MRI Scans to Guide DCIS Breast Cancer Treatment

MRI Radiomic Signatures of DCIS to Optimize Treatment

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11105915

This project looks at using advanced MRI imaging to help doctors better understand ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the earliest form of breast cancer, so patients can receive the most appropriate treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105915 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many women diagnosed with DCIS, an early form of breast cancer, currently receive treatments like surgery or radiation that might not be necessary for their specific type of cancer. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and side effects. Our goal is to use detailed MRI scans to find unique patterns, called radiomic features, within the DCIS and the surrounding breast tissue. By identifying these patterns, we hope to better predict which DCIS cases are truly high-risk and which are low-risk. This improved understanding could help doctors tailor treatments more precisely, avoiding overtreatment for many patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who are seeking more personalized treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients whose DCIS has already progressed to invasive breast cancer or those not diagnosed with DCIS would not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help many women with DCIS avoid unnecessary surgeries, radiation, and other treatments, reducing anxiety and improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of radiomics in cancer imaging is an emerging field, this specific application to optimize DCIS treatment using MRI features is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.