Improving breast ultrasound imaging to reduce uncertainty in diagnoses

Minimizing Uncertainty in Breast Ultrasound Imaging with Real-Time Coherence-Based Beamforming

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11091568

This study is working on improving breast ultrasound technology to help women with dense breast tissue get clearer and more accurate results, making it easier to tell the difference between harmless and concerning lumps, which could mean fewer unnecessary biopsies and less anxiety for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11091568 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance breast ultrasound imaging technology to provide clearer and more accurate results, particularly for women with dense breast tissue. By developing a new real-time coherence-based beamforming technique, the project seeks to minimize acoustic clutter that often obscures the distinction between benign and potentially malignant masses. This advancement could lead to fewer inconclusive results, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies and follow-up imaging, which can cause anxiety for patients. The approach focuses on streamlining clinical workflows and improving diagnostic confidence.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women with dense breast tissue who are undergoing breast cancer screening or evaluation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-dense breast tissue or those who are not undergoing breast cancer screening may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate breast cancer diagnoses, reducing patient anxiety and unnecessary procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in improving ultrasound imaging techniques, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in breast cancer detection.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.