Decreasing Recurrence Rates for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Analysis of 2996 Women Treated with Breast-Conserving Surgery Over 30 Years

BACKGROUND

Randomized trials of radiation after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found substantial rates of recurrence, with half of the recurrences being invasive. Decreasing local recurrence rates for invasive breast carcinoma have been observed and are largely attributed to improvements in systemic therapy. In this study, we examine recurrence rates after BCS for DCIS over 3 decades at one institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of DCIS patients undergoing BCS from 1978 to 2010. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between the treatment period and recurrence, controlling for other variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 363 (12%) recurrences among 2996 cases were observed. Median follow-up for patients without recurrence was 75 months (range 0-30 years); 732 patients were followed for ≥10 years. The 5-year recurrence rate for the period 1978-1998 was 13.6 versus 6.6% for the period 1999-2010 [hazard ratio (HR) 0.62, p < 0.0001]. Controlling for age, family history, presentation, nuclear grade, necrosis, number of excisions, margin status, radiation, and endocrine therapy, treatment period remained significantly associated with recurrence, with later years associated with a lower HR (0.74, p = 0.02) compared to earlier. After stratification by radiation use, association of recurrence with treatment period persisted in those treated without radiation (HR 0.62, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence rates for DCIS have fallen over time, with increases in screen detection, negative margins, and use of adjuvant therapies only partially explaining this decrease. The unexplained decline persists in women not receiving radiation, suggesting it is not due to changes in radiation efficacy but may be due to improvements in radiologic detection and pathologic assessment.

Skin Flap Necrosis After Mastectomy With Reconstruction: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Rates of mastectomy with immediate reconstruction are rising. Skin flap necrosis after this procedure is a recognized complication that can have an impact on cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction, and in worst cases can potentially delay adjuvant therapies. Many retrospective studies of this complication have identified variable event rates and inconsistent associated factors.

METHODS

A prospective study was designed to capture the rate of skin flap necrosis as well as pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables, with follow-up assessment to 8 weeks postoperatively. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed for factors associated with skin flap necrosis.

RESULTS

Of 606 consecutive procedures, 85 (14 %) had some level of skin flap necrosis: 46 mild (8 %), 6 moderate (1 %), 31 severe (5 %), and 2 uncategorized (0.3 %). Univariate analysis for any necrosis showed smoking, history of breast augmentation, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and time from incision to specimen removal to be significant. In multivariate models, nipple-sparing, time from incision to specimen removal, sharp dissection, and previous breast reduction were significant for any necrosis. Univariate analysis of only moderate or severe necrosis showed body mass index, diabetes, nipple-sparing mastectomy, specimen size, and expander size to be significant. Multivariate analysis showed nipple-sparing mastectomy and specimen size to be significant. Nipple-sparing mastectomy was associated with higher rates of necrosis at every level of severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of skin flap necrosis are likely higher than reported in retrospective series. Modifiable technical variables have limited the impact on rates of necrosis. Patients with multiple risk factors should be counseled about the risks, especially if they are contemplating nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Maastricht Delphi consensus on event definitions for classification of recurrence in breast cancer research

BACKGROUND

In breast cancer studies, many different endpoints are used. Definitions are often not provided or vary between studies. For instance, "local recurrence" may include different components in similar studies. This limits transparency and comparability of results. This project aimed to reach consensus on the definitions of local event, second primary breast cancer, regional and distant event for breast cancer studies.

METHODS

The RAND-UCLA Appropriateness method (modified Delphi method) was used. A Consensus Group of international breast cancer experts was formed, including representatives of all involved clinical disciplines. Consensus was reached in two rounds of online questionnaires and one meeting.

RESULTS

Twenty-four international breast cancer experts participated. Consensus was reached on 134 items in four categories. Local event is defined as any epithelial breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the ipsilateral breast, or skin and subcutaneous tissue on the ipsilateral thoracic wall. Second primary breast cancer is defined as epithelial breast cancer in the contralateral breast. Regional events are breast cancer in ipsilateral lymph nodes. A distant event is breast cancer in any other location. Therefore, this includes metastasis in contralateral lymph nodes and breast cancer involving the sternal bone. If feasible, tissue sampling of a first, solitary, lesion suspected for metastasis is highly recommended.

