AI to improve reading of 3D mammograms
Population-Based Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence for Mammography Priorto Widespread Clinical Translation
This project looks at whether commercial AI tools can help doctors read 3D screening mammograms for women who get routine breast cancer screening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11335178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare four commercially available AI tools that interpret 3D digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) using large, population-based screening datasets linked to cancer outcomes so the results reflect real-world practice. The team will analyze existing screening images and follow-up data rather than small, enriched case sets to determine which AI systems detect clinically important cancers and how they perform versus routine radiologist reads. The study addresses prior limits like single-institution datasets, short follow-up, and focus on 2D mammography by using diverse, population-level DBT data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women undergoing routine screening mammography, especially those who receive 3D DBT at participating screening centers.
Not a fit: Women who do not undergo routine screening mammography (for example most under age 40 or those already diagnosed and being treated for breast cancer) are unlikely to benefit directly from this screening-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate detection of clinically important breast cancers and fewer missed cancers or unnecessary follow-ups for women screened with DBT.
How similar studies have performed: Previous retrospective and reader studies have shown promising improvements with AI on mammography but were often small, single-center, or used enriched case sets, so population-level benefit remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Christoph I — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lee, Christoph I
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 below.