Complete Surgical Excision Is Essential for the Management of Patients With Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma

Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma - a Systematic Review with Pooled Analysis

The association of breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was first described in 1997. Such an association has aroused public health concerns on breast implant safety. A systematic review was carried out with a pooled analysis of data. In total, 674 non-duplicate articles were retrieved; 77 articles were included for data extraction; 395 patients were identified for analysis. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 52 years. Implant texture was described in 201 (50.9%) patients; all 201 patients had a textured implant. The median time from the last implant insertion to diagnosis was 7.5 years. Most patients presented with seroma (67.1%, n = 265), 20.5% of patients presented with breast mass (n = 81). Patients with a breast mass at presentation, lymphadenopathy and those without seroma had more disseminated disease (P < 0.001). 73.2% of patients (n = 289) opted for primary surgery, among which 68.6% (n = 271) received removal of the implant, 61% (n = 241) received capsulectomy and 2% (n = 8) received mastectomy. Of note, 5.3% (n = 21) had reinsertion of an implant after primary surgery. Non-surgical modalities included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplant. The median follow-up interval was 2 years (range 0-14.5 years). Seventeen patients (4.3%) had recurrence of BIA-ALCL and 195 patients (49.4%) did not. The median duration to first recurrence was 1 year (range 1-3 years). Long-term clinical outcome was not reported in 183 patients. BIA-ALCL is an indolent disease that presents with seroma after implant insertion. A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic challenges and potential early indicators of breast periprosthetic anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) is a rare primitive lymphoma described in women with breast implant prostheses, which has been arousing interest in recent years due to its potentially high social impact. The difficult diagnosis associated with the high and increasing number of prosthetic implants worldwide has led to hypothesize an underestimation of the real impact of the disease among prosthesis-bearing women. The aim of this work is to search for specific radiological signs of disease linked to the chronic inflammatory pathogenetic mechanism.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This work describes a case of BI-ALCL in an American woman with no personal or family history of cancer, who underwent breast augmentation for esthetic purposes at our Institute. After about 10 years of relative well-being, the patient returned to our Institute with clear evidence of breast asymmetry due to the increase in volume of the right breast which had progressively become larger over a period of 6 months. There was no evidence of palpable axillary lymph nodes or other noteworthy signs.

DIAGNOSIS

The ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR) tests indicated the presence of seroma with amorphous material in the exudate which was confirmed by indirect signs, visible in right breast mammography. Due to suspected cold seroma, an ultrasound-guided needle aspiration was performed for the cytological analysis of the effusion which highlighted the presence of a number of large-sized atypical cells with an irregular nucleus with CD30 immunoreactivity, leucocyte common antigen (CD45) compatible with the BI-ALCL diagnosis.

INTERVENTIONS

In our case, a capsulectomy was performed because the disease was limited inside the capsule and periprosthetic seroma. The final histological examination confirmed the stage.

LESSONS

The patient is being monitored and shows no signs of recurrence of disease >24 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A diagnosis of BI-ALCL can be reached using new radiological indicators, such as fibrin, which is clearly visible by MR in the form of nonvascularized debris of amorphous material hypointense in all sequences, free flowing or adhered to the external surface of the prosthesis.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Following Gender Reassignment Surgery: A Review of Presentation, Management, and Outcomes in the Transgender Patient Population

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare peripheral T-cell lymphoma with approximately 650-700 reported cases worldwide. The incidence, however, is increasing as more practitioners become aware of the diagnosis, and recent studies show that early diagnosis and treatment is critical to improve prognosis. There have been four cases of BIA-ALCL in total reported in the transgender population in the literature. These reported cases were reviewed in detail to determine presentation and management of BIA-ALCL in transgender patients compared to the larger population of BIA-ALCL patients. This review highlights BIA-ALCL in transgender women, a population that is often excluded from breast screening and follow-up. Transgender women may not routinely go through the same post-operative follow-up protocols as patients with breast implants for breast cancer reconstruction and can thus be at risk for delayed recognition and diagnosis. BIA-ALCL is a rare complication of breast implantation, and it is important to counsel all patients undergoing implant placement, including transgender women, on its risk.