CONCLUSION

This project resulted in consensus-based event definitions for classification of recurrence in breast cancer research. Future breast cancer research projects should adopt these definitions to increase transparency. This should facilitate comparison of results and conducting reviews as well as meta-analysis.

Extent of microinvasion in ductal carcinoma in situ is not associated with sentinel lymph node metastases

BACKGROUND

Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) is a rare diagnosis with a good prognosis. Although nodal metastases are uncommon, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) remains standard care. Volume of disease in invasive breast cancer is associated with SLNB positivity, and, thus we hypothesized that in a large cohort of patients with DCISM, multiple foci of microinvasion might be associated with a higher risk of positive SLNB.

METHODS

Records from a prospective institutional database were reviewed to identify patients with DCISM who underwent SLNB between June 1997 and December 2010. Pathology reports were reviewed for number of microinvasive foci and categorized as 1 focus or ≥2 foci. Demographic, pathologic, treatment, and outcome data were obtained and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 414 patients, 235 (57 %) had 1 focus of microinvasion and 179 (43 %) had ≥2 foci. SLNB macrometastases were found in 1.4 %, and micrometastases were found in 6.3 %; neither were significantly different between patients with 1 focus versus ≥2 foci (p = 1.0). Patients with positive SLNB or ≥2 foci of microinvasion were more likely to receive chemotherapy. At median 4.9 years (range 0-16.2 years) follow-up, 18 patients, all in the SLNB negative group, had recurred for an overall 5-year recurrence-free proportion of 95.9 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Even with large numbers, there was no higher risk of nodal involvement with ≥2 foci of microinvasion compared with 1 focus. Number of microinvasive foci and results of SLNB appear to be used in decision making for systemic therapy. Prognosis is excellent.

Commentary on the Canadian National Breast Screening study

In the setting of the 25-year follow-up of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study, the Society of Surgical Oncology continues to endorse mammographic screening for women beginning at 40 years of age, while acknowledging that mammography has both risks and benefits. Further investigation is warranted to develop better screening methods and to determine optimal screening schedules for women based on their risk of future breast cancer and their imaging characteristics.

Perioperative breast MRI is not associated with lower locoregional recurrence rates in DCIS patients treated with or without radiation

INTRODUCTION

For women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS), the benefit of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains unknown. Here we examine the relationship of MRI and locoregional recurrence (LRR) and contralateral breast cancer (CBC) for DCIS treated with BCS, with and without radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

A total of 2,321 women underwent BCS for DCIS from 1997 to 2010. All underwent mammography, and 596 (26 %) also underwent perioperative MRI; 904 women (39 %) did not receive RT, and 1,391 (61 %) did. Median follow-up was 59 months, and 548 women were followed for ≥8 years. The relationship between MRI and LRR was examined using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

There were 184 LRR events; 5- and 8-year LRR rates were 8.5 and 14.6 % (MRI), respectively, and 7.2 and 10.2 % (no-MRI), respectively (p = 0.52). LRR was significantly associated with age, menopausal status, margin status, RT, and endocrine therapy. After controlling for these variables and family history, presentation, number of excisions, and time period of surgery, there remained no trend toward association of MRI and lower LRR [hazard ratio (HR) 1.18, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.79-1.78, p = 0.42]. Restriction of analysis to the no-RT subgroup showed no association of MRI with lower LRR rates (HR 1.36, 95 % CI 0.78-2.39, p = 0.28). No difference in 5- or 8-year rates of CBC was seen between the MRI (3.5 and 3.5 %) and no-MRI (3.5 and 5.1 %) groups (p = 0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no association between perioperative MRI and lower LRR or CBC rates in patients with DCIS, with or without RT. In the absence of evidence that MRI improves outcomes, the routine perioperative use of MRI for DCIS should be questioned.

Impact of margin assessment method on positive margin rate and total volume excised

BACKGROUND

For breast-conserving surgery, the method of margin assessment that most frequently achieves negative margins without increasing the volume of tissue excised is uncertain. We examined our institutional experience with three different margin assessment methods used by six experienced breast surgeons.

METHODS

Patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for invasive carcinoma during July to December of a representative year during which each method was performed (perpendicular, 2003; tangential, 2004; cavity shave, 2011) were included. The effect of margin method on the positive margin rate at first excision and the total volume excised to achieve negative margins were evaluated by multivariable analysis, by surgeon, and by tumor size and presence of extensive intraductal component (EIC).

