Developing a blood test to improve early detection of breast cancer
Official title: Breast-cancer focused biomarker characterization center employing targeted mass spec assays in a CLIA environment
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11123886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 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) | $1,056,723 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271873-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women who are at high risk for breast cancer, particularly those with dense breast tissue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or those who do not have dense breast tissue may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.