Using mammogram images and genetic risk scores to predict breast cancer risk
Radiomic and genomic predictors of breast cancer risk
This project combines detailed features from routine mammograms with genetic risk scores to better predict which women are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237579 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will analyze routine 2D screening mammograms and genetic data from over 178,000 women to teach computer algorithms to recognize image patterns linked to future breast cancer. They will combine these image-based 'radiomic' features with polygenic risk scores and existing clinical risk factors to see if predictions improve. The work includes testing the best-performing deep-learning methods across different mammogram machines and in health systems in California and New York to ensure the results apply to diverse groups. If successful, the findings could guide more personalized screening schedules.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women who undergo routine screening mammography, especially those with available genetic testing results or willing to provide a DNA sample, would be the ideal candidates for this type of research.
Not a fit: People already diagnosed with breast cancer, men, or individuals without mammograms or genetic information are unlikely to receive direct benefit from these risk-prediction improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help tailor breast cancer screening so higher-risk women receive more intensive surveillance while lower-risk women avoid unnecessary tests and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies have shown promise for mammogram-based deep learning and polygenic risk scores, but large-scale independent validation across diverse populations remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sieh, Weiva — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sieh, Weiva
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.