Breast Center at Memorial Regional Hospital Conducting Digital Mammography Clinical Trials
Digital Full-Field Mammography Trial
For information about becoming a participant in the digital full-field mammography trial at the Esther L. Grossman Women's Health and Resource Center, please call (954) 966-2611. Eligible participants should not have had previous breast surgery, biopsy or implants.
Participants will receive:
- Official reading of each mammogram by breast imaging radiologists
- Results by mail within three weeks (to the participant and her physician)
April 2004 — Breast cancer affects an average of one in eight women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. If detected early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 97 percent.
Memorial Regional Hospital's Breast Center and the Esther L. Grossman Women's Health and Resource Center are currently conducting dual clinical trials to test the latest technology in the detection of breast disease at its earliest, and most curable, stage. The first trial is designed to determine the benefits and advantages of digital mammography over traditional screen-film mammography. The second trial will incorporate this new digital technology, developed by LoRAD/Hologic Corporation, with the R2 ImageChecker, an FDA-approved, computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) program.
Women who have not had a previous biopsy or breast surgery, including implants, are invited to enroll in these trials at the Esther L. Grossman Women’s Health and Resource Center.
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Detection
"Digital mammography uses a system in which solid-state detectors convert X-rays into electric signals that produce images on a computer screen. These images can be processed in multiple and enhanced formats to better detect and characterize breast lesions," says Marion GL Faldas, MD, MPH, Clinical Oncology Research Manager for Memorial Healthcare System Comprehensive Cancer Program.
From a patient's point of view, the actual procedure is similar to a traditional mammogram. From the radiologist's point of view, the benefits are most apparent when reading digital mammography results. The digital mammograms capture a much clearer image of the breast, which we believe will result in improved diagnoses for our patients, says Mary Hayes, MD, Medical Director of the Breast Center at Memorial Regional Hospital.
The technology is remarkable, says Jeanne Brotzky, Director of Women's Health Services at the Breast Center at Memorial Regional Hospital and Esther L. Grossman Women's Health and Resource Center in Hollywood. The mammogram is done at the Esther L. Grossman Women's Center and the image travels immediately via computer through our Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS) to be read by a dedicated breast imaging radiologist at the Breast Center.The radiologist can view and manipulate the enhanced images on specially designed, high-resolution computer monitors. They can adjust brightness and contrast, as well as zoom in on specific areas to better detect small calcifications, masses and other changes that may be signs of early cancer. The mammogram images are available to radiologists system-wide for rapid consultation.
The next component of the dual trial involves the integration of the digital mammography technology with the R2 ImageChecker, which has been in use throughout Memorial Healthcare System since 2002. The R2 digitizes traditional mammography film, and then identifies calcifications and nodules that require closer inspection by a radiologist. R2 allows for a double read, first by the radiologist and second by the computer. This exciting trial will study the benefits of combining the capabilities of digital full-field mammography with the technology of the R2 ImageChecker.
Cancer Care
Diagnosis and treatment of breast disease have shown tremendous advancement in the last decade, and Memorial Healthcare System continues to be at the forefront.
The staff of breast imaging radiologists, ultrasound technologists, mammography technologists, nurses, research personnel and support staff at the Breast Center are specially trained and highly experienced. This level of expertise, combined with mammography, ultrasound and MRI technology, allow for earlier detection and treatment of breast disease. Our dedicated and compassionate support staff also addresses patients' emotional and educational needs.
In addition, the Breast Center operates a mobile mammography van that serves the varied socioeconomic and culturally diverse population of South Florida. The mobile team travels to health fairs, malls and businesses in the tri-county area to offer women convenient breast cancer screening and education.
The Breast Center receives generous support from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and partners with local non-medical companies, such as BMW, to generate additional support for essential services and programs.
Through continued patient education, outreach and breast cancer screening, Memorial Healthcare System provides rapid diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment options and strong community-based support for women with breast disease.
If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this essential screening tool, please call (954) 966-2611.