Contrast-free breast imaging using near-infrared light with MRI
Concurrent Optical Spectroscopy and Breast MRI to Improve Diagnosis without Contrast Injection
This project uses near-infrared light together with MRI to produce clearer breast images without injections of contrast dye for people being checked for breast problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11227889 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers combine MRI with near-infrared spectroscopic tomography (NIRST) using a wearable, MRI-compatible optical interface that scans the whole breast without contrast agents or ionizing radiation. The system collects light measurements from many source-detector positions and uses deep learning to reconstruct fast 3D images showing blood-related signals like total hemoglobin. The team has tested the hardware and reconstruction methods in tissue phantoms and healthy volunteers and is continuing to refine the device and algorithms. The goal is to improve detection and characterization of breast lesions while making scans safer and more comfortable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults undergoing evaluation for a breast lump, abnormal screening result, or who need MRI-based imaging—especially those with dense breast tissue—would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot undergo MRI (for example, due to certain implants or severe claustrophobia) or those requiring immediate treatment rather than diagnostic imaging may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow accurate breast diagnosis without contrast injections or extra radiation, reducing risk and discomfort for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior phantom experiments and healthy-subject scans produced promising image reconstructions and hemoglobin estimates, but combining NIRST with MRI without contrast is still an emerging approach needing further clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paulsen, Keith D. — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Paulsen, Keith D.
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.