# PATIENT-SPECIFIC NARROW BEAM BREAST CT

> **NIH NIH R43** · MALCOVA LLC · 2022 · $55,000

## Abstract

Executive Summary
Opportunity - Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. Several technologies are used for screening
and diagnosis of this disease: Mammography, Tomosynthesis, Ultrasound, and MRI. Mammography and Tomosynthesis
not only cause discomfort to patients, but their outcome is also dependent on the patient’s breast density: breast density is
associated with reduced detection sensitivity in both imaging techniques. Ultrasound has a low-resolution, is highly user-
dependent, and can be time-consuming; MRI is prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. There is significant need,
therefore, for an imaging modality that addresses the limitations of the current screening and diagnostic imaging
technologies, prioritizes patient experience, and reduces health care costs of detecting cancer.
Solution - MALCOVA has designed and developed a minimum viable product of a Dedicated Breast CT system that
provides 3D images of both breasts, similar to breast MRI, in 30 seconds of scan time, at mammographic dose levels,
without applying breast compression. The scientific premise of our proprietary technology is based on narrow-beam CT
image acquisition - Malcova’s proprietary technology protected through two utility patents, already granted and fully owned
by Malcova.
The specific aims for the parent project of this I-Corps application are: Aim 1: Development of fluence modulation assembly
(this assembly modulates the fluence of x-rays to generate a narrow beam), Aim 2: Development of a line detector assembly
(which leads to preventing the acquisition of scattered photons), and Aim 3: Development of the image acquisition protocol
and synchronization of the beam modulation and line detector assemblies.
Achieving synchrony between these assemblies renders proof of concept of, and clarifies the unknowns for, decoupled
gantry development in Phase 2. So far, we have developed the image acquisition apparatus (see the following figure), and
are on track to finish the project on time (by the end of April 2022).
MALCOVA’s MVP. The concept is shown in left, with the photos of the developed prototype on right.
Upon completion of this Phase 1 project, our developed prototype will be capable of scanning a breast-like object with a
narrow beam design paradigm. In Phase 2, we will focus on optimization of a patient-table design to facilitate maximal
chest wall coverage and bilateral breast imaging. The final vision for our product is a simultaneous bilateral breast
cancer imaging platform ready for subsequent technology plug-ins such as integrated biopsy, computer aided
detection and diagnosis. With a product cost estimate akin to that of a Tomosynthesis unit, our technology will be
accessible to radiologic facilities, providing an effective screening tool, in particular, for women with dense breasts.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10540256
- **Project number:** 3R43CA261381-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** MALCOVA LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Peymon Ghazi
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $55,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-02-28 → 2022-04-19

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10540256

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10540256, PATIENT-SPECIFIC NARROW BEAM BREAST CT (3R43CA261381-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10540256. Licensed CC0.

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