Using your own fat to improve breast shape after cancer
Quantitative assessment of autologous fat grafting in breast cancer treatment using 3D imaging
A new 3D imaging method will measure how fat grafting changes breast shape and volume for people treated for breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309618 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will use detailed 3D scans to track breasts before and after autologous fat grafting, which moves your own fat to restore volume and contour. Scans will be taken at multiple visits to measure how much grafted fat remains and how the breast shape changes over time. Researchers will compare imaging results with symptoms like pain and signs of fibrosis, and explore engineered fat grafts that might reduce inflammation and help tissues heal. The goal is to create reliable, quantitative imaging data to guide better grafting decisions and follow-up care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had breast cancer and undergone reconstruction or radiation and who are planning or eligible for autologous fat grafting would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not having fat grafting, who have active cancer recurrence, or who do not have breast reconstruction are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help surgeons tailor fat grafting so reconstructed breasts keep their shape longer and patients experience less pain or scarring after radiation.
How similar studies have performed: Surgeons have reported symptom relief after fat grafting and lab studies show regenerative effects of adipose tissue, but applying quantitative 3D imaging to track graft retention is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanson, Summer E — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hanson, Summer E
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.