Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of breast cancer by a real-time intraoperative navigation system

BACKGROUND: In order to achieve a good cosmetic result without increasing the risk of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence after breast conserving surgery, it is very important to minimize the resection volume of the breast without compromising the negativity of the surgical margin. For this purpose, it is necessary to obtain precise information on tumor extension. We therefore developed a three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound navigation system for breast cancer surgery, which can be performed in the operating room just before surgery. METHODS: We obtained 3-D breast tumor images by the 3-D ultrasound navigation system in 40 patients with primary breast cancer (stage 0-II) who underwent mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The tumor size was measured in a coronal view of the 3-D tumor image and compared with the tumor size obtained from a pathological map of the tumor extension. RESULTS: We obtained 3-D tumor images in 38 patients (success rate=95%). The tumor size in the images showed a very strong correlation with the pathological tumor size (r=0.898). The difference in tumor size between the 3-D images and pathology was less than 1 cm in 29 tumors (76.3%) and less than 2 cm in 36 (94.7%). On the other hand, the difference in tumor size between palpation and pathology was less than 1 cm in 19 out of 38 tumors (50.0%) and less than 2 cm in 29 tumors (76.3%). The absolute difference between the 3-D images and pathology was significantly less than that between palpation and pathology (p=0.0197). CONCLUSIONS: Our 3-D ultrasound navigation system is useful in visualizing breast tumor extension and is more accurate than palpation. The system is expected to be helpful in deciding on the appropriate surgical margin in breast cancer surgery, resulting in a better cosmetic outcome without increasing the risk of surgical margin positivity.     

Three-Dimensional Helical CT of the Breast: Accuracy for Measuring Extent of Breast Cancer Candidates for Breast Conserving Surgery

Objective. To evaluate the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) helical computed tomography (CT) for assessing the extent of breast cancer of candidates for breast conserving surgery. Methods. Results of helical CT were studied in 144 lesions of 144 patients with breast cancer before breast-conserving surgery. A lesion was defined as positive if focal enhancement was detected by CT within 100s after contrast material administration. After resection, tumors were histopathologically mapped and correlated with the extent of 3D images. Results. Helical CT enabled detection of 143 tumors but not of one ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The median deviation of the tumor extension revealed by 3D helical CT images from pathological assessment was 7.7mm (range 0–60mm). The extent of tumors was significantly correlated with CT measurements (r=0.714, p<0.0001). By multivariate analysis, the presence of invasive tumors with intraductal extensions beyond the edge of the invasive tumor and histologic type (DCIS) were significant risk factors for deviation of the tumor extension revealed by 3D helical CT images from pathological assessment. Conclusion. Three dimensional helical CT of the breast is an accurate preoperative imaging modality for assessing the extent of breast cancer candidates for breast conserving surgery.     

3D-MR mammography-guided breast conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Clinical results and future perspectives with reference to FDG-PET

BACKGROUNDS: Three dimensional MR Mammography (3D-MRM) can detect tumor extension more accurately than mammography or ultrasound. There are two shrinkage patterns observed by 3D-MRM after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Concentric shrinkage is a good indication for breast conserving surgery. On the other hand, a dendritic pattern was represent ductal spread. Therefore, we developed MRM guided mapping to aid BCS for tumors showing a dendritic pattern. METHODS: Fifteen patients consisting of 8 stage II (T > 3.5 cm) cases and 7 stage IIIa cases aged 39 to 61 years (mean 47-8 years) were treated with AT neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the aim of performing breast conserving surgery. All patients were examined by 3D-MRM before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Breast conserving surgery indications were determined by tumor volume reduction and shrinkage patterns on 3D-MRM. Supine position mapping using MRM was performed for dendritic type tumors. FDG-PET was simultaneously performed for one case with bilateral breast cancer. RESULTS: Breast conserving surgery was performed for 13 of the 15 cases. One case underwent re-operating and mastectomy because of a positive margin. One case had microscopically positive margin and received boost radiation. Therefore, 11 of 15 cases (73.3%) underwent BCS and achieved negative margins under MRM guidance. PET scanning can detect residual tumor and occult metastasis but it is not suitable for mapping because of its spatial resolution. Conclusions: 3D-MRM is a useful modality to select appropriate cases for breast conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. FDG-PET can also detect residual tumor or occult metastasis but it may not be suitable for mapping. Because both examinations have potential, further evaluation of their clinical efficacy is necessary.     

