The cancer detection rate was 8.1 per 1,000 for rescreening with DBT and synthetic mammography compared with 4.5 per 1,000 for rescreening with mammography. There was no difference in the recall rate at rescreening with both DBT and synthetic mammography and mammography.

At rescreening, the proportion of tumors stage-II or above was 14.5% with DBT and synthetic mammography, considerably higher than the 8.5% rate with mammography. /“The lower number of stage II or above cancers with the DBT plus synthetic mammography screening test demonstrates that DBT has the capability of anticipating the detection of cancers that might become advanced in the following two years,” Dr. Caumo said. “This gives a higher benefit to our patients.”


For the next step in the Verona Pilot Study, the researchers plan to complete an analysis of interval cancers, or cancers that appear in the period between screenings.

Dr. Caumo is also exploring the impact of incorporating volumetric breast density measurements into the patient’s risk profile through her Risk Based Breast Screening (RiBBS) project. Approximately 10,000 women will undergo the DBT plus synthetic mammography screening test. All the women whose breast density is found to be above a certain threshold value will then be asked to receive additional breast imaging with ultrasound.

“The main goal of this research is to demonstrate that a personalized model of screening is more efficient than a normal one that I like to call a ‘one size fits all’ program, in which every woman must do an annual mammography screening test without any risk stratification,” Dr. Caumo said. “The risk category will determine the intervals of the subsequent screening event: biennial for low-risk women and annual for intermediate and high-risk women.”

“Repeat Screening Outcomes with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Plus Synthetic Mammography for Breast Cancer Detection: Results from the Prospective Verona Pilot Study.” Collaborating with Dr. Caumo were Stefania Montemezzi, M.D., Giovanna Romanucci, M.D., Silvia Brunelli, M.D., Paola Bricolo, M.D., Loredana Cugola, M.D., and Gisella Gennaro, Ph.D.

Radiology is edited by David A. Bluemke, M.D., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc.

RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.

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