluon plasma, a form of matter that is thought to have existed very briefly immediately after the Big Bang. This plasma is created in the particle accelerator at CERN by allowing the nuclei of atoms to collide under extreme conditions. Revolutionarily accurate sensors have been developed to measure the outcome of these collisions.
Double improvement
"In principle the same sort of sensors are used in the photo camera of the mammogram, but those are less sensitive," explains Mischke. By using the sensors from CERN the accuracy can be increased considerably. If the accuracy proves to be high enough then the intensity of the X-ray radiation used can also be reduced. As X-ray radiation can contribute to the development of cancer then this would also represent a considerable improvement.
Prototype
Mischke is carrying out the project in collaboration with Dr. Jan Visser from FOM institute Nikhef in Amsterdam, where the detector for CERN is being built and with radiologist Dr Hugo de Jong from University Medical Center Utrecht. The aim is to construct a prototype that can be used for preclinical research.
Only researchers who have already been awarded another ERC Grant can apply for an ERC Proof of Concept grant. In 2007, Mischke received an ERC Starting/Consolidator grant for his research into the quark-gluon plasma. In 2011, he took the initiative to set up the Young Academy of Europe (YAE). The Academy provides a platform for European Young scientists with an ERC Starting Grant. For this initiative Mischke received a plume in 2012 from the Dean of Utrecht University. A plume is a mark of recognition for staff who do work over and above their day-to-day duties and which is important for the faculty's reputation.
Further information
For further information please see the website of Utrecht University or the website of André Mischke .