Breast Imaging Research Group
The Breast Imaging Research Group is led by Professor in Residence, Dr. Nola Hylton, to advance breast imaging-based approaches for breast cancer diagnosis, leading to earlier detection, reduction of disease recurrence and improved survival.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to advance breast imaging science through the development of innovative, non invasive technologies that enable earlier cancer detection, greater diagnostic specificity, and more precise, patient centered care. We aim to improve risk assessment, guide image based biopsy and surgical planning, and monitor treatment response across the full course of breast cancer management. Through integrated research in MRI, MRS, and optical spectroscopy, we strive to deliver meaningful prognostic and predictive insights that support personalized treatment decisions and improve outcomes for diverse patient populations.
To develop improved breast imaging technologies for:
- Early breast cancer detection
- Improved diagnostic specificity
- Greater precision of image-guided biopsy
- Pre-surgical staging prior to breast conservation
- Breast density measurement for breast cancer risk assessment
- Response assessment for preoperative chemotherapy and hormone treatment
- Non-invasive prognostic and predictive markers
- Major Research Project Areas include
- Breast Tissue Composition and Cancer Risk
- MRI/MRS for assessing tumor response to neoadjuvant for patients with locally-advanced breast cancer
- MR Imaging of DCIS for staging and assessment of response to hormonal treatment
- Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring using combined MRI and optical spectroscopy
- Quantifying Bone Disease in Adolescents and Special Populations
Research
In collaboration with the Tromberg laboratory at the Beckman Laser Institute at UC Irvine, Dr. Klifa and colleagues are applying diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) to the…
In a newly funded area of research, we are developing high-resolution MRI methods for evaluation ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer that is generally…
A major focus of the breast MRI research program is the development of tumor assessment methods for measuring response to neoadjuvant (pre-operative) chemotherapy.
