Improving Breast Cancer Imaging to Predict Treatment Response
Official title: Advancing Photoacoustic Tomography in breast imaging to predict response in breast cancers treated with neoadjuvant therapy
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11124881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a new imaging method to help doctors understand how breast cancer patients are responding to their initial treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282505-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with breast cancer who are receiving neoadjuvant therapy would be the ideal candidates for this type of imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose breast cancer is not being treated with neoadjuvant therapy would likely not directly benefit from this specific imaging approach.
What this research studies
We are working to create an advanced imaging system called photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) specifically for breast cancer. This system will help us see detailed anatomical and functional changes in breast tumors while patients are receiving neoadjuvant therapy, which is treatment given before surgery. Current imaging methods often don't fully show how well the treatment is working and can involve radiation or uncomfortable procedures. Our goal is to provide a more accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective way to track treatment response, allowing doctors to tailor care more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging technique could help doctors more accurately determine if a breast cancer patient's initial treatment is working, allowing for more personalized and effective care.
How similar studies have gone: PACT is an emerging technology with recognized potential, and this project aims to advance its specific application in breast cancer treatment response, building on foundational work.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Lily Lau — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Lai, Lily Lau
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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.