MRI fingerprinting to spot early breast tumor response to chemotherapy given before surgery
Official title: Development of Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) to Assess Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11174436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $651,638 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282516-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with breast cancer who are planning to receive neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemotherapy and can safely undergo MRI would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yong — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting to gauge chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A patient-facing look at using a special MRI method (MRF) to see early whether breast cancer is responding to preliminary chemotherapy.
-
3D wearable NIR imaging to predict breast cancer response during treatment
A noninvasive, portable 3D wearable optical test (NIRS tomography) will be used to spot early signs of how breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy, helping guide treatment for patients.
-
Improving how we track breast cancer chemotherapy with 3D imaging
This project aims to develop a new 3D ultrasound method to see how well chemotherapy is working for breast cancer patients before surgery.
-
New Wearable Imaging to See How Breast Cancer Responds to Chemotherapy
This project is developing a new wearable imaging device to help doctors see very early if breast cancer treatment is working for patients receiving chemotherapy before surgery.
-
Using 3D wearable technology to predict breast cancer treatment outcomes
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.
-
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.