Developing a blood test to improve early detection of breast cancer

Breast-cancer focused biomarker characterization center employing targeted mass spec assays in a CLIA environment

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11123886

This study is working on a new blood test that, when used with mammograms, could help find breast cancer earlier and more accurately, especially for women with dense breast tissue.

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-11123886 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to create a blood-based test that works alongside mammography to enhance the early detection of breast cancer. Current mammography methods can miss about one in seven breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. The project utilizes advanced mass spectrometry techniques and patient-derived models to identify and validate specific protein biomarkers associated with breast cancer. By improving the sensitivity and specificity of breast cancer detection, this test could provide a more reliable screening option for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women who are at high risk for breast cancer, particularly those with dense breast tissue.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or those who do not have dense breast tissue may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accurate and reliable method for early breast cancer detection, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using blood-based biomarkers for cancer detection, indicating 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.