Better Breast Cancer Surgery with Advanced Imaging
Intraoperative quantitative CT imaging of breast specimen for reducing re-surgery rate and tumor cataloguing
This project aims to develop a new X-ray imaging method to help surgeons more accurately remove breast cancer during surgery, reducing the need for follow-up operations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125903 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When patients have breast-conserving surgery, surgeons try to remove all cancer while leaving healthy tissue. Sometimes, a small amount of cancer is left behind, requiring a second surgery. This project is creating a special 3D X-ray imaging device that can be used during the initial surgery to get a clearer picture of the removed tissue. By making it easier to see if any cancer cells are at the edges of the removed tissue, this technology could help ensure all cancer is taken out the first time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer, as it seeks to improve the surgical procedure itself.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing breast-conserving surgery, or those with other types of cancer, may not directly benefit from this specific imaging improvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could significantly lower the rate of repeat surgeries for breast cancer patients, leading to better outcomes and less stress.
How similar studies have performed: While standard X-ray imaging is used, this project proposes a novel dual-energy cone-beam microCT approach specifically for intraoperative breast specimen imaging.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Xiaochuan — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pan, Xiaochuan
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.