Magnetic resonance fingerprinting to gauge chemotherapy response in breast cancer
Official title: Development of Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) to Assess Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11408782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing look at using a special MRI method (MRF) to see early whether breast cancer is responding to preliminary chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $634,858 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282516-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy or not eligible for MRI-based monitoring may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use an advanced MRI technique to detect biological changes in breast tumors early during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, so doctors can tailor treatment sooner. It focuses on patients with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy before surgery. The goal is to predict which tumors will respond well and which will not, potentially reducing unnecessary side effects and guiding adjustments in therapy. The study will work to make this MRI approach practical for routine clinical use. If successful, it could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could avoid ineffective therapies and receive more personalized treatment sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests quantitative MRI can reflect tumor biology, but early prediction of NAC response remains an active and likely beneficial area.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yong — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yong
Related research
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-
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This study is testing a new, easy-to-use imaging method that helps doctors see how well chemotherapy is working for breast cancer patients, so they can better understand how much cancer is left after treatment and improve chances for a healthier future.
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How pre-surgery chemotherapy affects breast cancer spread
This study is looking at how chemotherapy for breast cancer might sometimes help cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, and it aims to understand the role of certain immune cells in this process, which could lead to better treatment options for patients like you.
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.