Grant: Project Grant

The proposed research will distinguish deadly from non-deadly breast cancers by using new methods in quantitative ultrasound to determine which tumors will respond to chemotherapy and which ones will not. Quantitative ultrasound is a specialized method that can provide objective information about breast tumours and their composition. We have recently discovered that quantitative ultrasound can be used to predict tumor response to chemotherapy in advance of a patient receiving treatment. In the study, here, we will further investigate that discovery in patients. We will determine which quantitative ultrasound parameters best predict tumour response. The work will be conducted by obtaining quantitative ultrasound scans in 200 patients before they receive chemotherapy "up front" for their tumours. Patient responses to treatment will be tracked. We will use computer methods to analyze patient ultrasound scans and determine which parameters are best linked to the response of a tumor to chemotherapy. We will then scan an additional 200 patients and track their outcomes after treatment in order to determine how well the parameters predict tumor response. The work will take place first in women with large advanced breast tumours and then in women with smaller breast cancers. At the end of the work our goal is to have an ultrasound tool that can be used to determine whether a patient is going to respond favorably to their chemotherapy. If a tumour is determined to be a poor responder, the planned chemotherapy can be switched to a different regimen and care can be personalized for the patient.