“We continue to receive letters and messages from patients expressing their gratitude towards the TMIST study. We are proud to have participated in this trial that will have a direct impact on breast screening,”- Dr. Jean SeelyThe Ottawa site of the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) recently reached its enrollment goal of 2,000 participants. Led by Dr. Jean Seely, the Ottawa site first opened in 2017. 

This large clinical trial conducted by the U.S. National Cancer Institute aims to determine whether digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also known as 3D mammography, is more effective than traditional 2D mammography in reducing the number of patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancers. The study involves participants between the ages of 45 and 74 undergoing routine breast cancer screening at 130 sites around the world, with a goal to recruit 129,000 people. 

Participants are randomly assigned to have either 3D or 2D screening mammograms for five years. The trial will also look at whether 3D mammograms can improve cancer detection and reduce false positives and unnecessary biopsies. 

The Ottawa site had the fourth highest recruitment out of all 130 sites world-wide, and is now closed.

“We continue to receive letters and messages from patients expressing their gratitude towards the TMIST study. We are proud to have participated in this trial that will have a direct impact on breast screening,” says Dr. Jean Seely, Head of Breast Imaging at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa

Ottawa site team: Research coordinators: Holly English and Rosemee Cantave, Clinical Research Assistant I: Patricia Bryden

Funding: ECOG-ACRIN

The Ottawa Hospital is a leading academic health, research and learning hospital proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.