Improving breast cancer screening using genetic risk scores

Project 2: Optimizing polygenic risk scores to inform breast cancer screening and prevention

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11177233

This study is looking at how genetic testing can help women understand their risk of developing breast cancer, so they can get better and more personalized screening recommendations, especially for those from diverse backgrounds or at risk for aggressive types of the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11177233 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing breast cancer screening and prevention by utilizing genetic testing to calculate polygenic risk scores (PRS). Participants will undergo testing for both rare and common genetic variants, which will help predict their risk of developing breast cancer. The study aims to improve the accuracy of these risk scores, particularly for diverse populations and for identifying aggressive forms of breast cancer. By addressing current limitations in PRS, the research seeks to provide more personalized screening recommendations for women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women who are at risk for breast cancer and are interested in genetic testing to inform their screening options.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or those who do not meet the criteria for genetic testing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored breast cancer screening strategies, potentially reducing the incidence of advanced cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using genetic risk scores for cancer prediction, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior successes.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions Advanced CancerAmerican Joint Committee on Cancer
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.