Gene alterations in epigenetic modifiers and JAK-STAT signaling are frequent in breast implant-associated ALCL

The oncogenic events involved in breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) remain elusive. To clarify this point, we have characterized the genomic landscape of 34 BI-ALCLs (15 tumor and 19 in situ subtypes) collected from 54 BI-ALCL patients diagnosed through the French Lymphopath network. Whole-exome sequencing (n = 22, with paired tumor/germline DNA) and/or targeted deep sequencing (n = 24) showed recurrent mutations of epigenetic modifiers in 74% of cases, involving notably KMT2C (26%), KMT2D (9%), CHD2 (15%), and CREBBP (15%). KMT2D and KMT2C mutations correlated with a loss of H3K4 mono- and trimethylation by immunohistochemistry. Twenty cases (59%) showed mutations in ≥1 member of the JAK/STAT pathway, including STAT3 (38%), JAK1 (18%), and STAT5B (3%), and in negative regulators, including SOCS3 (6%), SOCS1 (3%), and PTPN1 (3%). These mutations were more frequent in tumor-type samples than in situ samples (P = .038). All BI-ALCLs expressed pSTAT3, regardless of the mutational status of genes in the JAK/STAT pathway. Mutations in the EOMES gene (12%) involved in lymphocyte development, PI3K-AKT/mTOR (6%), and loss-of-function mutations in TP53 (12%) were also identified. Copy-number aberration (CNA) analysis identified recurrent alterations, including gains on chromosomes 2, 9p, 12p, and 21 and losses on 4q, 8p, 15, 16, and 20. Regions of CNA encompassed genes involved in the JAK/STAT pathway and epigenetic regulators. Our results show that the BI-ALCL genomic landscape is characterized by not only JAK/STAT activating mutations but also loss-of-function alterations of epigenetic modifiers.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare, non-Hodgkin lymphoma which arises within the capsules of breast implants. These particular tumours have expression of CD30 and are negative for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK). Here, we report a case of BIA-ALCL in a 48-year-old woman post breast reconstruction. This case report is aimed at raising awareness and education on the significance of considering the development of BIA-ALCL in cases where cytology is negative and helping better understand this disease process.

Advances and current concepts in reconstructive surgery for breast cancer

In this article, we report on recent advancements in reconstructive care of the breast cancer patient. New developments in sensate breast reconstruction to help address the problem of numbness after mastectomy have emerged and show promise. Methods to restore lymphatic physiologic flow after axillary lymphadenectomy using supermicrosurgical techniques have begun to show benefit by reducing the short-term incidence of breast cancer related lymphedema (BRCL). Breast implant safety has received significant recent attention and we explore the emergence of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) and its implications for the breast cancer patient and their multidisciplinary care team.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma: Current Understanding and Recommendations for Management

Worldwide, millions of women live with breast implants. Therefore, it is important that physicians be aware of an uncommon but possibly serious complication arising from breast implants: breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma most commonly presents as a delayed fluid collection around a textured breast implant or as a mass in the capsule surrounding the implant. The exact pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear. The neoplastic cells of BIA-ALCL show strong uniform staining for CD30 and are consistently negative for activin receptor-like kinase 1. Patients with confirmed cases should be referred to a lymphoma specialist or breast medical oncologist for a complete oncologic evaluation before any surgical intervention. For disease confined to the fluid accumulation or capsule, or both, surgical removal of the implant and complete capsulectomy is the preferred treatment. Postoperative chemotherapy or radiation, or both, are not considered necessary for patients with limited-stage disease and are reserved for advanced disease stages. Generally, BIA-ALCL is a local disease that follows an indolent course and has an excellent prognosis. Although complete remission of disease has occurred in patients with BIA-ALCL, median overall survival is reduced. As of March 2018, approximately 529 unique, confirmed BIA-ALCL cases had been reported in 23 countries. To date, 16 patients have died from BIA-ALCL, and all had extracapsular involvement. The aim of this article is to summarize the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of BIA-ALCL, based on established guidelines, for all practitioners who may care for patients with breast implants.

Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Review with Emphasis on the Role of Brentuximab Vedotin

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a recently recognized complication of textured breast implants. It typically presents as unilateral peri-implant swelling approximately 7-10 years after implantation. While the course is usually indolent, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma may form a locally invasive mass and metastasize to regional lymph nodes or beyond to distant sites. Surgical excision has been well established as the standard of care for localized disease; however, guidelines directing management of advanced, recurrent or unresectable disease are based on limited and extrapolated evidence. The CD30-targeting immunoconjugate, brentuximab vedotin, has been utilized in this setting, typically in combination with chemotherapy. We recently reported a patient with unresectable breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma who was treated with brentuximab vedotin monotherapy and has now sustained complete remission for 2.6 years. Herein, we provide an up-to-date review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and management of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma with emphasis on the role of brentuximab vedotin.

Risk of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in a cohort of 3546 women prospectively followed long term after reconstruction with textured breast implants

BACKGROUND

The risk of BIA-ALCL for patients with textured breast implants has been estimated between 1/2832 and 1/30,000 women. Existing studies estimating the numbers exposed and at risk, may have under reported cases, and/or lacked comprehensive follow-up. Our objective is to determine the risk of BIA-ALCL in a defined cohort of patients reconstructed with macro-textured breast implants and consistently followed long-term.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent breast reconstruction by a single surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) from December 1992 to December 2017. Major events related to implants were prospectively recorded. We identified cases of BIA-ALCL by cross-checking clinical, pathology and external records data. Patients were followed until lymphoma occurrence or last follow-up. The primary outcomes were incidence rate per person-years and cumulative incidence.

RESULTS

From 1992 to 2017, 3546 patients underwent 6023 breast reconstructions, mainly after breast cancer removal, or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, using macro-textured surface expanders and implants. All reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon (PGC). Median follow-up was 8.1 years (range, 3 months - 30.9 years). Ten women, 1/354, developed ALCL after a median exposure of 11.5 years (range, 7.4-15.8 years). Overall risk of BIA-ALCL in our cohort is 1/355 women or 0.311 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0.118 to 0.503).

DISCUSSION

This study, the first to evaluate the risk of macro-textured breast implants from a prospective database with long term follow-up, demonstrates that the incidence rate of BIA-ALCL may be higher than previously reported. These results can help inform implant choice for women undergoing breast reconstruction.

Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Review and Multiparametric Imaging Paradigms

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a new provisional category in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoid neoplasms, and its incidence is rising owing to increasing recognition of this complication of breast implant insertion. At a median of 10 years after implant insertion, the typical presenting features are sudden-onset breast swelling secondary to peri-implant effusion and less frequently mass-forming disease. Histologic features comprise pleomorphic cells expressing CD30 and negative anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor, similar to systemic and cutaneous ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The effusion-only subtype is generally indolent and curable with surgery, unlike the more aggressive mass-forming disease, for which systemic therapy is advocated. High clinical suspicion and pertinent use of radiologic and pathology modalities are essential for timely and accurate diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. Contemporary imaging techniques including US, mammography, breast MRI, CT, and PET/CT are routinely used in breast disease and lymphomas; however, the unique behavior of BIA-ALCL presents significant diagnostic and radiologic interpretative challenges, with numerous nuanced imaging features being pertinent, and current lymphoma staging and response guidelines are not easily applicable to BIA-ALCL. The authors evaluate available evidence in this evolving field; detail key indications, strengths, and limitations of the panoply of radiologic techniques for BIA-ALCL; and propose multiparametric imaging paradigms for management of the peri-implant effusion and mass-forming or advanced disease subtypes, with the goal of accurate optimal patient care. The authors also predict a future model of multimodal assessment using novel imaging and molecular techniques and define key research directions. ^©RSNA, 2020.

Best Practices Guideline for the Pathologic Diagnosis of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

To provide guidelines for the accurate pathologic diagnosis of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), the preoperative evaluation of the patient with suspected BIA-ALCL, and the pathologic evaluation of the capsulectomy specimen.