RESULTS

A total of 555 patients were identified, as follows: perpendicular, 140; tangential, 124; and cavity shave, 291. The tangential method had a higher rate of positive margins at first excision than the perpendicular and cavity-shave methods (49, 15, 11 %, respectively; p < 0.0001). Median volumes to achieve negative margins were similar (55 ml perpendicular; 64 ml tangential; 62 ml cavity shave; p = 0.24). Four of six surgeons had the lowest rate of positive margins with the cavity-shave method, which was significant when compared to the tangential method (p < 0.0001) but not the perpendicular method (p = 0.37). The volume excised by the three methods varied by surgeon (p < 0.0001). The perpendicular method was optimal for T1 tumors without EIC; the cavity-shave method tended to be superior for T2-T3 tumors and/or EIC.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the cavity-shave method may decrease the rates of positive margins, its effect on volume is variable among surgeons and may result in an increase in the total volume excised for some surgeons and for small tumors without EIC.

Ductal lavage cytology in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

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Background: Ductal lavage (DL) is a procedure used to obtain epithelial cells from a breast duct for cytologic evaluation. Previous studies have investigated DL as a potential screening procedure for women at high-risk for cancer. The data, however, does not support a significant correlation between lavage cytology and the presence of invasive carcinoma. It is postulated that an invasive cancer causes destruction of the involved ducts which prevents direct sampling of the malignant intraductal cells. Because ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) does not disrupt the breast ductal structure, DL may yield a more representative cytologic sample in patients with DCIS. Methods: Ductal lavage was performed in the affected breast of 32 women undergoing mastectomy with preoperative diagnosis of DCIS. The lavage procedure was done in the operating room after induction of general anesthesia by cannulating a duct yielding fluid on the nipple and instilling saline which was then aspirated and sent for cytologic evaluation. A cytopathologist classified each sample as insufficient cellular quantity, benign, mild atypia, marked atypia, or malignant. Results: A successful lavage was obtained from 22 (69%) of 32 women undergoing DL in the operating room. Of these 22 cytology samples; 4(18%) had an insufficient cellular quantity, 4 (18%) had mild atypia, 6 (27%) had marked atypia, and 8 (36%) had malignant cells. Twenty one of these 22 women had DCIS in the surgical mastectomy specimen. Seven (32%) patients were found to have invasive ductal cancer in addition to DCIS on final pathology. Conclusions: Our results show that DL reveals markedly atypical or malignant cytology in 64% of patients with DCIS who underwent a successful lavage procedure. As an office procedure, DL may have the ability to obtain viable ductal carcinoma cells repeatedly over time in the same patient. Thus, DL may have an important role in patients with DCIS who are involved in window trial studies investigating response to medical treatments prior to surgical intervention. Further studies to evaluate the reproducibility of the ductal lavage results in patients with DCIS are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of MRI and locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients treated with or without radiation therapy (RT)

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Background: Perioperative MRI is frequently obtained in women with breast cancer; however, studies have not shown decreased rates of re-excision, and some report unnecessary increases in mastectomy rates. We examined LRR rates among women with DCIS who underwent perioperative MRI as compared to those who did not. Methods: All women who underwent breast-conserving surgery for DCIS in 1997-2010 were included from a prospectively maintained database. Patient characteristics and rates of LRR were compared in women with and without an MRI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Analysis was repeated in the subset of women who did not receive RT. Results: 2,321 cases were identified; 596 had MRI and 1,725 did not. Women who had MRI were younger, more likely to be premenopausal, have a family history of breast cancer, have a clinical presentation, receive RT and endocrine therapy, be treated in later years, and had fewer close/positive margins. At median follow-up of 57 months there were 184 IBTRs; 5-year LRR rates were 8.5% (MRI) and 7.2% (no MRI) (p = 0.52), and 8-year rates were 14.6% and 10.2%, respectively. MRI was not associated with lower LRR rates after adjustment for age, menopausal status, family history, presentation, adjuvant therapy, margin status, number of excisions, and year of surgery in both the entire cohort and in the subgroup who did not receive RT. Select factors from multivariate analysis for patients with all covariates available are shown in the Table. Conclusions: We observed no association between perioperative MRI and LRR rates for patients with DCIS, even when RT was not given. The benefit of perioperative MRI for DCIS remains uncertain. [Table: see text]

Axillary dissection can be avoided in the majority of clinically node-negative patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy

BACKGROUND

The extent to which ACOSOG Z0011 findings are applicable to patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is uncertain. We prospectively assessed how often axillary dissection (ALND) was avoided in an unselected, consecutive patient cohort meeting Z0011 eligibility criteria and whether subgroups requiring ALND could be identified preoperatively.

