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News
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reduced invasive interval breast cancers by 24% over two years compared to standard digital mammography in a large German trial — but the result fell just short of statistical significance. The 12-month data told a stronger story, with a significant 29% reduction. The findings still suggest DBT offers a meaningful screening advantage, especially for women returning for repeat screenings.
A large randomized trial out of Germany found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) combined with synthesized 2D mammography reduced invasive interval cancers — tumors detected between scheduled screenings — by 24% over 24 months compared to standard digital mammography. The result narrowly missed statistical significance, in part due to reduced statistical power after COVID-19 disrupted recruitment.
The 12-month data painted a clearer picture: DBT showed a statistically significant 29% reduction in interval cancers. Women returning for subsequent (not first-time) screenings appeared to benefit the most, with a notably lower interval cancer rate under DBT.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Interval cancers are often more aggressive and harder to treat than screen-detected cancers. A technology that meaningfully reduces them — even if this trial narrowly missed statistical significance — could have real implications for breast cancer outcomes at the population level.
