Using contrast-enhanced mammography to evaluate suspicious breast microcalcifications

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) and CEM-Directed Biopsy for the Evaluation of Extensive Suspicious Mammographic Microcalcifications

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT05046301

This study is testing if a new type of mammogram called contrast-enhanced mammography can better identify serious breast cancer in women who have suspicious microcalcifications on their regular mammograms.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment151 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 85 Years
SexFemale
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05046301 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in predicting the presence of high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer in women with suspicious mammographic microcalcifications. The study compares the sensitivity and specificity of CEM to traditional two-dimensional mammography, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce false positives. Additionally, it explores the correlation between imaging findings and blood biomarkers, as well as the technical feasibility of CEM-guided procedures. The trial is conducted at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, focusing on women who are recommended for a stereotactic biopsy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 25-85 with suspicious mammographic microcalcifications categorized as BI-RADS 4 or 5, who are recommended for a stereotactic biopsy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast or renal insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate breast cancer diagnoses and reduce unnecessary biopsies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques like CEM for breast cancer detection, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women with suspicious mammographic microcalcifications (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System \[BI-RADS\] categories 4 or 5) occupying an area equal to or exceeding 4 cm in diameter and recommended for a stereotactic biopsy, who underwent their diagnostic imaging work-up resulting in a biopsy recommendation at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) or at an outside facility with a technically acceptable quality of diagnostic mammography, and who are planning to have their stereotactic biopsy at MDACC.
* Age 25-85 years
* Willing to participate in the study, undergo an intravenous (IV) placement, able to undergo iodinated contrast injection, and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Reported history of an allergic reaction to iodinated contrast
* History of anaphylactic reaction to any substance that required hospitalization or IV placement in a patient with no known prior uneventful exposure to iodine-based IV contrast
* Renal insufficiency
* Pregnancy or lactation within 6 months
* Breast surgery affecting the site of interest within prior 6 months
* Breast biopsy at the site of interest within the last 2 months
* Mammographic mass or architectural distortion associated with the calcifications in question

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.