Developing a new MRI contrast agent for better breast cancer detection
Official title: Finding NEMO's Switchable MRI Signal Using Microfluidic Tumor Models
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10652001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of MRI contrast agent called NEMO to help younger women with dense breast tissue get more accurate breast cancer screenings, aiming to reduce false alarms and the stress that comes with them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $444,603 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA274189-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10652001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are younger women with dense breast tissue who are undergoing breast cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dense breast tissue or who are not undergoing breast cancer screening may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving breast cancer detection in younger women with dense breast tissue by developing a novel MRI contrast agent called Nano-, Encapsulated Manganese Oxide (NEMO). The study aims to reduce the high false positive rates associated with conventional contrast agents like gadolinium by using NEMO particles that activate only in acidic environments found in tumor cells. This approach involves advanced microfluidic tumor models to test the effectiveness and safety of these new agents. If successful, this could lead to more accurate breast cancer screenings and less anxiety for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate breast cancer detection, reducing unnecessary follow-ups and anxiety for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing targeted MRI contrast agents, but this specific approach using NEMO particles is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennewitz, Margaret — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Bennewitz, Margaret
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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.