AI-Based Self-Supervised Learning Model Using Non-Contrast Breast MRI for Early Screening and Clinical Utility Evaluation

NCT ID: NCT07205276

Last Updated: 2025-10-03

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 30000 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-10-01
• Study Completion Date: 2027-12-01

Brief Summary

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease among women worldwide, with rising incidence and younger age at onset in China. Early detection is critical for improving survival, yet current screening methods such as mammography and ultrasound show limited sensitivity in Chinese women, particularly those with dense breast tissue. Contrast-enhanced MRI offers higher diagnostic performance but its use is limited by high costs, safety concerns with gadolinium-based contrast agents, and limited accessibility.

This investigator-initiated trial aims to evaluate the clinical application of non-contrast multiparametric MRI, combined with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. The study will collect MRI imaging data from multiple centers and integrate radiomic features across T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. A deep learning-based model will be developed and validated to improve lesion detection, differential diagnosis, and risk stratification.

The ultimate goal of this project is to establish a safe, accurate, and scalable breast cancer screening pathway suitable for Chinese women. By reducing dependence on invasive procedures and contrast agents, and by leveraging AI for standardization and efficiency, this approach may significantly improve early detection rates and contribute to better patient outcomes.

Detailed Description

This is a prospective, investigator-initiated clinical study designed to evaluate the role of radiomics and artificial intelligence in non-invasive, early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. While mammography and ultrasound are widely used as first-line screening methods, their sensitivity and specificity remain suboptimal in Chinese women, particularly in individuals with dense breast tissue. Contrast-enhanced MRI has demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, but its clinical utility is limited due to high costs, safety concerns related to gadolinium deposition, and limited availability in population-based screening programs.

To address these challenges, this study will focus on non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI, including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping. Imaging data will be prospectively collected from multiple clinical sites. A radiomics pipeline will be established to extract high-dimensional features characterizing lesion morphology, texture, and diffusion properties. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence-based model, developed using deep learning and self-supervised learning frameworks, will be trained and validated for lesion detection, classification, and risk prediction.

The primary aim of this trial is to construct and validate an imaging biomarker for early breast cancer detection based on non-contrast MRI and AI. Secondary objectives include evaluation of diagnostic accuracy compared with conventional imaging modalities, analysis of model performance across different molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and exploration of its potential application in predicting treatment response and clinical outcomes.

The expected outcome of this study is to provide robust evidence supporting the clinical feasibility of AI-guided non-contrast MRI as a safe, cost-effective, and scalable tool for early breast cancer screening in Chinese women. This work has the potential to optimize screening strategies, reduce unnecessary invasive procedures, and ultimately improve patient prognosis.

Conditions

Breast Cancer Detection; Early Detection of Cancer; AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NA
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: DIAGNOSTIC
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Breast Cancer/Suspected Cases

Participants will undergo non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI, including T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping. Imaging data will be analyzed using radiomics and AI-based algorithms for breast cancer detection and diagnosis.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI with AI-based radiomics analysis

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Participants will receive standardized non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI scans (T2WI, DWI, ADC). Imaging features will be extracted and analyzed using artificial intelligence-based radiomics and deep learning algorithms to improve early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

Standard Radiologist Reading

Participants undergo standardized non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI (T2WI, DWI, ADC). Imaging data are interpreted by radiologists without AI assistance, representing the current standard of care

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Standard radiologist reading of non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Imaging data interpreted by trained radiologists following routine clinical practice, without AI assistance.

Interventions

Non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI with AI-based radiomics analysis

Participants will receive standardized non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI scans (T2WI, DWI, ADC). Imaging features will be extracted and analyzed using artificial intelligence-based radiomics and deep learning algorithms to improve early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Standard radiologist reading of non-contrast multiparametric breast MRI

Imaging data interpreted by trained radiologists following routine clinical practice, without AI assistance.

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Female, age 30-70 years

2. Completed breast MRI scan, including at least T2WI, DWI, and ADC sequences

3. Multimodal data acquired within the same time window (≤90 days)

4. A clear clinical outcome: pathologically confirmed or ≥12-24 months of negative follow-up

5. The time window between imaging examination and outcome determination was ≤90 days

6. Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

1. Absolute contraindications to MRI (pacemaker, cochlear implant, ocular metal foreign body, etc.)

2. Pregnant or lactating women

3. Recent history of breast surgery/radiotherapy (≤6 months) or imaging after neoadjuvant therapy

4. Substandard image quality (severe motion artifact, signal-to-noise ratio below threshold)

5. Incomplete clinical data or time window exceeded

6. Known breast cancer metastasis or recurrence

• Minimum Eligible Age: 30 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 70 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Alibaba DAMO Academy

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Central Contacts

Chao Ni, Doctor

Role: CONTACT

drnichao@zju.edu.cn

+86 13989463951

Other Identifiers

2025-0736

Identifier Type: OTHER

Identifier Source: secondary_id

SAHZhejiangU-20250916

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id