Project Description

PICTURE – Patient Information Combined for the Assessment of Specific Surgical Outcomes in Breast Cancer

(project already finished)

Program: European Union, 7th Framework-Programme, ICT

Contact: Hélder P. Oliveira (INESC TEC) – [email protected]

“The PICTURE project aims to provide objective tools, tailored to the individual patient, to predict the aesthetic outcome of breast conserving surgery. Using a combination of 3D photography and routinely acquired radiological images (i.e. mammography, ultrasound and MRI, when available), together with information about the tumour (size, location, shape etc.) we will develop techniques to biomechanically model the anatomy of the breast and the effect of surgical removal of cancerous tissue. This digital patient representation and associated predictive tools will enable alternative surgical strategies to be explored and the consequences of the available options, with respect to the appearance of the breast, to be visualised. This will aid communication with the patient of the type of breast surgery recommended by the surgeon, and will empower patients to take an active role in a shared decision making process.”