Determinants of mastectomy in breast conservation therapy candidates

BACKGROUND: Although underused, breast conservation therapy (BCT) is an accepted method for treatment of noninvasive and early breast cancer. The purpose of this analysis was to identify factors associated with receiving mastectomy when eligible for BCT. METHODS: From a recent experience, 397 patients at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center presented with clinical stage 0, I, or II breast cancer. Demographics and tumor characteristics of patients who underwent BCT versus mastectomy were compared. RESULTS: Of 293 BCT candidates, 203 patients (69%) underwent BCT and 90 patients (31%) received a mastectomy. Of those 90 patients, 66 patients (73%) had documented concerns about receiving BCT. Multivariate analyses showed that widow status was a factor associated with receiving mastectomy at presentation (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BCT candidates with early stage breast cancer undergo BCT. In our study, widow status was a predictive factor of mastectomy in BCT candidates.     

Locally recurrent breast cancer after conservation therapy

BACKGROUND: Today, the majority of small invasive and noninvasive breast cancers are treated with breast conservation therapy (BCT). The incidence of local-regional recurrence (LRR) after BCT for stage 0, I, and II patients ranges between 5% and 22%. METHODS: A literature search for BCT, local recurrence, and regional recurrence was performed. Data from over 50 articles pertaining to the characteristics, risk factors, detection, management, and prognosis of these patients with LRR after BCT were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Positive margins, high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), young age, and the absence of radiation therapy after BCT increase the risk for LRR. Prognosis at LRR is impacted by invasive versus noninvasive histology, size and stage, method of detection, and involvement of skin and/or axillary lymph nodes. The standard treatment is salvage mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for LRR after BCT is favorable compared with patients with postmastectomy chest wall recurrence.     

Role of conservation therapy for invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast

Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for 5% to 10% of all invasive breast cancers. Although breast conservation therapy using local excision and postoperative irradiation is a standard therapy for early invasive ductal breast cancer, the result of this strategy in ILC is not well documented. We sought to determine the rate of locoregional recurrence after breast conservation therapy in patients with ILC. Methods: A retrospective review of 74 patients with ILC treated with breast conservation therapy at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (n=43) or The John Wayne Cancer Institute (n=31) between 1977 and 1993 was performed. Results: The median age of patients was 60 years, and median follow-up was 56 months (range 1 to 207 months). Thirty-nine patients had American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I disease, 30 had stage IIa disease, and five had stage IIb disease. All patients underwent surgical resection and postoperative radiation therapy. Twelve patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and 27 patients were treated with adjuvant hormonal therapy. The 5-year actuarial locoregional recurrence rate was 9.8%, and the median time to recurrence was 77 months (range 41 to 113 months). Patients with positive or close (⩽1 mm) surgical margins were at increased risk for local recurrence on univariate analysis (p=0.034). Of the nine patients with breast recurrence, six underwent salvage therapy with total mastectomy and are disease free at the time of this writing, two patients died of distant disease, and one is alive with local disease at the time of this report. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 93.7%. Conclusions: Breast conservation therapy for ILC achieves locoregional control in the majority of patients. However, long-term follow-up of patients is important because many local recurrences following breast conservation therapy are late events. Presented at the 50th Annual Cancer Symposium of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Chicago, Illinois, March 20–23, 1997.     

Multiple re-excisions versus mastectomy in patients with persistent residual disease following breast conservation surgery

BACKGROUND: Persistently involved margins following breast conservation surgery (BCS) create a diagnostic dilemma regarding the recommendation of further BCS or mastectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of 276 breast cancer patients who underwent BCS and required additional surgical treatment between 1990-2002 was performed. RESULTS: For treatment of persistently involved margins, 63% of subjects underwent re-excision the first time, 49% the second time, and 37% the third time. The incidence of residual carcinoma increased linearly with the number of initially involved margins (P = .03). Ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) or infiltrating lobular carcinoma (IFLC) primary histology was associated with a higher rate of residual cancer compared to invasive ductal carcinoma (IFDC) (62% vs. 69% vs. 54%, respectively, P = .56). A trend towards an increased risk of residual cancer in primary tumors > or =2 cm versus tumors under 2 cm was also evident (63%% vs. 50%, respectively, P = .38). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients repeatedly selected BCS over mastectomy. It is important to realistically discuss the probability of definitive resection with patients who are undergoing breast conservation with re-excision.     

