Interim results of a randomized controlled trial of supplemental breast cancer imaging techniques

It is not known which supplemental imaging technique is most beneficial for women with dense breasts attending breast screening. The phase 3 BRAID trial, at 10 centers in the UK, randomized 9361 women (aged 50-70 years) with dense breasts and a negative mammogram to abbreviated MRI, automated whole breast ultrasound (ABUS), contrast-enhanced mammography, or standard of care (full-field digital mammography). Abbreviated MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography detected three times as many invasive cancer compared with ABUS, with cancer being half the size. The authors conclude that supplemental imaging could lead to earlier detection of cancer in women with dense breasts. The study did not estimate the level of overdiagnosis.