Cosmetic and functional outcomes of breast conserving treatment for early stage breast cancer. 1. Comparison of patients' ratings, observers' ratings, and objective assessments.

The cosmetic and functional results of breast conserving therapy were evaluated in a sample of 76 patients with early stage breast cancer, treated by wide local excision, axillary dissection and postoperative radiotherapy between 1975 and 1985. A comparison was made between patients' ratings, independent ratings by two observers (an oncology nurse and a radiation oncologist) and objective measurements. In approximately 40% of the cases, moderate to large differences in the appearance of the treated versus the untreated breast were reported by patients and clinical observers alike. When evaluated on an individual level, the observers' ratings showed relatively high inter-rater agreement (kappa = 0.64), but low levels of concordance were found between the patients' and observers' ratings (kappa < 0.10). Approximately half of the patients reported limited arm or shoulder function, generally mild in nature. Compared to the patients', the observers' ratings of arm edema were significantly lower, indicating 20% mild and 5% more severe swelling. Objective measures of cosmesis and function correlated moderately with the observers' and patients' ratings. Both cosmetic and functional results were found to be significantly related to time elapsed since treatment, with patients treated longer ago exhibiting more problems. The cosmetic and functional outcomes were not related to the patients' age. The results suggest that the patients' opinion can provide important additional information in the evaluation of cosmetic and functional results of breast conserving treatment.     

Cosmetic outcome of breast conservative treatment for early stage breast cancer

Purpose To evaluate the cosmetic outcome of breast conservative therapy and to examine the degree of agreement between the patients’ and oncologists’ ratings. We also analyze the influence of several factors on cosmesis. Methods and materials We retrospectively evaluated 145 patients with primary breast cancer treated by local excision and radiotherapy between January 2000 and May 2001. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated by doctors and patients and was scored as excellent, good, fair or poor. Results 73% of patients rated cosmesis as excellent or good while the percentage was 71% when rated by radiation oncologists. The degree of cosmesis concordance evaluated by oncologists and patients was low (kappa=0.3). In our study the variables which significantly influence on the cosmetic outcome were concomitant adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.04) and radiation therapy boost, either by electron beam or brachytherapy (p=0.013). Conclusion The cosmetic outcome of breast conserving therapy was good. There was a similar rating by the patient and radiation oncologist, but the level of concordance between patients and doctors was low. Factors that significantly influence the cosmesis appear to be concomitant adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy boost.     

Cosmetic results and complications after breast conserving therapy for early breast cancer

BACKGROUND: The cosmetic and functional results of breast conserving therapy for early breast cancer were evaluated. These are important endpoints in the assessment of breast conserving therapy in addition to tumor control and survival. The factors suspected to influence cosmesis were also analyzed. METHODS: In 206 patients with stage I and II breast cancer treated by wide excision and axillary dissection followed by radiation therapy, the cosmetic results and complications were analyzed. The cosmetic outcome was assessed by a scoring method and breast retraction assessment (BRA). As complications, arm edema and restriction of shoulder movement and late skin reactions were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 206 patients 92% showed an excellent to good cosmetic score before radiation therapy. The score deteriorated, but gradually improved and stabilized after 1 year. Eighty-one percent of the patients had an excellent to good cosmetic score at 3 years. The BRA of the 206 patients was 1.8 cm on average before radiation therapy. It increased to 2.3 cm after termination of radiation therapy, and did not change thereafter. Tumor size over 2 cm (p = 0.005) and tumors in the inner quadrant (p = 0.003) were factors which negatively affected the cosmetic score at 3 years. Tumor size over 2 cm (p = 0.003), tumors in the upper quadrant (p = 0.005), or a nipple-tumor distance of more than 2 cm (p = 0.01) were also negative factors for the BRA at 3 years. Arm edema, restriction of shoulder movement, and late skin reaction were generally mild, and were observed in 12%, 0% and 34% of patients at 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall cosmetic results of breast conserving therapy are acceptable and the complication rate is low. Tumor characteristics, tumor size, location and nipple-tumor distance are factors that affect cosmesis.     

