In November 2017, the Department began enrolling participants in Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST), a large, randomized mammography trial comparing two FDA-approved types of digital mammography: standard digital (2D) with tomosynthesis (3D). As one of approximately 100 U.S. and Canadian TMIST sites, UNC’s mammography clinic offers women both types of screening met the requirement to be a participant institution.
TMIST aims to significantly contribute to the future of breast cancer screening. It will help researchers learn how to tailor mammography for each woman based on her own genetics and individual risk factors for developing breast cancer.
UNC TMIST Principal Investigator
When they schedule a routine mammogram, UNC’s mammography clinic offers women the opportunity to enroll in TMIST. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either 2D or 3D screening over the next five years. As a newer technology, 3D imaging is likely to detect more findings that require follow up, and it is also likely to lead to more procedures and treatments. There is no science to show that seeing more makes 3D any better than 2D at finding more of the aggressive types of breast cancer early. The TMIST trial aims to find out.
TMIST will collect data on all mammograms and their clinical outcomes, along with important demographic information. The trial aims to help researchers discover ways to better use genomic testing and other tools to select women most likely to benefit from breast screening. Also, participants will be asked to voluntarily contribute blood samples and genetic material to build a biorepository for use in future research.
“We at the University of North Carolina are very pleased to be participating in this landmark study to continue making advancements in women’s healthcare,” stated Cherie Kuzmiak, DO, FACR, FSBI, UNC Principal Investigator and Director of UNC’s Breast Imaging Division.