Local rotational flaps for breast conservation therapy as an alternative to mastectomy

Background: An anticipated poor cosmetic result has traditionally been deemed a relative contraindication for breast conservation therapy (BCT). We sought to determine whether a local rotational flap could achieve satisfactory cosmesis in patients who were anticipated to have a poor cosmetic result following standard segmental mastectomy but who nevertheless desired BCT. Methods: Within the past 3 years, nine patients were treated with BCT using local rotational flap techniques. Their records were reviewed for patient characteristics, pre- and postoperative treatment, disease-free status, and patient satisfaction with cosmesis. Results: The cosmetic outcome following a segmental mastectomy was anticipated to be unacceptable due to the following features: a large previous biopsy cavity with unknown or positive margins (three patients); initial large primary tumors with unknown extent of residual disease following induction chemotherapy (five patients); and pre-existing poor cosmesis (one patient). One patient had refused modified radical mastectomy and had satellitosis from inadequately treated primary tumor (excisional biopsy with positive margins and no further therapy). The median initial tumor size was 2.7 cm (range, 1.5 cm to 5.0 cm). Final resection margins were negative in all patients. Postoperative radiotherapy was given in seven patients; one patient did not receive radiotherapy because of a pre-lupus condition and one did not require radiotherapy because her pathologic diagnosis was Paget's disease without an invasive component. Cosmesis was judged to be good to excellent by eight of nine patients. The patient who refused mastectomy was dissatisfied with cosmesis because of mild asymmetry. With a median follow-up of 24 months, only one patient has developed a local recurrence. Conclusion: Local rotational flaps composed of adjacent breast tissue are an acceptable method of achieving satisfactory cosmesis in selected patients who desire BCT.Presented at the 50th Annual Cancer Symposium of The Society of Surgical Oncology, Chicago, Illinois, March 20–23, 1997.     

Private insurance is the strongest predictor of women receiving breast conservation surgery for breast cancer

Background

It is widely accepted that mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with irradiation yield similar results, yet many women continue to receive mastectomy. This study evaluates factors contributing to surgical decision-making in breast cancer. Registry data were obtained on all patients treated at the Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center (SWCTRC) between 2002 and 2006. Patient demographics, including age and race, and insurance type, tumor characteristics, surgical procedure performed, lymph node status, stage, adjuvant therapy, and outcome were analyzed against mastectomy versus BCS using bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

There was a higher proportion of uninsured patients in the mastectomy cohort, which also included more patients with later stage disease, larger tumor size, and a higher number of lymph node metastases. The only independent predictors of BCS were fewer lymph node metastases and having insurance. Patients with private insurance were almost 4 times more likely to receive BCS (odds ratio 3.90, 95% confidence interval 1.20-12.67).

Conclusions

Insurance status is an important predictor determining whether a patient receives BCS or mastectomy for breast cancer.     

乳腺癌保留乳房手术切缘阳性的临床病理学因素分析

目的:分析保留乳房手术切缘阳性与相关临床病理学的关系,探讨保留乳房手术后复发的危险因素。方法:305例乳腺癌患者行保留乳房手术,对术中快速病理以及术后病理切缘阳性的病例进行分析,总结切缘状况与组织类型、广泛导管内成分(extensive intraductal component,EIC)、区域淋巴结转移、肿瘤大小及年龄的关系。结果:保留乳房手术切缘阳性与患者年龄(≤35岁)、EIC和浸润性小叶癌有关(P<0.05);与肿瘤大小和淋巴结转移状况无关。结论:乳腺癌行保留乳房手术时,术中应详细检查切缘状况,对年轻者、EIC、浸润性小叶癌需要慎重的选择保留乳房手术及设定切除范围。     

Rates of margin positive resection with breast conservation for invasive breast cancer using the NCDB

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest the rate of positive surgical margin (PSM) after lumpectomy for breast cancer is approximately 20 %. The risk of PSM at time of resection is often a source of fear for patients, driving some to elect to undergo mastectomy. This study describes rates and predictors of positive margins for invasive breast cancers in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).Materials and methodsFrom 2004 to 2013, patients with non-metastatic invasive breast cancers who underwent breast conservation surgery were identified from the NCDB. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and facility of treatment characteristics were collected and compared. Per SSO-ASTRO-ASCO criteria, margin negative is defined as no gross or microscopic disease (i.e. no tumor on ink). Bivariate tests and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify independent predictors of patients with PSM at the time of resection.ResultsA total of 707,798 patients were identified with non-metastatic invasive breast tumors who underwent lumpectomy. Rate of PSM across the entire cohort was 5.02 %. Over time, the rate of PSM decreased significantly from 6.54 % in 2004 to 3.91 % in 2013 (p < 0.001). Pure lobular histology predicted for the highest rate of PSM compared with IDC (8.63 vs 4.55 %; p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, high grade, non-ductal histology and HER2 amplification were significantly associated with PSM with breast conservation while estrogen and progesterone status were not.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a 5 % risk of PSM at time of breast conservation surgery using a large, modern national database. Patients with invasive lobular and mixed histology have a nearly two-fold risk of PSM compared to invasive ductal cancers. These results provide important data points to help appropriately counsel patients regarding the risk of PSM.     