Importance of timing of radiotherapy in breast conserving treatment for early stage breast cancer

This study reports on the treatment results in 508 patients with 514 AJCC stage I–II invasive breast carcinomas treated between July 1980 and July 1989. All patients underwent a lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection with postoperative irradiation. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to premenopausal node-positive patients. Postmenopausal node-positive patients received adjuvant hormonal treatment. The median follow-up period was 68 months (range, 40–152 months). The 5-year survival rates were 92.6%, 81.4% and 65.5% for stage I, stage IIA and stage IIB, respectively. Distant metastases were the main cause of death. Locoregional failures occurred in 4.9%. Breast recurrences were detected in 17 patients (3.3%). In a Cox proportional hazards analysis, T-stage, pathological margins and interval between surgery and radiotherapy were identified as independent factors predictive of breast recurrence (p < 0.05). The results suggest that radiotherapy should be initiated early after surgery to maintain the breast recurrence rate as low as possible.     

Survival of women after breast conserving surgery for early stage breast cancer

Background. Increasing numbers of older women with breast cancer are receiving breast-conserving surgery (BCS). However, substantial numbers of them are not receiving either axillary dissection or adjuvant irradiation. Objective. To determine whether failure to perform axillary dissection or irradiation is associated with decreased survival in women with early-stage breast cancer. Method. We studied 26,290 women aged 25 in 1988-1993 from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) data and 5,328 women aged 65 in 1991-1993 from SEER-Medicare linked data, who had early-stage breast cancer and received BCS. Results. Twenty seven percent of women aged 25 receiving BCS did not receive axillary dissection, most of whom (74%) were age 65. Women receiving BCS with axillary dissection had lower 7-year breast cancer-specific mortality than did those without dissection (hazard ratio=0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.63). We found an interaction between receipt of axillary dissection and radiotherapy on survival of older women after BCS. Women who received either axillary dissection or radiotherapy experienced similar survivals to those who received both axillary dissection and radiation, while women who received neither treatment experienced poorer survival (hazard ratio=1.76, 1.23–2.52), after controlling for demographics, tumor size and comorbidity. Conclusions. Women who receive neither axillary dissection nor radiation therapy after BCS experience an increased risk of death from breast cancer. The lack of improvement in the past two decades in survival of older women with breast cancer may be explained in part by the increasing use of treatments that do not address potential tumor in axillary nodes.     

Breast conserving surgery and definitive irradiation for early stage breast cancer

Breast conserving surgery and postoperative breast radiotherapy were used to treat 219 cases of AJCC Stage I and II breast carcinoma at the Michael Reese and University of Chicago Hospitals. Most patients were treated with lumpectomy and axillary sampling followed by breast irradiation to a dose of 46 Gy followed by a boost dose of 14-16 Gy to the surgical bed. The 5-year actuarial local control is 92%. Follow-up is 1 to 10 years and the median follow-up is 36 months. Of the seven patients who recurred in the breast, three failed in the boost site and three failed adjacent to the boost site. The seventh patient recurred diffusely in the breast and skin. Four of the seven recurrences were in patients with positive surgical margins. The 5-year actuarial relapse-free survival is 80%. Factors which had an adverse affect on the cosmetic results were a scar length greater than 8 cm and a volume of resected breast tissue greater than 100 cm3. Treatment related complications were minor and infrequent. Breast conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy is effective in achieving local control with good to excellent cosmetic results.     

