Combining PET and x-ray imaging to improve breast cancer treatment evaluation
Official title: Integrated PET+DBT for optimization of breast cancer therapy
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11136965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of scanner that combines two imaging methods to see how well breast cancer treatments are working early on, so doctors can make quick changes if needed, and it's designed for patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,934 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EB034222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer who are about to begin neoadjuvant therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced breast cancer who are not candidates for neoadjuvant therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new dual-mode scanner that integrates positron emission tomography (PET) with x-ray tomosynthesis to evaluate breast cancer therapies. By using this innovative imaging technique, the study aims to assess how well breast tumors respond to treatment shortly after it begins, allowing for timely adjustments if necessary. Patients will receive a baseline PET scan followed by a small dose of their planned therapy, with a second scan to monitor the treatment's effectiveness. This approach could help identify the best treatment options for patients before surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective breast cancer treatments by allowing for early evaluation of therapy responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that molecular imaging with PET can effectively gauge tumor responses to therapies, indicating a promising approach for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinahan, Paul E. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kinahan, Paul E.
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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.