Risk-based extra ultrasound and MRI screening for women with dense breasts
Evaluation of risk-based supplemental ultrasound and MRI screening strategies for women with dense breasts
Looks at whether offering extra ultrasound or MRI only to women with dense breasts who are at higher risk can find cancers earlier while cutting down on unnecessary follow-ups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11225625 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have dense breast tissue, researchers will analyze screening records and imaging results to see how well adding ultrasound or MRI works when offered based on a woman’s individual risk of having an advanced cancer despite mammography. They will compare outcomes by screening round and simulate a randomized trial using real-world data to mimic how different strategies would perform. The team will also use computer models to project lifetime outcomes, weighing earlier detection against harms like false positives and extra biopsies. The goal is to find which women benefit most from supplemental imaging so extra tests are used more selectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women who have mammographically dense breasts and are getting routine breast cancer screening, particularly those with higher calculated risk of advanced cancer despite mammography, are the main focus.
Not a fit: Women without dense breasts or those at low risk of advanced cancer are unlikely to be affected or benefit from the supplemental screening approaches studied here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help personalize breast cancer screening so women with dense breasts get extra imaging when it’s likely to help and avoid unnecessary tests when it won’t.
How similar studies have performed: Prior trials that offered supplemental ultrasound or MRI to all women with dense breasts showed limited net benefit because of many false positives, so this risk-tailored approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sprague, Brian L — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Sprague, Brian L
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.