整形保乳术与常规保乳术治疗早期乳腺癌的效果比较

目的:比较整形保乳术与常规保乳术在早期乳腺癌治疗中的应用效果。方法:将新疆医科大学附属肿瘤医院乳腺外科2016年1月至2017年9月收治的66例早期乳腺癌患者纳入本次研究,按照随机双盲法将其分为两组,将采取整形保乳术治疗的33例患者设为研究组,将常规保乳术治疗的33例患者设为对照组,对比两组患者的乳房美容效果、手术情况、住院时间、肿瘤转移复发情况和并发症的发生率。结果:研究组患者乳房美容优良率（97.0%）明显高于对照组（78.8%）,手术时间明显长于对照组,术中出血量明显少于对照组,住院时间明显短于对照组,组间比较P＜0.05;两组患者肿瘤转移和复发比率、并发症发生率均无明显差异,组间比较P＞0.05。结论:整形保乳术与常规保乳术在治疗早期乳腺癌中均具有较好的疗效,且并发症发生率均较低,但整形保乳术的乳房美容效果更好,手术创伤更小,术后恢复更快,更值得在临床中推广应用。     

Change in need for psychosocial support for women with early stage breast cancer

To simulate the longitudinal needs of patients treated for breast cancer, 2 groups of women were recruited. Patients within 6 months of diagnosis were considered in the early group and those 6-12 months after diagnosis were categorized as the late group. Participants were asked to identify effective and ineffective methods of psychosocial support and how those needs changed. Thirty-one women participated in the focus groups. Women in the early group identified problems related to their surgery and chemotherapy; those in the late group focused on symptoms associated with menopause. An exaggerated fear of disease recurrence and death were common to both groups. Most women found it difficult to strike a balance between wanting emotional support and wanting to be treated as normal. The provision of concrete medical information in the form of pathology and laboratory reports and information from health care professionals provided comfort and control. Spouses and partners were helpful in providing tangible assistance with transportation and childcare while female friends were more likely to share emotions. Organized support groups were helpful to only 13%. Participants acknowledged a need to learn how to identify their psychosocial needs and to ask for support from friends and family. Medical information provided patients with a sense of control and comfort. Women with breast cancer need to identify effective sources of emotional support and should be taught how to communicate those needs to their families and friends.     

Cosmetic evaluation of breast conserving treatment for mammary cancer. 1. Proposal of a quantitative scoring system

In a population of 142 patients with stage I and II breast cancer, treated with tumor excision and external radiotherapy, using a wide range of radiation doses and fractionation schedules, an attempt was made to quantify the cosmetic outcome. Quantitative measurements of nipple displacement and breast contour retraction were compared and correlated with qualitative scoring by a panel. In the vast majority, the quantitative assessments correlate very well with subjective, qualitative scoring, making this method relevant for clinical use. There are a few exceptions, mainly cases where localized skin changes such as severe telangiectasia or skin necrosis affect strongly the cosmetic result but can go undetected in this measuring system. Also limited surgical deformations, which can detract seriously from cosmetic success, particularly when they occur in the medio inferior quadrants, can not always be assessed by this method. The routine use of these measurements in clinical practice is very simple. Only one photograph, taken in standard conditions is needed. Measurements can be carried out quickly, using the plotting device of a treatment planning system. This system may be of great use for follow-up of new treatment modalities and the study of the development of radiation fibrosis in breast cancer.     

Early stage cervical cancer: psychosocial and sexual outcomes of treatment.

Eighty-three women, mean age 45 years, successfully treated by surgery (S) or radiotherapy (RT) for stage 1b cervical cancer were assessed a mean of 97 weeks post treatment. Forty to 50% reported persistent tiredness, lack of energy and weight gain. Sixty per cent had not resumed their full premorbid functional status. Mean scores for anxiety and depression were higher than general population means and this sample scored higher for psychological distress than published data quoted for disease free cancer patients. These women reported many concerns about cervical cancer, most commonly fear of recurrent disease (91%). More than one-third blamed themselves for the disease. There were no significant differences in functional outcome or psychological status between treatment groups or by age or time since treatment. Psychological distress scores were significantly correlated with physical complaints (P < 0.001) and functional outcomes (P < 0.02). For the 61 women who were sexually active, sexual function post-treatment was rated as significantly poorer than subjectively recalled premorbid sexual function (P < 0.005). RT treated patients were more likely to report pain on intercourse and loss of enjoyment. Psychological as well as physical problems were highly correlated with sexual outcome (P < 0.01) 44% were unable to talk adequately with their partners about their experience. The majority felt they needed more information about cervical cancer, its treatment and how to help themselves rehabilitate. Forty-nine per cent would have liked to have had counselling. Even with the same physical morbidity the functional, emotional and sexual status of these women could be improved by giving more attention to their psychological and sexual concerns.     

