3D wearable NIR imaging to predict breast cancer response during treatment
Official title: 3D wearable NIR spectral tomography for early prediction of breast cancer’s residual cancer burden after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11370652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive, portable 3D wearable optical test (NIRS tomography) will be used to spot early signs of how breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy, helping guide treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,509,386 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA291967-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy who are eligible for imaging with the NIRST system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or those unable to tolerate the wearable imaging procedure.
What this research studies
This project tests a lightweight, 3D imaging system that uses near-infrared light to monitor tumor changes while patients receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The goal is to predict the amount of residual cancer burden early in treatment, potentially guiding decisions before surgery. Patients wear a comfortable device during imaging sessions, and the data are linked to clinical outcomes to see if early signals match how much cancer remains. The approach emphasizes safety, portability, and low cost compared with other imaging methods. If successful, it could lead to faster, more personalized treatment adjustments for breast cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more tailored therapies sooner and avoid unnecessary treatments by knowing early how well chemotherapy is working.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilot findings with the NIRST system in breast cancer show promising correlations between imaging signals and residual cancer burden.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Shudong — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Shudong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Magnetic resonance fingerprinting to gauge chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A patient-facing look at using a special MRI method (MRF) to see early whether breast cancer is responding to preliminary chemotherapy.
-
MRI fingerprinting to spot early breast tumor response to chemotherapy given before surgery
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Improving how we track breast cancer chemotherapy with 3D imaging
This project aims to develop a new 3D ultrasound method to see how well chemotherapy is working for breast cancer patients before surgery.
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New Wearable Imaging to See How Breast Cancer Responds to Chemotherapy
This project is developing a new wearable imaging device to help doctors see very early if breast cancer treatment is working for patients receiving chemotherapy before surgery.
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Using 3D wearable technology to predict breast cancer treatment outcomes
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use imaging method that helps doctors see how well chemotherapy is working for breast cancer patients, so they can better understand how much cancer is left after treatment and improve chances for a healthier future.
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How pre-surgery chemotherapy affects breast cancer spread
This study is looking at how chemotherapy for breast cancer might sometimes help cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, and it aims to understand the role of certain immune cells in this process, which could lead to better treatment options for patients like you.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.