Using advanced imaging to understand HER2+ breast cancer spread to the brain
Advanced PET/MRI to quantify heterogeneity of HER2 and vasculature in HER2+ breast-to-brain metastasis prior to combination targeted and radiotherapy
This study is looking at how HER2-positive breast cancer spreads to the brain and how well it responds to treatment, using special imaging techniques to help doctors find the best ways to target therapy for patients before they start radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112842 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to evaluate how HER2+ breast cancer spreads to the brain and how it responds to treatment. By employing molecular imaging methods, the study aims to quantify the availability and variability of HER2 in brain metastases, which can help in tailoring targeted therapies. Patients will undergo noninvasive imaging procedures that assess the delivery of treatment to brain lesions before they receive radiation therapy. This approach could lead to better treatment outcomes by identifying which areas of the tumor are most responsive to therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer who have developed metastases to the brain.
Not a fit: Patients with HER2-negative breast cancer or those without brain metastases are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with HER2+ breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using advanced imaging techniques in similar contexts, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorace, Anna C — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Sorace, Anna C
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.