Qualitative Evaluation of Low Dose Molecular Breast Imaging
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative Evaluation of Low Dose Molecular Breast Imaging: a breast cancer screening technique utilising nuclear medicine.
IRAS ID
262304
Contact name
Nerys Forester
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle Joint Research Office
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Screening for breast cancer in women aged 50-70 was introduced in the UK almost 30 years ago, and relies principally on a difference between the density of the abnormality (potential tumour) and the surrounding normal breast tissue. Therefore a higher proportion of dense tissue in the breast can make it more difficult to detect any abnormality on a resulting mammogram. The extent of women thought to have dense breast tissue differs depending on age and other factors, and the exact figure is conflicting in the current evidence.
Primary screening is performed using mammography, in the result of an abnormal mammogram, women are then recalled for further imaging and tests if necessary. Many women have dense breast tissue, such that mammography is unable to clearly image tumours and therefore some of the tumours in this cohort of women may be missed in the current screening programme.
Low Dose Molecular Breast Imaging (LDMBI) is a nuclear medicine technique involving a radioactive tracer being injected into the body; more of this tracer is taken up by cancerous cells than by the surrounding healthy tissue. An image of the breast is then taken by a camera that detects the radiation and shows the tumour clearly regardless of breast density. So therefore, in theory, this new technique should be more sensitive in women with dense breasts; this is supported by a small number of studies showing superior diagnostic accuracy of MBI compared to mammograms.
In this study, we aim to undertake qualitative research exploring opinions and perceptions of both the existing and the proposed breast cancer screening technology. We are interested in both clinician and patient opinions, elicited through a series of interviews and focus groups. The qualitative data produced will subsequently be analysed and published.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0290
Date of REC Opinion
15 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion