MRI fingerprinting to spot early breast tumor response to chemotherapy given before surgery
Development of Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) to Assess Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
This project uses a new MRI method to find early changes in breast tumors during chemotherapy given before surgery so doctors can change treatment sooner if needed.
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 ID | NIH-11174436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get repeat MRI scans using a technique called Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) while you receive chemotherapy before surgery. The scans aim to measure detailed tissue properties, not just tumor size, to detect biological changes earlier than traditional exams. Researchers will compare the MRF results with later surgical pathology and routine imaging to see if the MRI signals predict who benefits from the chemo. If accurate, the scans could help guide treatment decisions during your course of care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who are planning to receive neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemotherapy and can safely undergo MRI would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving chemo before surgery, those with implanted devices or other MRI contraindications, or those unable to come for repeat scans may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors identify non-responders earlier, avoid ineffective chemotherapy side effects, and switch patients to better treatments sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Some advanced MRI methods have shown promise for early response detection, but MRF is a newer approach with limited clinical validation so far.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yong — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yong
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 below.