Carcinoid tumor of the breast: Treatment with breast conservation in three patients

Background: Carcinoid tumors of the breast have been described in the literature. The diagnosis is made by identification of typical histologic features and confirmed by a positive argyrophilic reaction or the presence of neurosecretory granules. There are several theories of the pathogenesis of carcinoid tumors in the breast and controversy as to whether these tumors actually originate in the breast ducts or are tumors that arise from neuroectodermal cells that have migrated to the breast ducts. Historically, treatment of carcinoid of the breast has been by mastectomy. Methods: We report three cases of primary carcinoid tumor of the breast treated with lumpectomy and axillary node dissection. No adjuvant radiation or systemic treatment was administered. Results: In all three cases, no metastases were identified in lymph nodes sampled and all patients have remained clinically free of recurrent disease. Conclusions: Decisions about the need for radiation or systemic treatment of breast carcinoid tumors depend on one's interpretation of the pathogenesis of this disease. Breast conservation is a surgical option that has not been previously reported. Larger series of carcinoid tumors of the breast, their treatment, and their follow-up are needed.     

Surgical margins in patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving breast conservation therapy have a lifelong risk of local recurrence. To minimize this risk, surgeons have explored various approaches to examining the surgical margins of the resection specimen. If tumor cells are found at the margin, there is a high probability that residual tumor remains in the surgical cavity. This review examines published reports about standard and innovative approaches to assessing surgical margins, the clinical significance of margin size, and risk factors for positive margins. METHODS: Published literature abstracted in Medline was reviewed using the Gateway site from the National Library of Medicine. CONCLUSIONS: It is still not clear whether obtaining a radical margin will decrease the rate of local recurrence after breast conserving surgery. What is clear is that it is absolutely unacceptable to have tumor cells directly at the cut edge of the excised specimen, regardless of the type of post-surgical adjuvant therapy.     

Mammographic breast density and the risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesMammographic density is a well-defined risk factor for breast cancer and having extremely dense breast tissue is associated with a one-to six-fold increased risk of breast cancer. However, it is questioned whether this increased risk estimate is applicable to current breast density classification methods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further investigate and clarify the association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk based on current literature.MethodsMedline, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles published since 2013, that used BI-RADS lexicon 5th edition and incorporated data on digital mammography. Crude and maximally confounder-adjusted data were pooled in odds ratios (ORs) using random-effects models. Heterogeneity regarding breast cancer risks were investigated using I² statistic, stratified and sensitivity analyses.ResultsNine observational studies were included. Having extremely dense breast tissue (BI-RADS density D) resulted in a 2.11-fold (95% CI 1.84–2.42) increased breast cancer risk compared to having scattered dense breast tissue (BI-RADS density B). Sensitivity analysis showed that when only using data that had adjusted for age and BMI, the breast cancer risk was 1.83-fold (95% CI 1.52–2.21) increased. Both results were statistically significant and homogenous.ConclusionsMammographic breast density BI-RADS D is associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of breast cancer compared to having BI-RADS density B in general population women. This is a novel and lower risk estimate compared to previously reported and might be explained due to the use of digital mammography and BI-RADS lexicon 5th edition.     

Rapid review: Estimates of incremental breast cancer detection from tomosynthesis (3D-mammography) screening in women with dense breasts

