June 8, 2016

New breast cancer research will study supplemental screening methods

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Dr. Diana Miglioretti, GHRI senior investigator. Image via UC Davis. 

Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium receives $7.5 million to investigate supplemental breast MRI and tomosynthesis

New technologies for breast imaging are often used for cancer screening, even when evidence about their effectiveness is limited. Two examples are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography). Using these breast imaging methods to supplement screening by mammography might improve breast cancer detection. However, we need more research to be sure.

A major research project led by Diana Miglioretti, PhD, Group Health Research Institute (GHRI) senior investigator and University of California Davis dean’s professor of biostatistics, will study MRI and tomosynthesis for supplemental breast screening and diagnostic workup. The project will be funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, which requires substantial patient and stakeholder input at all stages of the work. Karen J. Wernli, PhD, and Susan Brandzel, MPH, of GHRI, will lead patient and stakeholder engagement.

In addition to Dr. Miglioretti, other principal investigators are Karla Kerlikowske, MD, University of California San Francisco, and Tracy Onega, PhD, MA, MS, and Anna Tosteson, ScD, Dartmouth College. Data for the research will come from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, which includes the Group Health breast imaging registry led by Diana Buist, PhD, MPH, GHRI senior investigator and director of research and strategic partnership.

Read the UC Davis news release