University of Kansas Cancer Center News
The University of Kansas Cancer Center Begins New Breast Cancer Detection Technology Trial
Jul 24, 2009
WESTWOOD, Kan. --The Breast Center at The University of Kansas Cancer Center has been selected as one of just twelve sites nationally for a major clinical research study to determine if 3D Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) combined with routine screening mammography is more accurate in detecting breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue than the routine screening mammogram alone.The University of Kansas Cancer Center is the only clinical center in Kansas and Missouri to participate in the SOMO ●INSIGHT study.
A woman's breast density can interfere with a mammogram's ability to detect breast cancer at early and more easily treatable stages. Research indicates that women who have dense breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime than women who do not have dense breast tissue.
"We know that screening dense breasts with mammography alone is challenging. The published literature has shown improved early detection of breast cancer when ultrasound is used in addition to mammography for women with dense breast tissue. If this study further demonstrates that success, it will be a major benefit in breast cancer screening," said Dr. Marc Inciardi, breast radiologist at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and the principal investigator for the trial.
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is a breast imaging technology that is less affected by a woman's breast density, and is currently FDA approved when used in combination with mammography. Unlike mammography, which uses radiation, ABUS uses sound waves at a safe frequency to create images of the internal breast tissue.
Ultrasound has been shown to find cancer not visible with mammography in women who have dense breasts.
To participate in the study, women who are due for their annual screening mammogram and who have no symptoms of cancer can call 913-588-3414 to determine if they are eligible to participate. There is no cost to participate. It will require a consent agreement, completing a questionnaire and the added sonogram examination, which will take about 15 minutes of examination time. The study participants' will have to return to the Breast Center for their next annual mammogram in 12 months in order to complete the study.
"In addition to helping gather data, our patients will benefit from the additional screening, so this is a tremendous opportunity," Inciardi said.
The SOMO ●INSIGHT clinical study is sponsored by U-Systems, Inc., the developer of the 3D ultrasound breast imaging system and is expected to enroll more than 20,000 participants nationally.
In addition to The University of Kansas Cancer Center, other sites participating in the study are George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX, Order of St. Francis Susan G. Komen Center for Breast Health, Peoria, IL., Boca Raton Community Hospital, Boca Raton, FL., and Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, and Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is transforming cancer research and clinical care by linking our innovative approach to drug discovery, delivery, and development to our nationally-accredited patient care program. Our partnership includes cancer research and healthcare professionals associated with the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, and the members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance Partners Advisory Board and Clinical Trials Network. For more information on The University of Kansas Cancer Center's research and outreach programs and award-winning patient care offered at the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion and The University of Kansas Hospital, please visit www.kumed.com/cancer or call 1-800-332-6048.
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