Caltech and USC 3D imaging breakthrough set to revolutionize cancer detection

Researchers at Caltech and the University of Southern California have developed a new medical imaging technique capable of producing rapid, 3D color images of human tissue. The technology captures both the physical structure of soft tissue and the functional activity of blood vessels.

The method, called RUS-PAT, combines ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to address the limitations of existing scans like CT, MRI, and standard ultrasound. Unlike traditional methods, RUS-PAT does not require contrast agents or ionizing radiation, costs less to operate, and generates results in under one minute.

The system can scan to a depth of 4 centimeters and has already undergone human testing. Potential clinical applications include improving breast cancer diagnostics, monitoring diabetic nerve damage, and conducting brain research.

The study was published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. The project received funding from the National Institutes of Health.

The true innovation of the RUS-PAT imaging technology lies not merely in its hybrid engineering, but in its pragmatic approach to cost-efficiency. By bypassing the complexity of multi-probe integration in favor of a simplified architecture—utilizing a single wide-field ultrasound transducer paired with a rotating sensor arc—researchers have unlocked the potential for commercial scalability that often eludes laboratory-bound breakthroughs.

If successfully commercialized, RUS-PAT is positioned to disrupt a diagnostic imaging market currently dominated by the high capital expenditure and physical footprint of MRI and CT systems. For patients, the value proposition is clear: accelerated diagnostics, non-invasive procedures, and eliminated radiation exposure. By synchronizing anatomical mapping with real-time biological data—such as blood flow and oxygenation—the technology offers clinicians a holistic view of tumors or tissue lesions within a single scan.

However, the trajectory from a published research milestone to FDA clearance remains arduous. The technology’s long-term viability will depend on its performance in large-scale clinical trials and the industry's ability to navigate the logistical complexities of high-volume manufacturing and hospital integration.

While this development may not have a unique impact on the Vietnamese-American community specifically, its widespread adoption would benefit the entire U.S. healthcare system. By expanding access to advanced diagnostics and lowering costs, it promises a healthier future for everyone—from the families in Little Saigon to the entrepreneurs in our nail salon and phở industries.