Examination of breast conserving therapy in lobular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Experience with conserving surgery for lobular carcinoma has grown as more breast conserving surgeries have been performed. We examined the results of breast conserving therapy in lobular carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined the postoperative positive margin rate, presence or absence of additional surgery, presence or absence of local or systemic recurrence and role of breast helical CT in 25 cases of breast conserving surgery performed at this department from 1991 through June 2003. RESULTS: Among the 303 cases of all breast conserving surgeries, there were 63 case with positive margins (20.8%), but there were 15 of 25 positive margin cases (60.0%) among the lobular carcinoma cases. In 8 of the 15 positive margin cases the technique was changed to mastectomy. One case of recurrence in the breast has been observed thus far. Although the positive margin rate and positive margin rate in infiltrating carcinoma cases tended to decline after the introduction of breast helical CT, the rates remained high. CONCLUSIONS: Since the positive margin rate was significantly high at the time of breast conserving surgery for lobular carcinoma, careful selection of technique based on imaging studies such as breast helical CT and MRI along with careful follow-up is considered necessary.     

Impact of Using Intra-Operative Ultrasound Guided Breast- Conserving Surgery on Positive Margin and Re-Excision Rates in Breast Cancer Cases with Current SSO/ASTRO Guidelines

Purpose: To review the impact of using intra-operative ultrasound guided breast conserving surgery with frozen sections on nal pathological margin outcome with the current guidelines set forth by the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) and the American Society of Surgical Oncology (ASTRO). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review including all cases of intra-operative ultrasound guided breast conserving surgery was performed at the National Cancer Institute Thailand between 2013 and 2016. Patient demographics, tumor variables, intraoperative frozen section and nal pathological margin outcomes were collected. Factors for positive or close margins were analyzed. Results: A total of 86 patients aged between 27 and 75 years with intra- operative ultrasound guided breast conserving surgery were included. Three cases (3.5%) of positive margin were detected by intra-operative frozen section and 4 cases (4.7%) by final pathology reports. There were 18 cases (20.9%) with a close margin (     

Efficacy of 3D-MR mammography for breast conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: One of the main roles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is to shrink large tumors to increase patient eligibility for breast conserving surgery. Three dimensional MR Mammography (3D-MRM) can detect tumor extension more accurately compared with mammography and Ultrasonography (US). Therefore, the shrinkage pattern observed on 3D-MRM was analyzed with regard to several pathological factors. METHODS: A total of 27 breast cancer cases were examined by 3D-MRM before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The volume reduction and shrinkage patterns were assessed and compared with the pathological diagnosis. RESULTS: There were two shrinkage patterns. Twelve of 25 evaluable breast cancers (48%) showed a concentric shrinkage pattern while 13 cases (52%) showed a dendritic shrinkage pattern. The cases with concentric shrinkage were good candidates for breast conserving surgery, But tumors showing dendritic shrinkage often had positive margins necessitating mastectomy. Pathologically, tumors with a papillotubular pattern, Estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, low nuclear grade and c-erbB 2 negativity tended to show dendritic shrinkage. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-MRM is a useful modality for evaluating whether breast conserving surgery can be safely done in the neoadjuvant setting.     