早期乳腺癌保留乳房治疗50例临床疗效分析

为了探讨早期乳腺癌保留乳房手术治疗的方法和疗效,回顾性分析2004-06-2009-12 50例行保留乳房手术治疗的早期乳腺癌患者临床资料,分析其近期疗效,并按照Rose标准,对接受保留乳房手术的患者进行美容效果评价.术后随访3～66个月,无死亡,按照Rose采用的乳房美容评定标准进行评价.优31例(62.0%),良好16例(32.0%),差3例(6.0%).总满意率为94.0%.早期乳腺癌患者,可保留乳房手术治疗,术后进行放疗、化疗和内分泌治疗等综合治疗,可取得近期较好的治疗效果和美容效果.     

早期乳腺癌保乳术后联合全乳腺放射治疗的疗效分析

目的评价早期乳腺癌保乳手术联合放射治疗的疗效及美容效果。方法对26例早期乳腺癌患者采取保乳手术加术后全乳腺放射治疗,并与19例同期早期乳腺癌行改良根治术加术后放射治疗的患者进行对比分析。结果所有的患者均完成治疗,均无切口感染、切口不愈合及放射性皮肤坏死等不良反应,均有不同程度的近期皮肤反应,但均没有明显纤维化。保乳组的3年、5年生存率分别为96.2%(25/26)、92.3%(24/26),与对照组的3年、5年生存率100.0%(19/19)、94.7%(18/19)相似。保乳组22例(84.6%)美容效果良好。结论乳腺癌保乳手术美容效果良好,放射治疗对乳房外形无明显影响,两者联合应用可显著提高乳腺癌患者的生活质量。     

早期乳腺癌保乳手术治疗的有效性及安全性

目的评价保乳手术治疗早期乳腺癌的有效性及安全性。方法选取2012年1月至2013年1月间收治的92例早期乳腺癌患者为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将其随机分为观察组(48例)和对照组(44例)。观察组患者采用保留乳房的乳腺癌切除术,术后给予辅助放、化疗,激素受体阳性者可配合内分泌治疗。对照组患者采用乳腺癌改良根治术,保留胸大肌和胸小肌,术后辅助化疗或内分泌治疗。比较两组患者术后的生存情况、复发情况及远处转移情况。结果两组患者6个月、2年生存率的差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05);两组患者术后6个月、2年复发率的差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05);两组患者术后2年远处转移率(分别为4.2%和4.5%)的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论保留乳房的乳腺癌切除术在治疗早期乳腺癌时,可最大程度上保留乳房的形体效果、提高患者的生活质量,并保证治疗的安全和有效。     

Neratinib for the treatment of HER2-positive early stage breast cancer

Introduction: Despite the advances in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, resistance to actual chemotherapeutic regimens eventually occurs. Neratinib, an orally available pan-inhibitor of the ERBB family, represents an interesting new option for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

Areas covered: In this article, the development of neratinib, with a special focus on its potential value in the treatment of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, has been reviewed. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted, including preclinical studies, early-phase trials in advanced cancer with neratinib in monotherapy and in combination, and phase II and large phase III trials in the early setting. Management of neratinib-induced toxicity, future perspectives for the drug, and ongoing trials are also discussed in this review.

Expert commentary: Neratinib is emerging as a promising oral drug for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Although FDA and EMA approval is derived from the extended adjuvant treatment, this setting may not be the ideal scenario to obtain the beneficial effects of neratinib. Confirmatory data in the neoadjuvant setting and subgroup analysis from the ExTENET trial might bring some light into the best setting for neratinib therapy. Data from confirmatory trials in the metastatic setting are also required.     

