Analyzing the impact of unexpected findings in radiology reports

Large scale clinical and economic impact analysis of potentially malignant incidental findings in radiology reports

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-10798146

This study is looking at unexpected cancer-related findings that show up in medical imaging reports to help improve follow-up care for patients and reduce unnecessary tests or treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10798146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the growing issue of incidental findings, or incidentalomas, that arise from imaging technologies. It aims to utilize natural language processing to identify cancer-related incidentalomas in radiology reports and to create a comprehensive database of these findings from over half a million patients. By analyzing this data, the research seeks to optimize follow-up care and improve health outcomes for patients who may be affected by these unexpected findings. The study will also address the potential for overinvestigation and unnecessary treatments that can arise from incidentalomas.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have undergone radiologic imaging and have received incidental findings in their reports.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had any imaging studies or those without incidental findings may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and follow-up of incidental findings, reducing unnecessary anxiety and healthcare costs for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have highlighted the prevalence of incidental findings, but this research aims to take a novel, large-scale approach that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.