Andi Senter, MD receives the Breast SPORE Developmental Research Program Award
The full record of the award: the funded study, the award terms, and the division’s announcement.
What is the Breast SPORE Developmental Research Program Award?
The Breast SPORE Developmental Research Program Award is a one-year research grant jointly supported by the Breast SPORE and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. For 2026–27 it was awarded to Andi Senter, MD, an Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where she practices breast imaging and directs the Breast Imaging Fellowship. The award provides $50,000 and runs from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. It funds a prospective study titled “Optimizing Core Sampling Through Diagnostic Stability in Tomosynthesis-Guided Biopsy of Architectural Distortion,” which examines sequential sampling during tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy to establish how much tissue sampling is needed to reach a stable, actionable diagnosis. The entire UNC Breast Imaging division is included as co-investigators. The work is intended to improve diagnostic confidence and inform more evidence-based biopsy decisions in routine breast care.
AWARD AMOUNT
$50,000
JOINTLY SUPPORTED BY
Breast SPORE · UNC Lineberger
AWARD PERIOD
–
The funded project
Optimizing Core Sampling Through Diagnostic Stability in Tomosynthesis-Guided Biopsy of Architectural Distortion
How much tissue sampling is needed to reach a stable, actionable diagnosis? This prospective study examines sequential sampling during tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy, with the goal of informing more evidence-based clinical decisions.
The project evaluates diagnostic stability as additional core samples are obtained during tomosynthesis-guided biopsy of architectural distortion. Its aim is to help clarify when tissue sampling provides sufficient information for an actionable diagnosis.
From the division announcement
We are delighted to announce that Andi Senter’s proposal has been selected for a Breast SPORE Developmental Research Program Award. This funding opportunity attracted many strong applications, making this achievement especially noteworthy. Congratulations to Andi on this outstanding accomplishment.
The awarded project, “Optimizing Core Sampling Through Diagnostic Stability in Tomosynthesis-Guided Biopsy of Architectural Distortion,” will receive $50,000 in funding for a one-year period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. This award is jointly supported by the Breast SPORE and UNC Lineberger.
This innovative research aims to advance diagnostic approaches in breast imaging and biopsy procedures, with the potential to improve patient care and clinical decision-making.
Dr. Senter incorporated the entire division as co-investigators in order to foster and support collaborative breast imaging research. She is looking forward to more ways to advance radiology and build research at UNC.
Please join us in congratulating Andi Senter on this well-deserved recognition and exciting research opportunity. We look forward to following the progress and impact of this important work.
Announcement from the UNC Breast Imaging division, reproduced here as text.
About the recipient
Andrea “Andi” Senter, MD, is an Associate Professor of Radiology at the UNC School of Medicine, where she practices breast imaging and directs the Breast Imaging Fellowship.
