Carson Tahoe Breast Center Participates in International Clinical Trial

Carson Tahoe Breast Center was recently selected as the only provider in Nevada, and one of only 131 worldwide, to participate in the prestigious Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). Led by Dr. Kinsey Pillsbury, Medical Director at Carson Tahoe Breast Center, this innovative program will offer new advancements, opportunities, and expertise in the early detection of breast cancer. Since opening the comprehensive Breast Center in August 2016, over 10,000 women have accessed the facility for preventive and diagnostic care.

“Carson Tahoe is honored to have been chosen as the only site in Nevada to participate in the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial,” said Dr. Pillsbury. “This progressive clinical trial reflects our dedication to empowering women to ‘take charge of their health,’ and encourages them to utilize advanced technology to detect cancer in the earliest possible stages, which is critical in supporting optimal outcomes.”

TMIST, the first randomized trial to compare two types of digital mammography for breast cancer screening, is now open to patients. In cooperation with the Nevada Cancer Research Foundation and The National Cancer Institute, Carson Tahoe Breast Center is actively enrolling healthy women ages 45 to 74, who are already planning to get routine mammograms, to participate in the clinical trial. By taking part in TMIST, the 165,000 registered participants will provide essential insight that will help researchers learn how to most effectively screen women for breast cancer and help them make informed decisions about the various screening opportunities available on their individual needs.

“Nearly 50 million screening mammograms occur each year in the United States, yet it has been decades since a large-scale randomized trial of mammography has been done,” said Worta McCaskill-Stevens, M.D., director of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), the NCI program supporting the trial. “The evolution of mammography technology provides us with an opportunity to fill in the gaps in our knowledge about two available breast cancer screening tests.”

In addition to retrieving vital data from mammograms, the trial is building a biorepository for future research on genetic markers for breast cancer by asking all participants to voluntarily submit blood samples and swabs of cells from inside of the mouth (buccal cells). This data has the potential to help women and their doctors decide the best ways to screen for breast cancer in the future, considering their individual risk factors and other unique attributes.

“Through providing preventive exams and bringing the latest screening advancements to our community’s doorstep, Carson Tahoe is committed to helping women navigate their breast health, as early cancer detection is key to survival,” said Dr. Pillsbury. 

For details, and to see if you’re eligible to participate in this study or other leading-edge clinical trials, contact us at clinicaltrial@carsontahoe.org or call (775) 445-7604.