3D成像技术在乳腺癌保乳术中术前评估的应用

  目的  探讨3D成像技术在乳腺癌保乳术中的术前评估应用价值。  方法  回顾性分析2017年4月至2019年1月武汉科技大学附属孝感医院38例在3D成像技术辅助下行乳腺癌保乳术患者的临床资料。所有患者术前均行3.0 T乳腺MRI检查，通过医学数字成像及通信（digital imaging and communication of medicine，DICOM）数据立体建模，构建3D成像技术重建虚拟图像。比较术前预计切除组织体积（predicted resected tissue volume，PRTV）及术中实际切除组织体积（actual resection tissue volume，ARTV）差异性及一致性，并行保乳术后组织标本切缘及乳房美学评价。  结果  3D成像技术能准确反映乳腺、肿瘤、腺体及血管等解剖结构及其三维毗邻关系。术中所见与术前3D图像吻合度为97.4%（37/38）。术前PRTV为（61.7±20.1）mL，术中ARTV为（65.1±20.7）mL，两者比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05），具有较好的一致性（P < 0.01）。术后补充二次手术1例，发生率2.6%（1/38）。术后乳房外形满意度100%（38/38）。  结论  3D成像技术可清晰地显示乳腺肿瘤与周围组织的解剖关系，准确评估保乳术切除体积，指导手术切除。      

Breast MRI in clinically and mammographically occult breast cancer presenting with an axillary metastasis: A systematic review

Background

Axillary metastatic lymphadenopathy with no primary tumour identified in the breast on physical examination, mammography or ultrasound is referred to as occult breast cancer. The goal of this systematic review is to give an overview of the value and additional considerations of using breast MRI in occult breast cancer.

Methods

The databases of Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane library were searched for studies addressing the use of breast MRI in occult breast cancer. Cross-referencing was used to find additional articles.

Results

8 retrospective studies were included. Breast MRI can detect an otherwise occult breast cancer in more than two thirds of patients with a high sensitivity but lower specificity. In 80% of patients MRI detected lesions could be localized again by using ultrasound. Furthermore the size and localization of the lesions found on MRI most often correlated closely with findings at pathology. Breast MRI also provided the possibility of breast conserving surgery in one thirds of patients.

Conclusion

Breast MRI can result in additional detection of otherwise occult lesions in occult breast cancer. Because of low specificity of malignant lesion detection by breast MRI, lesions should be histologically confirmed. This can be achieved either by MRI or ultrasound guided biopsy, as long as all MRI detected lesions are histologically checked. Routine application of breast MRI in occult breast cancer may also alter locoregional treatment by offering the possibility of breast conserving surgery in one thirds of patients.     

Multidetector row computed tomography for diagnosing intraductal extension of breast carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: Several reports supported the association of higher ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence rates with positive or intermediate margins compared with negative pathologic margins. Precise evaluation of intraductal component and adequate surgical margin are important factors affecting the tumor recurrence after breast conserving surgery. Numerous studies have reported the utility of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing developing intraductal extension of breast cancer, but few have investigated multidetector-row computed tomography (MD-CT). The present study evaluated the clinical utility of MD-CT for detecting intraductal extension of breast carcinoma, and analyzed clinical parameters affecting the detection of intraductal extension under MD-CT. METHODS: Subjects comprised 44 patients grouped into three categories according to degree of intraductal extension of the main tumor under MD-CT (Intraductal spread grade 1 approximately 3: IDS 1 approximately 3). Tumors were also categorized histopathologically (p-IDS 0 approximately 3), and CT-pathological correlations were examined retrospectively. Clinical parameters were evaluated to determine the affect on detection of intraductal components. RESULTS: MD-CT detected 44 breast lesions (100%). Sensitivity for detection of intraductal component was 81.2%, specificity was 67.8%, and accuracy was 72.7%. Regarding extent of intraductal components, significant correlations were found between histopathological and MD-CT findings. A strong correlation was found in postmenopausal women between T2 tumor and high histological grade. CONCLUSIONS: MD-CT findings of intraductal extension from breast carcinoma correlate with histological degree of intraductal extension, and MD-CT may be useful for preoperative assessment of breast-conserving surgery, particularly for postmenopausal women with histological high nuclear grade and T2 tumor.     

