University of Manitoba Researchers Improve Breast Cancer Detection

Researchers at the University of Manitoba have entered a partnership with Taumedis Inc., a medical technology company based in Winnipeg, to develop a patent-pending imaging technology designed to improve the early detection of breast cancer.

The collaboration focuses on a dual-mode imaging system that can distinguish between different tissue types and properties. According to the University of Manitoba, the technology is intended to complement existing screening methods rather than replace them, potentially addressing diagnostic gaps that occur with current standards of care.

Addressing Challenges in Dense Breast Tissue

While mammography is the established standard for breast cancer screening and diagnostic protocols, the research team notes that performance gaps persist. These challenges are particularly evident in patients with dense breast tissue, which can make it more difficult for traditional mammograms to identify malignancies.

Dr. Cameron Kaye, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine and Co-Principal Investigator of the project, noted the necessity of evolving these tools.

There is a clear need to advance breast imaging technologies to address existing shortfalls in breast cancer detection, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue.

Dr. Cameron Kaye, Max Rady College of Medicine

The proposed technology utilizes a non-ionizing imaging approach, meaning it does not use the same type of radiation found in X-ray-based mammography.

Technical Development and Clinical Path

The technical development of the system is being led by Professor Joe LoVetri’s team within the Electromagnetic Imaging Laboratory at the University of Manitoba’s Price Faculty of Engineering. The partnership aims to refine the technical design to a level where the technology can move into clinical testing.

Henry Floreal, the Co-Founder and CEO of Taumedis, stated that the goal of combining the company’s innovation with the university’s research is to support future improvements in clinical assessment, with the goal of ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The project is currently moving toward a First-in-Human (FIH) study. This study is planned for later in 2026, although it remains subject to the necessary regulatory and ethics approvals.

Public Health Context

The urgency for improved detection tools is underscored by data from the Canadian Cancer Society, which identifies breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. The organization reports that 1 in 8 women in North America will be diagnosed with the disease.

By developing a tool that may complement current standards, the researchers hope to mitigate issues related to capacity and access in breast cancer screening, leading to more timely diagnoses.

The long-term objective for the dual-mode imaging technology is potential clinical and commercial application, provided the research continues to show efficacy and receives the required regulatory approval.