METHODS

To better inform patients and healthcare providers about BIA-ALCL, we convened to review diagnostic procedures used in the evaluation of patients with suspected BIA-ALCL. We focused on the processing of the seroma fluid/effusion surrounding the implant, the handling of capsulectomy specimens following removal of implant(s), and the preoperative evaluation of the patient with suspected BIA-ALCL. Recommendations were based on the published literature and our experience to optimize procedures to obtain an accurate diagnosis and assess for tumor invasion and the extent of the disease.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Early diagnosis of BIA-ALCL is important as the disease can progress and deaths have been reported. Because the most common presentation of BIA-ALCL is swelling of the breast with fluid collection, an accurate diagnosis requires cytologic evaluation of the effusion fluid surrounding the affected implant. The first priority is cytocentrifugation and filtration of fresh, unfixed effusion fluid to produce air-dried smears that are stained with Wright-Giemsa or other Romanowsky-type stains. Preparation of a cell block is desirable to allow for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded histologic sections. Cell block sections can be used for polymerase chain reaction-based investigation of T-cell receptor gene rearrangement to detect clonality. Fixation and mapping of the capsulectomy specimen to select multiple representative sections are advised to assess for microscopic tumor involvement and capsular invasion. It is appropriate to assess lymph node involvement by excisional biopsy material rather than fine needle aspiration, due to propensity for focal involvement.

Is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma a hazard of breast implant surgery?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) may occur after reconstructive or aesthetic breast surgery. Worldwide, approximately 1.7 million breast implant surgeries are performed each year. To date, over 500 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported around the world, with 16 women having died. This review highlights the most important facts surrounding BIA-ALCL. There is no consensus regarding the true incidence rate of BIA-ALCL as it varies between countries, is probably significantly under-reported and is difficult to estimate due to the true number of breast prostheses used largely being unknown. BIA-ALCL develops in the breast mostly as a seroma surrounding the implant, but contained within the fibrous capsule, or more rarely as a solid mass that can become invasive infiltrating the chest wall and muscle, in some instances spreading to adjacent lymph nodes, in these cases having a far worse prognosis. The causation of BIA-ALCL remains to be established, but it has been proposed that chronic infection and/or implant toxins may be involved. What is clear is that complete capsulectomy is required for treatment of BIA-ALCL, which for early-stage disease leads to cure, whereas chemotherapy is needed for advanced-stage disease, whereby improved results have been reported with the use of brentuximab. A worldwide database for BIA-ALCL and implants should be supported by local governments.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma of the Breast Arising in a Burn Cicatrix

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a T cell lymphoma characterized by large anaplastic cells with diffuse and uniform CD30 reactivity. Here, we report a patient with no prior implant history who developed anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1-negative ALCL within a burn cicatrix on a breast. We hypothesize that the chronic inflammation caused by burn injury and the patient's history of immunosuppression secondary to organ transplantation may have contributed to development of ALCL in this patient. This report supports the essential role of chronic inflammation in the development of ALCL in the breast. Level of Evidence: 5.

Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Affecting a Neosubpectoral Pocket

The complications associated with breast implants are under perpetual scrutiny to maximize patient safety. In this era of plastic surgery, a new concern being addressed is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Patients with BIA-ALCL most commonly present several years after implant placement with a periprosthetic fluid collection. The body of literature and reports of BIA-ALCL continues to grow with additional nuances in proposed causes as well as management. Most recently, this has led to a recall of breast implants manufactured utilizing a specific texturing. We describe here the time course, diagnosis, and management of BIA-ALCL in a 52-year-old patient who underwent submuscular implant-based reconstruction and subsequent revision of that reconstruction with the creation of a neosubpectoral pocket. The patient was managed in accordance with current guidelines under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team. In our review of the literature, several case reports, case series, and guideline publications were identified. Current guidelines for management are based on the staging of BIA-ALCL at diagnosis and span from only surgical with implant removal, excision of the lymphoma, and excision of the surrounding fibrous capsule to addition of chemotherapeutic regimens or radiation for distant and locally advanced disease. 

