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Hamilton's Molecular Breast Imaging Research Program
Currently, clinical trials focused on new imaging technologies to diagnose breast cancer are in development.
THESE TECHNOLOGIES ARE NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME.
Patients should check back to this website for updates on recruitment for Clinical Trials.
What is Hamilton's Molecular Breast Imaging Research Program?
A Hamilton research team has been chosen to develop and evaluate a suite of new technologies for detecting breast cancer. These technologies involve molecular imaging. Used to diagnose disease, molecular imaging needs two things: a radiopharmaceutical - used in nuclear medicine - that highlights cancer cells and an imaging device that can detect small tumours at an early stage in their development.
GE Healthcare chose Hamilton as the first site worldwide to receive new prototype technologies for use in a molecular breast imaging research program. Hamilton offers expertise in clinical nuclear medicine, SPECT imaging and probe development, and clinical trials development and recruitment.
Will this type of breast imaging replace mammography?
No. Molecular imaging of the breast has the potential to be an additional tool to diagnose breast cancer. Clinical trials will be geared towards high-risk women who are currently not well-served by mammography.
How do patients get access to these new technologies?
Clinical studies will be submitted to Health Canada and the hospital's research ethics board for review. The breast imaging technologies will be delivered and the study will begin only after BOTH approvals have been received.
When will the clinical trials begin?
Hamilton's research team is currently developing the clinical trial protocols - rules that will guide everything from how long the trial will last to the dose that each patient will receive to the type of patients who will be recruited. The first molecular imaging probe that will be used in conjunction with the breast imaging technologies is already approved by Health Canada and has been used in patients for more than 20 years.
Who can take part in the trials?
The clinical trials are still in development. Please check back for updated information about recruitment.
Who makes up the Hamilton team involved in bringing these technologies to Hamilton?
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), the Centre for Probe Development & Commercialization (CPDC), McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences and have partnered to bring GE Healthcare technologies to the region.