Imaging breast elasticity during chemotherapy for cancer treatment

Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Harmonic Motion Imaging in Women With Breast Cancer

NA · Columbia University · NCT04824027

This study is testing a new imaging method to see if it can help doctors figure out early on if breast cancer patients are responding to chemotherapy by looking at changes in tumor stiffness.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04824027 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates a new imaging technique called Harmonic Motion Imaging (HMI) to evaluate its effectiveness in predicting breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The goal is to identify early non-responders to treatment, allowing for timely adjustments to therapy to improve patient outcomes. By focusing on changes in tumor stiffness rather than size, the study aims to provide a more accurate assessment of treatment efficacy. The research is conducted at Columbia University with collaboration from the National Cancer Institute.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older with invasive breast cancer who are eligible for neoadjuvant systemic therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, have breast implants, or have a history of laser or radiation therapy to the affected breast may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Limited studies have shown promise in using ultrasound elastography for predicting chemotherapy response, but this specific approach with HMI is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women age ≥18
* Deemed eligible to receive neoadjuvant systemic therapy as per the treating physician, with the dose and schedule deemed appropriate by the treating physician.
* Any stage invasive breast cancer provided the primary breast tumor size is ≥ 4 mm

Exclusion criteria:

* Patient is pregnant or lactating
* Presence of breast implants
* History of laser or radiation therapy to the affected breast

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast cancer, Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Harmonic Motion Imaging, Ultrasound

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.