Dr Jiayue Li is a biomedical engineering researcher in BRITElab at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Dr Li’s work focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to improve breast cancer detection during breast conserving surgery. We spoke to Dr Li about his research.
Can you explain what breast conserving surgery is?
Breast conserving surgery is currently the primary surgical option for patients with early-stage breast cancer, aimed at removing cancerous tissue without the need for completely removing the breast as required in a mastectomy surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon typically relies on visual inspection and manual palpation to locate the tumour, aiming to remove both the tumour and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. After surgery, the excised tissue is examined under a microscope in pathology to check for any remaining cancer in the removed tissue. In Australia, one in four patients undergoing breast conserving surgery requires a second operation because the pathologist detects cancer at the edge of the removed tissue. This not only significantly increases treatment costs and the psychological burden on the patient but also increases the risk of infection.
Can you share what your research aims to achieve?
The main challenge facing surgeons is that they currently do not have a tool to reliably tell them if they have removed all cancer during the initial surgery. Our research aims to develop a comprehensive imaging technique that will enable surgeons to use high-resolution images to identify breast tumours and make well-informed decisions during surgery.
How do you think your research will benefit those who are having breast conserving surgery?
The goal is to enhance the accuracy of breast cancer detection during surgery, which could potentially reduce the need for additional surgeries for patients. This is the main objective of our project. We also hope that it will lessen the healthcare burden on hospitals and the impact on patients and their families undergoing treatment.
What stage of your research project are you at currently?
The project is in its early stages. In 2024, we were fortunate to receive a Suzanne Cavanagh Early Career Grant from Cancer Council WA, allowing us to initiate a ‘proof of concept’ study. We’ve currently recruited more than 15 patients and have been able to scan specimens at Fiona Stanley Hospital. The initial results are very promising.
What inspired you to focus on this research path of looking at breast cancer detection during surgery?
During my PhD at The University of Western Australia, my research primarily focused on the technical development of innovative biomedical imaging techniques. When I started my current role at BRITElab, I was eager to apply the imaging techniques I developed during my PhD to a specific application, particularly in intraoperative breast tumour margin assessment. I’ve been fortunate to connect with community members affected by breast cancer, inspiring me to apply an imaging technique into practice which may be able to provide benefits to breast cancer patients and help reduce the risk for additional surgeries. Why do you think it’s important for people to donate to cancer research? Funding is always a big challenge in cancer research, especially for someone like me in the early stages of their career.
Funding for research allows us to look at the purpose of our research – to reduce the need for additional surgeries in breast cancer patients – and relieving the burden for future patients.
