A new imaging method to assess tissue health during breast cancer treatment
Official title: A tissue viability imaging biomarker for use in non-invasive breast cancer therapy
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11009526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to check how well breast cancer treatments are working by using special MRI scans that don’t require any injections, helping doctors see if the tumor is responding to treatment and making sure patients get the best care possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 10, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $611,002 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA259686-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with localized breast cancer who are considering non-invasive treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced breast cancer or those who require immediate invasive interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive imaging biomarker to evaluate tissue viability during breast cancer treatment using magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). The approach involves creating a deep neural network that analyzes MRI data without the need for contrast agents, allowing for real-time assessment of tissue health. This could help ensure that localized tumors are effectively treated while minimizing unnecessary procedures for patients. The study aims to improve the accuracy of treatment assessments and enhance patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer breast cancer treatments, reducing the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging biomarkers for treatment assessment, but this specific approach is innovative and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Allison — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Payne, Allison
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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.