Developing a blood test to improve breast cancer detection alongside mammograms
Official title: Core - Biomarker Developmental Laboratory (BDL)
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11123888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new blood test to help find breast cancer earlier, especially for women with dense breast tissue where regular mammograms might miss some cancers, making it a better screening option for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $178,577 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271873-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women, particularly those with dense breast tissue, who are at higher risk for undetected breast cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have breast cancer or those who are not at risk for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a blood-based test that enhances the early detection of breast cancer, particularly for women with dense breast tissue where mammograms may miss some cancers. The approach involves identifying and validating specific protein biomarkers associated with breast cancer using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry. By analyzing plasma samples from biorepositories, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of mammography, potentially catching cancers that would otherwise go undetected. This innovative method could provide a more reliable screening option for patients at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using blood-based biomarkers for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paulovich, Amanda G — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Paulovich, Amanda G
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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.