METHODS

Patients with cT1,2cN0 breast cancer undergoing BCT were managed without ALND for metastases in <3 sentinel nodes (SNs) and no gross extracapsular extension (ECE). Patients with and without indications for ALND were compared using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

RESULTS

From August 2010 to November 2012, 2,157 invasive cancer patients had BCT. A total of 380 had histologic nodal metastasis; 93 did not meet Z0011 criteria. Of 287 with ≥1 H&E-positive SN (209 macrometastases), 242 (84 %) had indications for SN only. ALND was indicated in 45 for ≥3 positive SNs (n = 29) or ECE (n = 16). The median number of SNs removed in the SN group was 3 versus 5 in the ALND group (p < 0.0001). Age, hormone receptor and HER2 status, and grade did not differ between groups; tumors were larger in the ALND group (p < 0.0001). Of ALND patients, 72 % had additional positive nodes (median = 1; range 1-19). No axillary recurrences have occurred (median follow-up, 13 months).

CONCLUSIONS

ALND was avoided in 84 % of a consecutive series of patients having BCT, suggesting that most patients meeting ACOSOG Z0011 eligibility have a low axillary tumor burden. Age, ER, and HER2 status were not predictive of ALND, and the criteria used for ALND (≥3 SNs, ECE) reliably identified patients at high risk for residual axillary disease.

Radioactive seed localization compared to wire localization in breast-conserving surgery: initial 6-month experience

BACKGROUND

Wire localization (WL) of nonpalpable breast cancers on the day of surgery is uncomfortable for patients and impacts operating room efficiency. Radioactive seed localization (RSL) before the day of surgery avoids these disadvantages. In this study we compare outcomes of our initial 6-month experience with RSL to those with WL in the preceding 6 months.

METHODS

Lumpectomies for invasive or intraductal cancers localized with a single (125)iodine seed (January-June 2012) were compared with those using 1 wire (July-December 2011). Surgeons and radiologists did not change. Positive and close margins were defined as tumor on ink and tumor ≤1 mm from ink, respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between RSL and WL patients.

RESULTS

There were 431 RSL and 256 WL lumpectomies performed. Clinicopathologic characteristics did not differ between groups. Most seeds (90 %) were placed before the day of surgery. Positive margins were present in 7.7 % of RSL versus 5.5 % of WL patients, and 16.9 % of RSL versus 19.9 % of WL had close margins (p = 0.38). The median operative time was longer for lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the RSL group (55 vs. 48 min, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the volume of tissue excised between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In the first 6 months of RSL, operative scheduling was simplified, while rates of positive and close margins were similar to those seen after many years of experience with WL. Operative time was slightly longer for RSL lumpectomy and SLNB; we anticipate this will decrease with experience.

The presence and extent of extracapsular extension (ECE) and the need for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients who meet ACOSOG Z11 eligibility criteria

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Background: Whether ECE mandates ALND in patients with ≤2 positive sentinel nodes (SN) is controversial. ACOSOG Z11 excluded patients with matted nodes, but did not comment on microscopic ECE. In a prospective, consecutive series of patients, we sought to determine if ECE correlates with the number of positive axillary lymph nodes (LN) and if ECE ≤2mm clinically differs from ECE >2mm. Methods: In 8/2010 an institutional treatment algorithm based on the Z11 results was prospectively applied to consecutive patients having BCS. ALND was performed for ≥3 +SNs. The approach to ECE was not specified. Characteristics of patients with and without ECE were compared with Fisher’s exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: From 8/10-11/12, 2157 invasive breast cancer patients had BCS; 381 had LN metastasis, 287 met Z11 selection criteria, and ALND was avoided in 242 (84%). ECE was present in 111 (39%), of whom 23% had ≥3 +SNs (vs 2% without ECE; p<0.0001) and 35% had ALND (vs 3% without ECE; p<0.0001). The presence of ECE was associated with tumor size (1.9cm vs 1.6; p=.01) but not with age, grade, or receptor status. The degree of ECE was associated with age, grade, number of +SNs, and performance of ALND (Table). In 45 cases, ALND was advised for ≥3 +SNs (n=29) or <3 +SNs with ECE (n=16). 39 patients had ALND and 34 of these had ECE. Additional +LNs were seen in 5/9 patients with ≤2mm ECE and 20/25 with >2mm ECE; median of 1 additional +LN in each group. Seven or more additional +LNs were seen in 6 patients with >2mm ECE; 1 patient with ≤2mm ECE had 6 additional +LNs, the remainder had ≤3. Conclusions: The presence of ECE was associated with ≥3 +SNs and the need for ALND. Only a minority of patients with ≤2mm of ECE had ≥3 +SNs, and nodal disease at ALND in this group was limited, suggesting that ≤2mm ECE may not be an indication for ALND. [Table: see text]

