Improving breast cancer diagnosis using advanced imaging techniques

DeepTOBIDx: deep learning-enhanced multimodal diagnostic breast imaging

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11163418

This study is testing a new way to improve breast cancer diagnosis by combining advanced imaging techniques with traditional methods, so patients can get more accurate results and avoid unnecessary biopsies, leading to quicker and better treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11163418 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing breast cancer diagnosis by integrating advanced imaging techniques, specifically diffusion optical tomography (DOT), with traditional methods like mammography and MRI. The goal is to provide more accurate physiological information about breast lesions, which can help differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. By developing a new approach called DeepTOBIDx, the research aims to improve the speed and accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses, potentially reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies. Patients will benefit from a more reliable diagnostic process that can lead to earlier and more effective treatment options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing evaluation for breast lesions, particularly those with BI-RADS 4 or 5 assessments.

Not a fit: Patients with no breast lesions or those who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using diffusion optical tomography for breast imaging, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in diagnostic accuracy.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
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.