Irradiation partielle accélérée conformationnelle du sein : état des lieux

Breast conserving treatment (breast conserving surgery followed by whole breast irradiation) has commonly been used in early breast cancer since many years. New radiation modalities have been recently developed in early breast cancers, particularly accelerated partial breast irradiation. Three-dimensional conformal accelerated partial breast irradiation is the most commonly used modality of radiotherapy. Other techniques are currently being developed, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, arctherapy, and tomotherapy. The present article reviews the indications, treatment modalities and side effects of accelerated partial breast irradiation.     

Influence of preoperative MRI on the surgical management of patients with operable breast cancer

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the impact of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast on the clinical management of patients with operable breast cancer (BC). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 160 patients with operable breast cancer (stages Tis through T4), treated from 2002 through 2004. All patients underwent a full mammographic assessment, high frequency breast ultrasound, and breast MRI. The impact of preoperative MRI was evaluated for each patient with regard to changes in the therapeutic procedure. Patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed to identify possible patient subgroups that predominantly would benefit from preoperative MRI. RESULTS: Preoperative MRI affected the clinical management in 44 of 160 patients (27.5%). In 30 cases (18.75%) additional in situ or invasive cancers or a more widespread tumor extent were diagnosed correctly which went undetected by clinical palpation, mammography, and breast ultrasound. In 14 cases (8.75%) additional surgical procedures were performed based on suspicious MRI findings that turned out to be benign in final pathology. Age, menopausal status, breast density, tumor characteristics (type, tumor size, grading), ER-, PR- and HER2-receptor features did not significantly differ between patients in which breast MRI affected the clinical management and patients that experienced no additional information from MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative breast MRI changes surgical management of patients with operable breast cancer. MRI detects additional invasive carcinoma and proves to be a powerful supplement to the conventional work-up in the clinical management of breast cancer. This advantage is independent from patients- and tumor-specific characteristics.     

A pilot multi-institutional study to evaluate the accuracy of a supine MRI based guidance system,the Breast Cancer Locator™, in patients with palpable breast cancer

BackgroundEvaluate whether the Breast Cancer Locator™ (BCL), a novel guidance system based on supine MRI images, can be safely and effectively deployed by several surgeons at multiple sites.MethodsPatients with palpable breast cancer underwent supine MRI at their local institution. A three dimensional (3D) digital image of the tumor in the breast was derived from supine MRI images and used to generate 1) an interactive 3D virtual image of the tumor in the breast (Visualizer) and 2) a plastic bra-like form that allowed the surgeon to place a central wire and bracketing wires in the breast (BCL). The primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients who had the central localization wire deployed within the cancer on specimen mammogram.ResultsFourteen patients were enrolled at 4 different sites by 6 surgeons. BCLs were successfully manufactured for all patients. The central wire was deployed within the tumor on specimen mammogram in 12 of the 13 patients who had a central wire placed (92%). The cancer was excised with negative margins in 14/14 cases (100%). No adverse events occurred.ConclusionsSupine MRI image acquisition was accomplished successfully across multiple sites. Multiple surgeons utilized the BCL system to localize cancers accurately and safely.     

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography for diagnosing the intraductal component of breast cancer

Background: It is important to reduce local residual cancer to avoid local recurrence after breast conserving treatment. We therefore tried to detect the Backgroundintraductal components and small invasive foci of breast cancers by contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography (CE-CT). Methods: In 122 women whose breasts were examined by CE-CT preoperatively, intraductal spread detected on ultrasound (US), mammography (MMG), and CE-CT, and extensive intraductal components (EICs) detected by histological examination were analyzed for correlations among the extent and subtypes of intraductal components, and deviations in tumor size. Results: EICs were present in 44 patients. The sensitivities of EIC detection by US, MMG, and CE-CT were 35%, 61%, and 88%, respectively, and the corresponding specificities were 83%, 86%, and 79%, respectively. The sensitivities of detecting EIC and small invasive foci were 34%, 57%, and 91%, respectively. In 5 patients, EIC could only be visualized by CE-CT. The median deviation of the size of intraductal spread revealed by CE-CT from pathological EIC was 0.0 cm (range + 3.0 to – 1.7 cm. Conclusions: CE-CT is useful for visualizing intraductal spread and small invasive foci of breast cancer.This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A practical technique for the localization of the tumor volume in definitive irradiation of the breast

In patients being treated with breast conserving surgery and primary irradiation for breast cancer, adequate treatment of the primary tumor bed is associated with improved local control rates. This report presents a practical method for defining the tumor bed. At the time of excisional biopsy, radiopaque surgical clips are placed at the margins of the tumor bed. These clips are used to localize the tumor volume for the simulation of the breast tangents and for planning the boost field. This technique will minimize the potential for a geographic miss during definitive irradiation for breast cancer.     

Intraoperative margin assessment and re-excision rate in breast conserving surgery.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of intraoperative margin assessment in obtaining clear margins in conserving surgery for breast cancer. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty patients undergoing wide local excision (WLE) for core biopsy proven primary invasive breast cancer, during a 30 months period, were included in the study. Following surgical excision the breast specimen was orientated with sutures, inked using India ink and coloured pigments and incised to identify the tumour, maintaining orientation. The distance to the individual radial margins were estimated macroscopically by the pathologist and conveyed intraoperatively to the surgeon. A macroscopic tumour-margin distance of less than 10 mm was considered compromised and the margin(s) in question was then excised if feasible. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (37%) were judged to have compromised margins following intraoperative macroscopic evaluation and had at least one margin re-excised. Sixteen of the 81 patients (20%) in this subgroup had compromised margins on microscopy and required a second operation. One hundred and thirty-nine patients (63%) were deemed to have clear margins intraoperatively, subsequently confirmed on microscopic examination in 135 patients (97%). Intraoperative macroscopic assessment of margin status was associated with 9.1% of patients requiring a second operation. In the absence of intraoperative assessment of margin status a further 47 patients (21.4%) would have required a second operation. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative macroscopic margin assessment is an effective technique in reducing the number of second operative procedures in patients undergoing conserving surgery for primary invasive breast cancer.     

术前磁共振成像对乳腺癌保乳手术的临床意义

目的探讨磁共振成像（magneticresonanceimaging,MRI）对评估保乳手术可行性的价值。方法87例经临床体检和超声检查后计划进行保乳术的乳腺癌患者,均行术前乳房MRI、其中65例行钼钯X线检查,手术标本均行组织病理学检查。将MRI和钼靶X线检查结果与组织病理学结果进行对照,分析是否适宜行保乳术（breast—conservingsurgery,BCS）。结果MRI检查能够准确检测出乳腺癌灶的数目、大小和淋巴结状况,测量切除肿块／乳房体积比。通过MRI检查结果综合判断71例可行BCS、16例不可行BCS,与病理检查结果的符合率达91．6％,高于钼钯X线检查。结论术前MRI检查能为乳腺癌BCS患者的筛选提供较全面而准确的信息,是传统的影像学方法的有益补充。     

Can supine breast magnetic resonance imaging help hit the target in extreme oncoplastic surgery?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical value of supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for tumor localization in breast cancer patients with large or multifocal tumors detected by prone MRI, scheduled for oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OBCS). Outcomes were compared with those of patients who underwent wide local excision (WLE) or OBCS without MRI guidance.MethodsOver a 2-year period, consecutive patients with large or multifocal disease scheduled for OBCS with MRI-only findings were invited to participate (Group-1). Supplementary supine MRI was performed, and tumor margins were marked in the surgical position. Consecutive patients with early, non-palpable breast cancer who underwent WLE (Group-2) or OBCS (Group-3) were included for comparisons. The primary outcome was reoperation due to an insufficient margin. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications and delayed adjuvant treatment.ResultsAltogether, 102 breasts (98 patients) were analyzed. All preoperative demographic data were comparable among the three groups. Multifocality, tumor-to-breast volume ratio, and the volume of excised breast tissue were significantly greater in Group-1 than in Groups-2 and 3. Operation time was longer and the need for axillary clearance or surgery for both breasts was more common in Groups-1 and 3 than in Group-2. Adequate margins were achieved in all patients in Groups-1 and 2, and one patient underwent re-excision in Group-3.ConclusionsSupine MRI in the surgical position is a new, promising method to localize multifocal, large tumors visible on MRI. Its short-term outcomes were comparable with those of conventional WLE and OBCS.     

Participation in decision making regarding type of surgery and treatment-related satisfaction in North Indian women with early breast cancer

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy is an established modality of treatment in early breast cancer patients since three decades, but yet it has not been adopted worldwide. Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting decision making regarding type of surgery and satisfaction with type of surgery in North Indian women with early breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared to assess the factors responsible for decision making regarding type of surgery (breast conserving surgery (BCS) versus modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and to evaluate involvement of patient in decision making regarding the type of surgery. 47 women with early breast cancer on radiotherapy or on follow-up were interviewed by the resident doctors. Results: Out of 47 patients, 28 underwent BCS and 19 MRM. Women undergoing BCS were younger, more literate than in those undergoing MRM. In the two arms (BCS versus MRM), decision for surgery was made by surgeon alone in 53% versus 73%, along with patient in 42% versus 6%, and only 10% women participated in decision making in each arm. Only 50% versus 30% patients had a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of both procedures in the two arms. Conclusion: North Indian women do not independently take decision regarding any type of surgery. The reason for opting for either kind of surgery was based on surgeon's recommendation or concern about recurrence. Body image was not an issue amongst majority.     

Dynamic MR imaging and tumor angiogenesis in DMBA-induced rat breast cancer: Three dimensional (3D) reconstructed image analysis of tumor microvessels by confocal laser scanning microscopy

We investigated the correlation between dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in breast cancer and tumor angiogenesis in a dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat breast cancer model. In this study, we clearly demonstrated the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of tumor microvessel networks (MN) by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and also investigated the hyperpermeability of tumor microvessels. Dynamic MRI findings were closely related to tumor angiogenesis. Three-dimensional reconstructed image analysis by CLSM revealed that the depicted images were dependent on microvessel density as well as microvessel permeability. It should be emphasized that dynamic MRI may have the potential to evaluate the tumor angiogenic activity in human breast carcinoma.     

Accelerated partial breast irradiation: Initial experience with the Intrabeam System

Failure after breast conserving surgery (BCS) and total breast irradiation usually occurs at the site of the original tumor. This has caused an increased interest in accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), because if radiation is delivered directly to the tumor bed there should be better local control. Patients greater than age 50 with core biopsy confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma were enrolled. They had preoperative ultrasound defining margins of less than 3.5 cm. Intraoperative ultrasound was also performed in an effort to ensure good surgical margins. After excision of the tumor, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with the Intrabeam System was delivered to the tumor bed. The procedure has been performed on 67 patients. Sixty-one patients had it with the original surgery, while 6 had the procedure after re-exploration of the segmental mastectomy site. Because of the final pathology (surgical margins, tumor biology, and nodal status) 4 patients later had total mastectomy and 11 received total breast irradiation. When total breast irradiation is done the IORT serves as the radiation boost. The cosmetic results have been good to excellent, and there have been no serious surgical or radiation complications. To date there have been no local failures. IORT with the Intrabeam System is feasible, user friendly, versatile, with few complications, good cosmetic results, and great patient acceptance. It is practical and excellent for breast IORT in the community setting.