Using contrast-enhanced mammograms to assess breast cancer risk
Official title: Quantitative background parenchymal enhancement, measured on contrast-enhanced mammogram, as a novel marker of breast cancer risk
Funded at Netherlands Cancer Institute · NIH-11084338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brightness of healthy breast tissue on contrast-enhanced mammograms can help identify women who might be at a higher risk for breast cancer, especially those with dense breasts who can't have an MRI.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Netherlands Cancer Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amsterdam, Netherlands) |
| Project start | April 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $321,003 |
| NIH project number | 7R37CA284134-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing routine mammographic screening, particularly those with dense breast tissue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or those who do not undergo mammographic screening may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on contrast-enhanced mammograms can serve as a new marker for breast cancer risk. By measuring the brightness of healthy breast tissue after contrast injection, the study aims to identify women at higher risk for breast cancer, even if they have dense breast tissue. The approach seeks to improve breast cancer detection and screening protocols, particularly for women who cannot undergo MRI. The research will analyze data from mammograms to establish a correlation between BPE and breast cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved breast cancer screening methods and earlier detection for women at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in using imaging markers like BPE to assess breast cancer risk, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Amsterdam, Netherlands Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watt, Gordon Patrick — Netherlands Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Watt, Gordon Patrick
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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.