NIH-funded research R21 grant

Improving breast cancer detection using advanced 3D mammography analysis

Official title: Interpretable Deep Learning Models for Analysis of Longitudinal 3D Mammography Screenings

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11077278 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on improving breast cancer detection using advanced 3D mammograms to help make screenings more accurate and reduce the chances of false alarms, so women at risk can feel more at ease and avoid unnecessary procedures.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$192,295
NIH project number5R21EB032950-03
Project IDNIH-11077278 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing regular mammography screenings, particularly those with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not undergoing regular mammography screenings or those with no risk factors for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the accuracy of breast cancer detection through the use of advanced 3D mammography technology, specifically digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). It aims to develop interpretable deep learning models that analyze longitudinal mammography screenings, taking into account not only the current mammogram but also prior mammograms and patient demographics. By integrating these factors, the research seeks to reduce false positives and negatives, thereby minimizing unnecessary anxiety and invasive procedures for women. The ultimate goal is to improve the overall effectiveness of breast cancer screening for at-risk women.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate breast cancer screenings, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving early detection rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using advanced imaging technologies and machine learning for improving cancer detection, indicating a strong potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dvornek, Nicha C — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Dvornek, Nicha C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.