title: Digital breast tomosynthesis and the challenges of implementing an emerging breast cancer screening technology into clinical practice.
abstract: Emerging imaging technologies, including digital breast tomosynthesis, have the potential to transform breast cancer screening. However, the rapid adoption of these new technologies outpaces the evidence of their clinical and cost-effectiveness. The authors describe the forces driving the rapid diffusion of tomosynthesis into clinical practice, comparing it with the rapid diffusion of digital mammography shortly after its introduction. They outline the potential positive and negative effects that adoption can have on imaging workflow and describe the practice management challenges when incorporating tomosynthesis. The authors also provide recommendations for collecting evidence supporting the development of policies and best practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington; Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington. Electronic address: stophlee@uw.edu.
authors.forename: Christoph I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Constance D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Lehman
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D030881:Disclosure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033283:Patient Access to Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010819:Physician's Role; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011871:Radiology / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States
keywords: Digital breast tomosynthesis; adjunct screening; technology adoption