Improving Breast Cancer Diagnosis with Advanced Imaging
Lesion Composition and Quantitative Imaging Analysis on Breast Cancer Diagnosis
This work explores new ways to use breast imaging to better tell the difference between harmless and cancerous breast changes, aiming to reduce unnecessary biopsies for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136533 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many women undergo biopsies for suspicious breast findings that turn out not to be cancer. This project uses advanced imaging techniques to measure the unique lipid, water, and protein composition of breast lesions, which can be different in cancerous tissue. By combining these biological markers with detailed image analysis, we hope to create a more accurate way to identify which lesions truly need a biopsy. This approach could help doctors make more informed decisions and spare many women from unneeded procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is relevant for women aged 40-79 who undergo breast cancer screening, especially those with dense breasts or suspicious lesions identified during mammography.
Not a fit: Patients who have already received a definitive breast cancer diagnosis or those not undergoing breast cancer screening may not directly benefit from this specific imaging improvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary breast biopsies, easing patient anxiety and reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of multispectral imaging for tissue composition is an innovative application in this context, the individual components of quantitative image analysis and biological markers have shown promise in other diagnostic areas.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shepherd, John Alan — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Shepherd, John Alan
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 below.