T-shaped breast X-ray imaging for clearer mammograms
Next-Generation Tomosynthesis Pilot Study
A new T-shaped mammogram scan for women coming in for diagnostic breast imaging or biopsy to get clearer images and reduce false alarms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320965 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would have a single extra cranial-caudal mammogram using a new T-shaped scanning device in addition to the imaging you're already getting. The team will create images reconstructed two different ways — one from the usual left-to-right motion and one from the new T-shaped motion — and radiologists will read each set separately in different sessions. The study is limited to one view to keep radiation exposure low and will enroll women referred for diagnostic imaging or biopsy and women having abbreviated breast MRI. The scans have already shown better image quality in lab phantoms and mastectomy specimens, and this pilot will test that improvement in volunteers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women referred for diagnostic breast imaging or scheduled for breast biopsy, and women undergoing abbreviated breast MRI are the main candidates for this pilot.
Not a fit: People without any diagnostic breast imaging referral (routine low-risk screening only), those who cannot tolerate mammography positioning, or those who must avoid ionizing radiation (for example, pregnancy) may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the new scan method could give clearer mammogram images and help reduce unnecessary callbacks and biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical tests with phantoms and mastectomy specimens showed reduced artifacts and improved resolution, but this is the first pilot study enrolling live volunteers.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acciavatti, Raymond Joseph — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Acciavatti, Raymond Joseph
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.