New mammogram marker for breast cancer risk using contrast-enhanced imaging
Official title: Quantitative background parenchymal enhancement, measured on contrast-enhanced mammogram, as a novel marker of breast cancer risk
Funded at Netherlands Cancer Institute · NIH-11413429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether a new marker seen on contrast-enhanced mammograms can better predict breast cancer risk, helping doctors tailor screening for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Netherlands Cancer Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amsterdam, Netherlands) |
| Project start | April 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $222,831 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA284134-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women undergoing routine mammography who have breast density concerns or are at elevated risk for breast cancer and could benefit from adjusted screening strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Women without dense breasts or with low overall risk may see little to no benefit from this imaging marker.
What this research studies
This project looks at a contrast-enhanced mammogram feature called background parenchymal enhancement as a possible marker of future breast cancer risk. It aims to develop a practical way to measure this marker on standard mammograms to extend risk assessment beyond traditional density measures. The study builds on prior work showing BPE on MRI links to risk and explores applying the idea to mammography for broader use. By focusing on women who may not be able to receive MRI, it seeks to improve risk stratification and inform screening decisions using a widely available imaging modality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve personalized breast cancer screening by identifying higher-risk women using routine mammograms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous MRI-based work linked background parenchymal enhancement to risk, and this project tests a mammogram-based surrogate in a broader population.
Where this research is happening
-
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Amsterdam, Netherlands Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watt, Gordon Patrick — Netherlands Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Watt, Gordon Patrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.