New MRI method for breast cancer screening

Development and Testing of an Accurate, Rapid and Inexpensive MRI Protocol for Breast Cancer Screening - A Pilot Study

Observational University of Chicago · NCT04877912

This study is testing a new MRI method for breast cancer screening in women with dense breasts or at moderate risk to see if it can find cancers earlier and more accurately than regular mammograms.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 74 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04877912 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests an innovative MRI screening method for breast cancer in women with dense breasts and those at moderately increased risk. The approach combines MRI with risk assessment to enhance cancer detection sensitivity, aiming to identify cancers at earlier stages and reduce the occurrence of interval cancers compared to traditional mammography. Radiologists will interpret MRI images to identify suspicious lesions, which will then be coded for further evaluation or biopsy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 40-74 with dense breasts and an average to intermediate risk of breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with metallic implants, claustrophobia, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, potentially reducing mortality rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for MRI in breast cancer screening, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women that have had a mammographically and/or sonographically identified finding that will require image guided biopsy
* Women between ages 40-74 with dense breasts having a mammogram
* Women identified as having an average or intermediate risk of breast cancer (defined as 10- 20% lifetime risk based on a clinical risk model).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Women with metallic implants
* Women that are claustrophobic
* Women that have a fear of needles or contrast
* Women that have had an allergic reaction to contrast in the past
* Women that are pregnant
* Women who are demonstrated to be at risk for an allergic reaction or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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.
Conditions Breast CancerMRI ScreeningBreast cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.