Objective:

To evaluate the application of synchrotron radiation (SR) in-line X-ray phase-contrast imaging in human breast cancer.

Methods:

Twelve excised human breast specimens were studied. Monochromatic SR X-ray in-line phasecontrast images were obtained at the beamline BL13W of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) in China with the energy of 13 keV and the distances of 100 cm. Meanwhile

the three-dimensional images were processed. Finally

the pathology results were confirmed.

Results:

The images obtained with SR had higher contrast and better resolution. The angiogenesis of the breast cancer was obtained for the first time with no contrast agents

and the minimal tumo

r blood vessel was about 9 m in diameter.

Conclusion:

SR in-line X-ray phase-contrast imaging can detect the angiogenesis of human breast cancer

and clearly display the morphological characteristics and spatial distribution of tumor blood vessels. It provides a method to study the mechanism of tumor angiogenesis and the effects of various interventions or treatments on tumor angiogenesis. It would be a great potential diagnostic tool in clinical application in the future.