Using MRI to improve detection of multifocal breast cancer

Diffusion-Weighted MRI for Diagnosis of Multifocal, Multicentric Breast Cancer

Seoul National University Hospital · NCT04656639

This study is testing if using two types of MRI together can help find more areas of breast cancer in women who are planning to have surgery to save their breast.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment580 (estimated)
Ages25 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT04656639 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE MRI) against DCE MRI alone in detecting multifocal and multicentric breast cancer in women planning for breast conservation surgery. A total of 580 women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer will undergo both imaging techniques at a 3T MR scanner, with results interpreted by trained radiologists. The study will assess the diagnostic performance of these imaging methods to identify additional cancer foci that may not be detected through conventional imaging methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women over 25 years old with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer who are planning for breast conservation surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, recurrent breast cancer, or those who have undergone prior lumpectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate detection of breast cancer, potentially reducing the need for extensive surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that advanced MRI techniques can improve cancer detection rates, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women aged more than 25 years at the time of enrollment
* Women underwent digital mammography and whole-breast US before MRI
* Women with image-guided biopsy result of invasive breast cancer
* Women who are planning for breast conservation surgery
* Women who will undergo preoperative breast MRI

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women aged less than 25 years at the time of enrollment
2. Women with image-guided biopsy result of ductal carcinoma in situ or recurrent breast cancer
3. Women who underwent lumpectomy before MRI
4. Women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or undergoing chemotherapy due to other malignancy
5. Pregnant or lactating women
6. Women with contraindication to breast MRI (claustrophobia, renal insufficiency GFR \<60mL/min/1.73m2, metallic foreign body, history of severe side effects due to MR contrast agent, who cannot tolerate 40 minute scanning time etc).

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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

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.