Combining genetic risk scores and fast MRI to find aggressive breast cancers early
The Funding Mechanism of the Pilot Trial
Combines genetic risk scores and shorter MRI scans to help find aggressive breast cancers sooner in women at high genetic risk like BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers.
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-11143946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I'm a woman at higher genetic risk, this program uses genomic testing (including BRCA genes and polygenic risk scores) to estimate my breast cancer risk. Women identified as higher risk are offered abbreviated/fast MRI screening in addition to usual screening to look for cancers that can appear between mammograms. The team follows participants to see whether this personalized approach detects cancers earlier and at a less advanced stage. This work builds on related screening efforts already enrolling participants at the University of Chicago.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women with known high-risk variants (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2) or very high polygenic risk scores who can undergo MRI screening.
Not a fit: Women at average population risk without high-risk gene changes or high polygenic risk scores are unlikely to benefit from intensified MRI screening in this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to earlier detection and downstaging of aggressive interval breast cancers in high-risk women, improving long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown abbreviated MRI can be diagnostically similar to full MRI in some settings, but combining genomic risk stratification with fast MRI is a newer approach still under study.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olopade, Olufunmilayo F. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Olopade, Olufunmilayo F.
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.