Using contrast enhanced ultrasound to identify breast masses
Official title: Characterizing Breast Masses Using an Integrative Framework of Machine Learning and Radiomics
Run by University of Southern California · NCT06171607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound with a contrast agent can help doctors tell the difference between harmless and harmful breast lumps to reduce unnecessary biopsies for patients with certain types of breast masses.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 5, 2020 |
| Main results expected | November 5, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 5, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06171607 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed breast masses classified as BI-RADS 4a, 4b, 4c, or 5.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to microbubble contrast agents, pregnant or lactating women, and those currently undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in distinguishing between benign and malignant cystic breast masses. The study aims to develop a radiomics workflow and machine learning framework to analyze CEUS parameters and improve classification accuracy for breast malignancy. Patients will receive a contrast agent intravenously and undergo a CEUS scan, with the goal of potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies. The trial focuses on newly diagnosed breast masses categorized as BI-RADS 4a, 4b, 4c, or 5 by conventional ultrasound.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of breast masses, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques like CEUS for breast mass evaluation, indicating potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Newly diagnosed breast masses assigned as BIRADS 4a, 4b, 4c or 5 by conventional US and recommended for ultrasound guided biopsy * Age \>= 18 years * Female Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to microbubble contrast: Patients who have a known pulmonary hypertension and any known hypersensitivity to US contrast agent * Women with renal failure or insufficiency (only if patient is receiving CESM scan) * Women with Iodine contrast allergy (only if patient is receiving CESM scan) * Women with the largest side of the mass measuring ≤ 1 cm (only if patient is receiving CEUS scan) * Women who are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or lactating * Women currently undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy * Women \< 18 years of age * Patient ≤ 30 years (only if patient is receiving CESM scan) * Masses in the same breast that had prior lumpectomy for cancer * Women with cancer in the same breast will be excluded however, women with cancer in the contralateral breast will be eligible to participate in the study * Women with an allergy to perflutren (only if patient is receiving CEUS scan) * Prior history of biopsy for that specific lesion * Women with breast implants
Where it's running
-
Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bino A Varghese, PhD — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Janet Jaime
- Email: Janet.jaime@med.usc.edu
- Phone: 323-865-3205
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.