Using advanced imaging technology to improve breast cancer surgery outcomes
Official title: Deep learning enabled, deep ultraviolet scanning microscopy for intraoperative assessment of margin status during breast cancer surgery
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11136223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technology that helps doctors check the edges of tissue removed during breast surgery in real-time, aiming to reduce the chances of needing extra surgeries and improve outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $361,763 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033806-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer who may be at risk of having positive surgical margins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone mastectomy or those with advanced-stage breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technology that uses deep learning and deep ultraviolet scanning microscopy to assess the status of surgical margins during breast-conserving surgery. By providing real-time, accurate evaluations of the entire surgical specimen, the goal is to reduce the need for additional surgeries caused by positive margins. This approach aims to enhance the precision of intraoperative assessments, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. The technology seeks to overcome the limitations of current methods, which can be time-consuming and less accurate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of cancer recurrence and the need for additional surgeries in breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in imaging technologies for surgical assessments, this specific approach using deep learning and deep ultraviolet microscopy is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Bing — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Yu, Bing
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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.