Can tomosynthesis reduce the number of benign stereocore biopsies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can tomosynthesis reduce the number of benign stereocore biopsies performed within the breast screening assessment clinic without compromising cancer detection rates
IRAS ID
134855
Contact name
N Sharma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to see if we can reduce the number of benign stereocore biopsies performed through better interogation of the mammogram with tomosynthesis in our screening assessment clinic without adversely affecting cancer detection rates. Following a screening mammogram women will be recalled for second stage screening if there is an abnormality detected on the initial screening mammogram. At second stage screening women will have triple assessment. Triple assessment involves clinical examination, further imaging which often involves further mammographic views (X-rays) and ultrasound and possible biopsy. In our unit of the women recalled to assessment 50% will be reassured with further triple assessment without the need for a biopsy. 50% of our ladies will be subjected to a needle biopsy of which one third will be malignant and therefore the rest are benign biopsies. Therefore 16.5% of all recalls will be a cancer. Tomosynthesis allows for thinner slices of the breast to be imaged so that there is greater clarity when assessing the mammogram and can increase the confidence of the radiologist as to whether an abnormality is real or not and whether a biopsy is warranted. An information leaflet about the study will be sent at the same time as the appointment for the assessment clinic. On arriving for their assessment clinic appointment they will be approached to see if they would like to take part in the study. The consent form will be signed and if they agree to participate they will have 2 view tomosynthesis of each breast as well as the normal work up. These images will be reviewed within 6 weeks of the clinic appointment along with the breast screening films and assessment work up to see if the tomosynthesis would have have influenced the decision (or not) at conventional assessment
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0356
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion