New 3‑D breast density measurements to improve cancer risk prediction
Evaluation of novel tomosynthesis density measures in breast cancer risk prediction
This project uses 3‑D images from digital breast tomosynthesis to improve breast cancer risk predictions for women who get mammograms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306076 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research that uses automated 3‑D measurements of dense breast tissue taken from routine digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images. Researchers will analyze scans and clinical records from three large screening groups, including over 3,000 women with invasive breast cancer and 9,000 matched controls. They will compare how these volumetric density measures work across multiple scans per woman and different racial groups, and how adding them to existing risk models and AI tools changes prediction. The goal is to see if DBT‑based density can better identify women at higher risk or whose cancers may be masked on imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women who undergo routine screening with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), especially those with multiple prior DBT images and from diverse racial backgrounds, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without DBT images (for example men or women screened only with 2‑D mammography), those without access to participating imaging centers, or those who have had a mastectomy are unlikely to be included or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give women more accurate, personalized breast cancer risk estimates and help tailor screening or prevention choices.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional 2‑D mammographic density is a known risk marker, but automated 3‑D DBT volumetric density is a newer measure that has not yet been validated in large, diverse cohorts.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vachon, Celine M — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Vachon, Celine M
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.