Silver-telluride nanoparticle contrast to improve mammograms for women with dense breasts
Silver Telluride Nanoparticle Dual-Energy Mammography Contrast Agents For Breast Cancer Screening
We are testing a new silver-telluride nanoparticle contrast agent to make mammogram images clearer for women with dense breast tissue.
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 ID | NIH-11307577 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops tiny silver-telluride nanoparticles that act as a contrast agent for dual-energy (contrast-enhanced) mammography. Researchers will compare the new nanoparticles with current iodine-based contrast agents in lab and imaging experiments to improve tumor-to-background signal and reduce allergic reactions and false positives. Early work may include lab and animal studies followed by imaging at clinical sites to see how the agent performs in breast screening. The aim is to create a safer, more reliable contrast option that helps detect cancers earlier in women with dense breasts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be women with dense breast tissue who are undergoing supplemental breast screening or are at higher risk for breast cancer.
Not a fit: People without dense breasts or those who cannot receive contrast agents (for example, due to specific allergies or other contraindications) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make mammogram-based screening more accurate for women with dense breasts, helping find cancers earlier and reducing unnecessary follow-up tests.
How similar studies have performed: Contrast-enhanced mammography using iodine is already used clinically, but using silver-telluride nanoparticles is a novel approach with limited prior human testing.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cormode, David Peter — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cormode, David Peter
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.