Using advanced imaging to predict outcomes in early-stage triple negative breast cancer
Official title: Label-Free Optical Redox Imaging for Pretreatment Prognosis of Early-Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10931683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new imaging technique that looks at the unique metabolism of early-stage triple negative breast cancer tumors to help doctors understand how the cancer might behave and create personalized treatment plans for patients.
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 start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $626,956 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277037-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage triple negative breast cancer who have not yet received treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple negative breast cancer or those who have already undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Label-Free Optical Redox Imaging (ORI) to assess the metabolic characteristics of early-stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors. By analyzing the intrinsic fluorescence signals of specific molecules within the tumor, the study aims to identify different metabolic subtypes that may influence disease progression. This innovative imaging technique offers a high-resolution, three-dimensional view of the tumor's microenvironment, potentially providing more accurate prognostic information than traditional methods. Patients with TNBC may benefit from this approach by receiving tailored treatment plans based on their tumor's unique metabolic profile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients with early-stage triple negative breast cancer, improving their chances of favorable outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results from earlier studies using similar imaging techniques have shown promise in predicting disease progression, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Lin Z — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Li, Lin Z
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Label-Free Optical Redox Imaging to Predict Outcomes in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
A new imaging approach uses intrinsic signals to spot metabolic differences in untreated early-stage TNBC tumors to help predict how the cancer may behave.
-
High-resolution label-free imaging to predict outcomes in early triple-negative breast cancer
This work uses a special label-free imaging method to read tiny metabolic differences inside early-stage triple-negative breast tumors to help predict the chances of the cancer coming back.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
-
Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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.