High breast tissue density increases breast cancer (BC) risk, and the risk of an interval BC in mammography screening. Density-tailored screening has mostly used adjunct imaging to screen women with dense breasts, however, the emergence of tomosynthesis (3D-mammography) provides an opportunity to steer density-tailored screening in new directions potentially obviating the need for adjunct imaging. A rapid review (a streamlined evidence synthesis) was performed to summarise data on tomosynthesis screening in women with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts, with the aim of estimating incremental (additional) BC detection attributed to tomosynthesis in comparison with standard 2D-mammography. Meta-analysed data from prospective trials comparing these mammography modalities in the same women (N = 10,188) in predominantly biennial screening showed significant incremental BC detection of 3.9/1000 screens attributable to tomosynthesis (P < 0.001). Studies comparing different groups of women screened with tomosynthesis (N = 103,230) or with 2D-mammography (N = 177,814) yielded a pooled difference in BC detection of 1.4/1000 screens representing significantly higher BC detection in tomosynthesis-screened women (P < 0.001), and a pooled difference for recall of −23.3/1000 screens representing significantly lower recall in tomosynthesis-screened groups (P < 0.001), than for 2D-mammography. These estimates can inform planning of future trials of density-tailored screening and may guide discussion of screening women with dense breasts.     

Impact of extensive intraductal component on recurrence and survival in patients with stage I or II breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy

Background: The relationship between an extensive intraductal component (EIC) and recurrence and survival in patients with stage I or II breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy has not been clearly defined. Methods: 133 patients with stage I or II breast cancer who underwent breast conservation therapy between 1978 and 1990 at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center were retrospectively studied. All pathology slides were reviewed to determine tumor size, nuclear grade, extent of intraductal component, number of positive lymph nodes, and histologic margins. EIC was defined as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) occupying 25% or more of the area encompassed by the infiltrating tumor and DCIS present in grossly normal adjacent breast tissue. Results: 110 patients are alive, and 23 have died, with a median follow-up of 7 years; 85 of 133 patients had an intraductal component, but only 18 had an EIC. Locoregional control and disease-free and overall survival were not adversely affected by the presence of an EIC. Five of 133 patients had a locoregional recurrence, but only one had an EIC. Conclusions: EIC, if negative margins can be achieved, does not adversely affect disease-free or overall survival or local control rates.     

保乳手术治疗BRCA1/2基因突变型乳腺癌的可行性

保乳手术作为乳腺肿瘤外科一种重要的手术方式,对于其是否适用于BRCA1/2基因突变型乳腺癌患者,目前仍存在争议.由于家族性乳腺癌患者仍然具有单侧多发和对侧发病的高风险,对BRCA1/2基因突变型乳腺癌患者不推荐实施保乳手术,推荐行乳腺全切术和/或Ⅰ期乳房成形手术.但如果BRCA 1/2基因突变型乳腺癌患者有强烈的保乳意愿,在充分告知可能存在风险的前提下,保乳手术也是可行的,但是应考虑双侧卵巢切除或他莫昔芬治疗,同时需要进行更多的干预措施预防对侧乳腺发病.     

Women's use of resources in decision-making for early-stage breast cancer: Results of a community-based survey

Background: The majority of women with stage I/II breast cancer may choose between mastectomy and breast-conserving therapy (BCT). A survey was designed to examine the resources women used in making this decision. Methods: From 1990 to 1994, 261 patients were diagnosed with or treated for stage I/II breast cancer at Washington Hospital (Fremont, CA). One-hundred seventy-six surviving patients received a questionnaire asking them to anonymously rank various medical and nonmedical persons, audio and visual materials, and decision criteria on a 5-point scale with regard to their influence on that individual's choice to undergo BCT or mastectomy. The BCT and mastectomy groups were similar demographically; 50% were college-educated. Statistical significance of the difference in means between groups was assessed with thet test. The response rate to the survey was 65%. Results: The average survey ranking was>1.0 for the following: surgeon (4.5), primary care physician (2.8), spouse (2.4), radiation oncologist (1.7), medical oncologist (1.5), American Cancer Society brochure (1.4), and children (1.2). The ranking of children (p=0.08), friends (p=0.08), parents (p=0.09), and spouse (p=0.13) was higher in the mastectomy group; the ranking of the radiation oncologist (p=0.001) and ACS brochure (p=0.03) was higher in the BCT group. The majority of patients consulted only with the surgeon (96%), primary care physician (64%), and spouse (55% overall, 75% among married patients) before making a treatment choice. Decision criteria were ranked as follows: chance for cure (4.5), physician recommendation (3.7), potential side effects (1.7), cosmetic appearance (1.3), sexual attractiveness (1.1), treatment convenience (1.0), and desire to avoid mastectomy (1.5). Desire to avoid mastectomy was higher in the BCT group (p<0.0001); ranking of chance for cure was higher in the mastectomy group (p=0.12). Overall satisfaction was higher in the BCT group; 87% of these patients were very satisfied with their decision versus 68% for the mastectomy group (p=0.005). Review of the admitting records for 125 patients treated with mastectomy indicated that 46% had clear medical or personal contra-indications to BCT, but that the remainder might have benefitted from specialty consultation. Conclusions: The surgeon's recommendation and the patient's perception of chance for cure were the most influential factors affecting treatment decision. There was a limited use of specialty consultation or written and audiovisual materials in this educated patient population. The survey results suggest potential areas of intervention to improve rates of BCT, namely use of up-front multidisciplinary evaluation, further education of primary care physicians, and greater attention to concerns of family members.     

