This National Science Week, we're shining a spotlight on the Hybrid Tomosynthesis trial.
In partnership with Eastern Health and the University of Sydney - led by Professor Nehmat Houssami and Dr Darren Lockie, Clinical Director at the Maroondah Reading and Assessment Service, we are leading a world-first research trial exploring new ways to detect more breast cancers during screening.
The trial is taking place at the Maroondah clinic from 2024 to 2026 and will involve around 20,000 women. Women who take part have one standard 2D mammogram image and one 3D mammogram image taken of each breast. The trial is testing whether a combined 2D and 3D approach can improve breast cancer detection while remaining practical for use.
In the recently released Strategic Framework, BreastScreen Australia has identified 3D mammography as a possible future direction for the national screening program. This trial is helping provide evidence about how 3D screening works in a real-world screening setting and whether it could be introduced more widely in the future.
Dr Lockie says, "This world first trial involving a novel combination of standard 2D and 3D mammograms has the potential to influence screening programs both in Australia and other parts of the world that have similar approaches to breast screening.”
The research is funded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation Endowed Chair Grant and the National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Leadership Grant awarded to Professor Nehmat Houssami.
As of mid-August, 19,000 clients have consented to take part in the trial. We are expecting to reach the recruitment target of 20,000 clients by October 2026.
This trial highlights the important role research plays in improving healthcare for current and future generations.
For more information on the trial, contact research@breastscreen.org.au.