Predicting nonsentinel lymph node metastases using established nomograms among patients with breast cancer after primary systemic therapy (PST): The transSENTINA substudy

1020

Background: Recent studies such as the SENTINA trial suggest that performing SLNB in patients with a cN1 status before but converting to a ycN0 status through PST result more often in a false-negative evaluation of LN status compared to SLNB at primary surgery. Therefore, there is a need to predict non-SLN status after PST and tailor axillary staging procedures. We investigated the accuracy of established nomograms to predict non-SLN metastases at primary surgery in patients after PST. Methods: The SENTINA trial is a 4-arm prospective multicenter cohort study evaluating an algorithm for the timing of a standardized SLNB in patients undergoing PST. 1,737 pts. from 104 institutions were categorized into four treatment arms according to the clinical axillary staging (including ultrasound examination) before and after chemotherapy. Patients in arm C with a cN1 status prior to PST converting to a ycN0 status but found to have a histologically positive SLN after PST were included. Several published nomograms predicting non-SLN status in patients with a positive SLN at primary surgery were applied (including the MSKCC-, Mayo-, Cambridge-, and Stanford-Nomogram, MDA-Score and Tenon-Score) and Area-under-the-Curve-(AUC)-values were calculated. Results:This subgroup comprised 592 patients. Among these, 74 patients had a positive SLN after PST and had all available data to run the nomograms. AUC-values were: MSKCC: 82.3 (95% confidence interval (95%CI) 72.6-91.9), Mayo: 71.8 (95%CI 60.1-83.5), Cambridge: 71.5 (95%CI 59.7-83.2), Stanford 70.6 (95%CI 59.7-83.2), MDA 70.7 (95%CI 59.0-82.5), and Tenon 73.1 (61.5-84.7). Conclusions: Analysis of the above nomograms in the post-neoadjuvant setting yielded AUC values comparable to those in the setting of primary surgery. Our results suggest that nomograms predicting non-SLN status in the setting of primary surgery (and particularly the MSKCC nomogram) may be used to avoid full axillary dissection in patients after PST.

Age-related longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

Younger women being treated for breast cancer consistently show greater depression shortly after diagnosis than older women. In this longitudinal study, we examine whether these age differences persist over the first 26 months following diagnosis and identify factors related to change in depressive symptoms. A total of 653 women within 8 months of a first time breast cancer diagnosis completed questionnaires at baseline and three additional timepoints (6, 12, and 18 months after baseline) on contextual/patient characteristics, symptoms, and psychosocial variables. Chart reviews provided cancer and treatment-related data. The primary outcome was depressive symptomatology assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. Among women younger than age 65, depressive symptoms were highest soon after diagnosis and significantly decreased over time. Depressive symptoms remained stable and low for women aged 65 and older. Age was no longer significantly related to depressive symptoms in multivariable analyses controlling for a wide range of covariates. The primary factors related to levels of and declines in depressive symptomatology were the ability to pay for basics; completing chemotherapy with doxorubicin; and decreases in pain, vasomotor symptoms, illness intrusiveness, and passive coping. Increased sense of meaning/peace and social support were related to decreased depression. Interventions to reduce symptoms and illness intrusiveness, improve a sense of meaning and peace, and increase social support, may help reduce depression and such interventions may be especially relevant for younger women.

