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-11017313 · 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, which could mean fewer false alarms and less stress from unnecessary follow-up tests.
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 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $106,400 |
| NIH project number | 3R15CA274189-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017313 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 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 the acidic environment of tumor cells. This approach could lead to more accurate imaging results and less unnecessary follow-up testing for patients. The research involves both in vitro and in vivo testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the new contrast agent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate breast cancer screenings, reducing misdiagnoses and unnecessary anxiety for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing targeted contrast agents for improved imaging, suggesting that this approach could be successful.
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.