Advancing 3D photoacoustic breast imaging to predict therapy response
Official title: Advancing Photoacoustic Tomography in breast imaging to predict response in breast cancers treated with neoadjuvant therapy
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11365086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new 3D photoacoustic breast imaging method will help doctors see early how breast cancers respond to neoadjuvant therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $683,545 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282505-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with breast cancer planned for neoadjuvant therapy who are candidates for advanced imaging to monitor response.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing neoadjuvant therapy or those with conditions that preclude photoacoustic imaging may not benefit.
What this research studies
The project aims to create a cutting-edge 3D photoacoustic tomography system for breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, to detect both anatomical and functional changes. This approach could provide timely information on treatment response without relying on radiation or heavy contrast agents. By identifying responders, doctors could tailor treatments and potentially avoid more extensive surgery for some patients. The work involves developing hardware, imaging algorithms, and validation strategies to improve accuracy and patient comfort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive more personalized therapy decisions and better chances for breast-conserving treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging approaches show promise for response assessment, but this project aims to combine anatomical and functional data in a non-invasive, radiation-free way.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Lily Lau — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Lai, Lily Lau
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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.