Developing a blood test to improve breast cancer detection alongside mammograms

Core - Biomarker Developmental Laboratory (BDL)

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11123888

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123888 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women, particularly those with dense breast tissue, who are at higher risk for undetected breast cancers.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have breast cancer or those who are not at risk for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions benign proliferative breast disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.