3D, no‑compression breast scan for women with dense breasts

A comprehensive imaging solution for dense breast cancer screening and diagnostics

NIH-funded research Malcova INC · NIH-11138590

This project is building a low‑dose, no‑compression 3D breast scanner to help find cancers more clearly in women with dense breast tissue.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMalcova INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138590 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be hearing about a new imaging device that uses a narrow‑beam CT design to make high‑resolution, three‑dimensional pictures of the breast without squeezing. The team is adding a time‑based image reconstruction to improve image detail without making scans longer. They will first validate the method using a realistic moving breast phantom in the lab and then look at patient imaging in a first retrospective pilot to see how it works on real cases. The goal is to understand whether the device can give clearer diagnostic information for women with dense breasts.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women with dense breast tissue who are having screening or diagnostic breast imaging and may benefit from clearer 3D images.

Not a fit: People without dense breasts, those who need MRI or contrast studies, pregnant people, or those with contraindications to CT likely would not benefit from this device.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could make cancers easier to spot in dense breasts and reduce unclear results or extra testing.

How similar studies have performed: Other 3D breast imaging methods (like dedicated breast CT or tomosynthesis) have shown promise, but this narrow‑beam, time‑based approach is relatively new and less tested in patients.

Where this research is happening

Newark, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.