New contrast agents for better breast cancer screening
Official title: Silver Telluride Nanoparticle Dual-Energy Mammography Contrast Agents For Breast Cancer Screening
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11129126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help women with dense breasts get better breast cancer screenings by using special tiny particles that could make the tests safer and more effective than the current methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $554,188 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA291880-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with dense breast tissue who are at an increased risk for breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-dense breast tissue may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts, who are at a higher risk for the disease. It investigates the use of silver telluride nanoparticles as contrast agents in dual-energy mammography, a technique that enhances the detection of breast cancer. The study aims to address the limitations of current iodine-based contrast agents, which can cause allergic reactions and have a narrow imaging window. By developing these novel nanoparticles, the research seeks to provide a more effective and safer screening option for at-risk women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and safer breast cancer screenings for women with dense breasts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using novel contrast agents for imaging, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cormode, David Peter — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cormode, David Peter
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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.