Faster, more efficient 3D mammogram reading
Improving Perception in Digital Breast Tomography
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11174462
The team is developing ways to speed up 3D mammogram screening so radiologists can find breast cancer quickly and accurately for people getting routine breast screening.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you get screened with 3D mammography, radiologists now look through many thin virtual slices of the breast, which takes extra time even though it finds more cancers than 2D mammograms. This project compares several approaches to reduce the time needed while keeping or improving cancer detection, including a “self-triage” idea where very likely-normal cases might be declared normal from a 2D image without reviewing the full 3D volume. The work uses reader studies, synthetic and full-field 2D images, and experiments that mimic the low rate of cancer in real screening to see which methods remain safe and effective. The goal is to discover practical rules for perception and attention that help humans handle large image volumes without missing important findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People eligible for routine breast cancer screening who would normally receive 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) are the most relevant participants or beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People currently undergoing diagnostic workup for a known breast problem or those not eligible for routine breast screening are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, screening could be faster and more affordable while maintaining or improving cancer detection and reducing unnecessary extra imaging.
How similar studies have performed: 3D (DBT) mammography is already shown to detect more cancers than 2D imaging, but using 2D images to safely triage which 3D exams need full review is a newer concept that has not yet been proven in practice.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOLFE, JEREMY M — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: WOLFE, JEREMY M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Detection, Breast cancer screening