Acupuncture in the treatment of upper-limb lymphedema: results of a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for lymphedema after breast cancer treatment are expensive and require ongoing intervention. Clinical experience and our preliminary published results suggest that acupuncture is safe and potentially useful. This study evaluates the safety and potential efficacy of acupuncture on upper-limb circumference in women with lymphedema.

METHODS

Women with a clinical diagnosis of breast cancer−related lymphedema (BCRL) for 0.5-5 years and with affected arm circumference ≥2 cm larger than unaffected arm received acupuncture treatment twice weekly for 4 weeks. Affected and unaffected arm circumferences were measured before and after each acupuncture treatment. Response, defined as ≥30% reduction in circumference difference between affected/unaffected arms, was assessed. Monthly follow-up calls for 6 months thereafter were made to document any complications and self-reported lymphedema status.

RESULTS

Among 37 enrolled patients, 33 were evaluated; 4 discontinued due to time constraints. Mean reduction in arm circumference difference was 0.90 cm (95% CI, 0.72-1.07; P < .0005). Eleven patients (33%) exhibited a reduction of ≥30% after acupuncture treatment. Seventy-six percent of patients received all treatments; 21% missed 1 treatment, and another patient missed 2 treatments. During the treatment period, 14 of the 33 patients reported minor complaints, including mild local bruising or pain/tingling. There were no serious adverse events and no infections or severe exacerbations after 255 treatment sessions and 6 months of follow-up interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupuncture for BCRL appears safe and may reduce arm circumference. Although these results await confirmation in a randomized trial, acupuncture can be considered for women with no other options for sustained arm circumference reduction. Cancer 2013;119:2455-2461. © 2013 American Cancer Society.

Blurry boundaries: do epithelial borderline lesions of the breast and ductal carcinoma in situ have similar rates of subsequent invasive cancer?

BACKGROUND

The histology of epithelial "borderline lesions" of the breast, which have features in between atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is well described, but the clinical behavior is not. This study reports subsequent ipsilateral breast events (IBE) in patients with borderline lesions compared with those with DCIS.

METHODS

Patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for borderline lesions or DCIS from 1997 to 2010 were identified from a prospective database. IBE was defined as the diagnosis of subsequent ipsilateral DCIS or invasive ductal carcinoma.

RESULTS

A total of 143 borderline-lesion patients and 2,328 DCIS patients were identified. Median follow-up was 2.9 and 4.4 years, respectively. 7 borderline-lesion and 172 DCIS patients experienced an IBE. 5 year IBE rates were 7.7 % for borderline lesions and 7.2 % for DCIS (p = .80). 5 year invasive IBE rates were 6.5 and 2.8 %, respectively (p = .25). Similarly, when analyses were restricted to patients who did not receive radiotherapy, or endocrine therapy, or both, borderline-lesion and DCIS patients did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in rates of IBE or invasive IBE.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with DCIS, borderline lesions do not demonstrate lower rates of IBE or invasive IBE. Despite "borderline" histology, a 5 year IBE rate of 7.7 % and an invasive IBE rate of 6.5 % suggest that the risk of future carcinoma is significant and similar to that of DCIS.

Explaining age-related differences in depression following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

Younger women with breast cancer consistently show greater psychological distress than older women. This study examined a range of factors that might explain these age differences. A total of 653 women within 8 months of a first-time breast cancer diagnosis provided data on patient characteristics, symptoms, and psychosocial variables. Chart reviews provided cancer and treatment-related data. The primary outcome was depressive symptomatology assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. A succession of models that built hierarchically upon each other was used to determine which variables could account for age group differences in depression. Model 1 contained age group only. Models 2-5 successively added patient characteristics, cancer-related variables, symptoms, and psychosocial variables. As expected, in the unadjusted analysis (Model 1) younger women were significantly more likely to report depressive symptomatology than older women (p < 0.0001). Age remained significantly related to depression until Model 4 which added bodily pain and vasomotor symptoms (p = 0.24; R (2) = 0.27). The addition of psychosocial variables in Model 5 also resulted in a model in which age was nonsignificant (p = 0.49; R (2) = 0.49). Secondary analyses showed that illness intrusiveness (the degree that illness intrudes on specific areas of life such as work, sex life, recreation, etc.) was the only variable which, considered individually with age, made the age group-depression association nonsignificant. Age differences in risk of depression following a breast cancer diagnosis can be explained by the impact of cancer and its treatment on specific areas of a woman's life.