Improving radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer
Official title: Evaluation of image-guided, conformal, high-dose intraoperative radiation therapy (Precision Breast IORT) for early stage breast cancer
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10463616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to give radiation therapy during breast cancer surgery that uses advanced imaging to better target the treatment, and it's for women with early-stage breast cancer who want to see if this method works better than the usual approach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $377,571 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA214594-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10463616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early stage breast cancer who are considering radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced breast cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early stage breast cancer by utilizing advanced imaging techniques and high-dose brachytherapy. The study aims to develop a new method called Precision Breast IORT (PB-IORT), which allows for more accurate targeting of breast tissue during treatment. By comparing the effectiveness and costs of PB-IORT to traditional methods, the research seeks to provide better outcomes for patients. Participants will be involved in a multi-center Phase II trial assessing both clinical and immune responses to this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for early stage breast cancer, potentially reducing recurrence rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging and high-dose radiation techniques, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant improvements in treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Showalter, Shayna Lefrak — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Showalter, Shayna Lefrak
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving treatment decisions for older women with early-stage breast cancer
This study is looking at how a short treatment before surgery for early-stage breast cancer can help women aged 65 and older, along with their doctors, decide on the best follow-up radiation therapy options, so they can make choices that fit their personal health needs and preferences.
-
Psilocybin-assisted Psychotherapy for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
A study will test whether a one-time psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy session helps reduce fear of cancer returning in women with early-stage breast cancer.
-
Human duct model that mimics early breast cancer growth
This project builds an all‑human lab model of breast ducts to show how early breast cancers, especially estrogen receptor–positive tumors, grow and interact with nearby cells.
-
Heart disease risk tools for women treated for early-stage breast cancer
This project will build and test tools to predict the chance of heart disease in women who have had early-stage breast cancer.
-
Creating a tool to help older women decide on chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer
This study is creating a helpful tool for older women with early-stage breast cancer to make informed choices about chemotherapy, taking into account their health needs and side effects, so they can feel more confident in discussing their treatment options with their doctors.
-
Effects of radiation therapy on heart health in breast cancer patients
This study is looking at how different types of radiation therapy for breast cancer might affect heart health, so we can find out which method is safer for your heart while you’re being treated.
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.