射频消融联合腔镜微创保乳治疗早期乳腺癌的医学美学评价

目的评价射频消融（radiofrequency ablation,RFA）联合腔镜微创保乳治疗早期乳腺癌的医学美学效果。方法选择早期乳腺癌（T1-2N0-1M0）单侧单发病例,在术前常规化疗的同时,对乳腺肿瘤局部行B超引导下RFA治疗,然后行病变乳腺叶段切除和腔镜下前哨淋巴结染色活检与选择性腋窝淋巴结微创清扫术。术后随访3年以上,通过问卷法自我评价医学美学效果,并与传统保乳手术进行比较。结果直径≤3cm[平均（2．10±0．83）cm,最小1．20cm,最大3．00cm]的早期乳腺癌单侧单发共23例,肿瘤完全消融率95．6％（22／23）,成功完成微创保乳术22例。RFA联合腔镜微创保乳治疗不仅瘢痕微小,而且乳房外形和腋窝形态明显优于传统手术,患者自我评分满意率100％,医学美学评分优良率95．5％（21／22）。结论RFA联合腔镜微创保乳治疗早期乳腺癌可获得更好的医学美学效果。     

Primary tumor location impacts breast cancer survival

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of tumor location in breast cancer remains unclear. To better understand this relationship, we evaluated the Department of Defense tumor registry. METHODS: Patients with infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma or lobular carcinoma over a 10-year period were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 13,984 tumors, 7,871 (58%) originated from the upper-outer quadrant or axillary tail, whereas the remainder were found at the nipple complex (9%), upper-inner quadrant (14%), lower-inner quadrant (9%), and lower-outer quadrant (10%). Univariate analysis of cancer-specific survival revealed a significant difference based on location of the primary breast cancer. Upper-outer quadrant lesions were associated with an independent contribution toward a survival benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Upper-outer quadrant breast cancers have a more favorable survival advantage when compared with tumors in other locations. Factors that negatively impacted survival included high-grade tumors, advanced stage, and race.     

The importance of sentinel node biopsy in breast surgery

Summary   Background: In breast cancer patients the axillary nodes play an important role because of their predictive potential. But the merits of routine diagnostic axillary dissection have increasingly been questioned in the past few years on account of the resultant postoperative morbidity. Rediscovered and reinstated in the early 1980s, sentinel node biopsy (SNB) raised new hopes for differential staging with minimal morbidity. Methods: Based on a review of the available literature, the current role of sentinel node biopsy and its future perspectives are discussed and critically evaluated. Results: Sentinel node biopsy proved to be a practicable procedure for precise nodal staging in breast cancer patients associated with low postoperative morbidity. Serial sections of the sentinel node and immunohistochemical assays provide detailed information on lymphatic drainage and more precise staging information. As a by-product, sentinel node biopsy has re-opened the debate about the importance of micrometastases. Clearly defined criteria for patient selection, interdisciplinary cooperation, careful documentation and follow-up are the keys to its success. Conclusions: Like breast-salvaging surgery, sentinel node biopsy appears to mark a major advance in the management of breast cancer patients. More insights into the significance of micrometastases and the role of axillary dissection as well as into the usefulness of SNB post-preoperative chemotherapy and in multicentric lesions can be expected.      

早期乳腺癌行保乳手术临床分析

目的观察早期乳腺癌保乳手术的治疗效果。方法分析2000—2005年临床0～Ⅱa期女性乳腺癌患者中87例行保乳手术的疗效。采用肿瘤局部扩大切除或象限切除，以及腋淋巴结清扫，术后辅以放疗、化疗或内分泌治疗。残留腺体做阶梯状对缝，以保证乳晕部的隆起。结果保乳手术后乳房外形总满意率为93．6％，无伤口感染，无皮瓣坏死、皮下积液。随访结果局部复发率1．15％，无远处转移，无死亡病例。结论保乳手术创伤小、并发症少、恢复快、形体改变小，疗效满意，病人心理状态良好，生存质量较高。