Women's experience of breast conserving treatment for breast cancer

The implementation of the National Breast Screening Programme in the UK, and subsequent increase in early detection of small cancers, has facilitated breast conserving treatment for more women with a breast cancer diagnosis than ever before. While a substantial body of literature has evolved regarding psychosocial morbidity and support needs of women at diagnosis and during treatment, there are specific gaps in the current knowledge base. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of women who had breast conserving treatment for early breast cancer, focusing on issues related to diagnosis, surgery, and radiotherapy. The study was designed within the context of clinical audit, with a view to informing service development. Seventy-six women who had undergone breast conserving surgery within the last 3-12 months, completed a self-report questionnaire. Findings indicated that although the majority of women expressed satisfaction with their treatment overall, a number of specific areas require attention from healthcare professionals. Further research is required to validate these findings and to explore: potential implications of different referral routes; information and support needs preceding definitive diagnosis; particular needs of those women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) vs. invasive disease; 'end of treatment' and ongoing information and support needs.     

Prognosis following local recurrence after breast conserving treatment in young women with early breast cancer

Background

Few studies have focussed on the prognosis of young women with local recurrence (LR) after breast-conserving therapy and the factors that can be used to predict their prognosis.

Methods

We studied the outcome and related prognostic factors in 124 patients with an isolated local recurrence in the breast following breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy for early stage breast cancer diagnosed at the age of 40 years or younger.

Results

The median follow-up of the patients after diagnosis of LR was 7.0 years. At 10 years from the date of salvage treatment, the overall survival rate was 73% (95% CI, 63–83), the distant recurrence-free survival rate was 61% (95% CI, 53–73), and the local control rate (i.e. survival without subsequent LR or local progression) was 95% (95% CI, 91–99). In the multivariate analysis, the risk of distant metastases also tended to be higher for patients with LR occurring within 5 years after BCT, as compared to patients with LR more than 5 years after BCT (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.89; p = 0.09). A worse distant recurrence-free survival was also observed for patients with a LR measuring more than 2 cm in diameter, compared to those with a LR of 2 cm or smaller (HR, 2.88; p = 0.007), and for patients with a LR causing symptoms or suspicious findings at clinical breast examination, compared to those with a LR detected by breast imaging only (HR 3.70; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

These results suggest that early detection of LR after BCT in young women can improve treatment outcome.     

早期乳腺癌保乳术后放射治疗新进展

早期乳腺癌保乳术后放射治疗可以显著降低局部复发率,但是传统模式的全乳腺放疗对于一部分低危人群而言并非必要,属于过度治疗,因此在保证局部控制率的前提下,寻求新的放疗模式,如缩小照射范围、缩短治疗时间以及避免不必要的放疗成为乳腺癌研究与治疗的新方向.     

老年人早期乳腺癌保乳手术的临床研究

目的探讨保乳手术在老年人早期乳腺癌治疗中的临床应用。方法回顾性分析2002年1月至2007年12月间在克拉玛依市中心医院和新疆医科大学第二附属医院接受保乳手术的46例老年早期乳腺癌患者的临床资料。手术方式为乳腺部分切除加腋窝淋巴清扫,术后辅助放射治疗、化疗和（或）内分泌治疗。结果46例患者手术成功,术后无严重并发症,标本石蜡病理切片显示各切缘均无癌细胞残留,随访9～68个月,2例局部复发,均无远处转移。结论保乳手术创伤小、术后并发症少,是老年人早期乳腺癌安全有效的治疗方法。掌握适应证及禁忌证,以及规范化和个体化治疗是保乳手术成功的关键。     

Results of breast conserving treatment of breast cancer

Between 1978 and 1985, 247 patients with primary breast cancer have been treated with breast conserving surgery and external beam radiotherapy. Median follow-up is 3 years and 9 months. Actuarial 5-year disease-free survival for the whole group is 72%; 16 patients (6.8%) have relapsed in the breast to date. Of these, 6 (38%) have died from breast cancer. Patients who have experienced a local recurrence have significantly worse survival than those who remain locally recurrence-free (p less than 0.001). Complication data are presented and shown to be almost entirely mild to moderate and in the range 1-19%. This series shows the breast conserving approach to be effective and at least equivalent to breast ablative procedures in early follow-up.