Creating a better biopsy marker for breast cancer treatment
Official title: Development of an ultrasound detectable, migration-resistant biopsy marker for improving care in patients with breast cancer
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10993589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of biopsy marker that can be easily seen with ultrasound and stays in place during breast cancer treatment, helping doctors find the right lymph nodes more accurately for surgery, which could lead to less invasive procedures and better results for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $619,809 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033008-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer who require lymph node evaluation as part of their treatment plan.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have breast cancer or those who are not undergoing neoadjuvant systemic therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of biopsy marker that can be easily detected using ultrasound and is resistant to movement within the body. Currently, many markers used in breast cancer treatment can migrate, making it difficult for surgeons to locate the correct lymph nodes during surgery. By improving the design of these markers, the research aims to enhance the accuracy of lymph node identification after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, potentially leading to less invasive surgeries and better patient outcomes. The study will involve testing different physical features of the markers to determine which designs are most effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate surgeries for breast cancer patients, reducing the need for extensive procedures and minimizing recovery times.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving biopsy marker designs, but this specific approach to creating migration-resistant markers is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Urban, Matthew William — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Urban, Matthew William
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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.