A proposal for pathologic processing of breast implant capsules in patients with suspected breast implant anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Breast implant anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an entity recently recognized by the World Health Organization. The tumor arises around textured-surface breast implants and is usually confined to the surrounding fibrous capsule. Currently, there are no recommendations for handling and sampling of capsules from patients with suspected breast implant anaplastic large cell lymphoma without a grossly identifiable tumor. We analyzed complete capsulectomies without distinct gross lesions from patients with breast implant anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The gross appearance of the capsules as well as the presence, extent and depth of tumor cells on the luminal side and number of sections involved by lymphoma were determined by review of routine stains and CD30 immunohistochemistry. We then used a mathematical model that included the extent of tumor cells and number of positive sections to calculate the minimum number of sections required to identify 95% of randomly distributed lesions. We identified 50 patients with breast implant anaplastic large cell lymphoma who had complete capsulectomies. The implants were textured in all 32 (100%) cases with available information. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma was found in 44/50 (88%) capsules; no tumor was found in six (12%) patients who had lymphoma cells only in the effusion. The median number of sections reviewed was 20 (range, 2-240), the median percentage of sections involved by tumor was 6% (range, 0-90%), and the median percentage of sections involved by lymphoma was 10% (range, 0-90%). Invasion deep into or through the capsule was identified in 18/50 (36%) patients. In patients with breast implant anaplastic large cell lymphoma without a grossly identifiable tumor we identified a spectrum of involvement and we propose a protocol for handling, sampling and reporting these cases. The number of sections to exclude the presence of lymphoma with more than 95% certainty was supported by a mathematic rationale.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the Textured Breast Implant Crisis

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon T-cell, CD-30+/ALK lymphoma. Late (9 years) periprosthetic fluid (seroma) is the most common presentation (90% of the cases). A combination of textured breast implant, bacterial contamination, and genetic predisposition seems to be necessary for BIA-ALCL to occur. There are 35 million patients with implants in the world, and at the present moment, 573 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL in Australia varies from 1:2832 to 1:86,029, with texture grades 3 and 4 seeming to pose a higher risk than grades 2 and 1. NCCN has established guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and early diagnosis is the key to cure. At an early stage and for the vast majority of patients, the treatment consists of capsulectomy and implant removal. However, at stages II to IV, a systemic treatment is warranted, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy (residual disease), and brentuximab vedotin. The majority of patients can be cured, and complete capsular removal is the most important factor. So far, 33 patients have died from BIA-ALCL worldwide, with deaths related to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Textured implants have been in the midst of the current implant crisis, and Biocell was recalled worldwide after the latest FDA update on the disease. At the present moment, no medical society or regulatory agency has recommended implant removal. It is about time that we start robust breast implant registries to determine risks. Besides, based on scientific criteria, we must consider all the benefits and risks associated with the available breast devices.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Invited Discussion on: Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the Textured Implant Crisis

The author discusses some important points about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and adds new and updated information about the disease (ALCL). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Validation of a CD30 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay for the Rapid Detection of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the fluid or capsule adjacent to textured breast implants. Diagnosis of BIA-ALCL of symptomatic patients requires demonstration of large anaplastic cells with uniform expression of CD30 protein on immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated a novel, rapid, office-based, and economic in-situ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for screening BIA-ALCL patients.

METHODS

A commercially available in-situ ELISA was standardized and validated for patients with confirmed BIA-ALCL diagnosis with clinical isolates. A panel of 9 pathologically confirmed BIA-ALCL patients was screened by serum, plasma, and periprosthetic effusion specimens and compared against serum, plasma, and nonneoplastic delayed seromas in 7 control patients. Statistical analysis demonstrated assay consistency and reliability.

RESULTS

All BIA-ALCL effusions demonstrated CD30 ELISA detection at full and all serial concentrations. BIA-ALCL serum specimens and all control specimens were negative at full concentration and serial dilutions (1:100, 1:250, 1:500, and 1:1000). BIA-ALCL plasma specimens were weakly positive at full concentration and revealed no activity with serial dilution.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate a viable alternative to CD30 immunohistochemistry for the screening of BIA-ALCL. Our study demonstrates 100% sensitivity in seroma fluid with no detectable CD30 in benign seroma samples. A CD30 ELISA represents a novel, low-cost screening test, which may be used to screen suspicious aspirations of delayed periprosthetic fluid collections in an office-based setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Reconsideration of the first recognition of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A critical review of the literature

The current literature credits Keech and Creech with the first report of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in 1997. Here we discuss what we consider is the first ever description of BIA-ALCL, a recently recognized entity by the WHO. We unearthed the description of a patient that was diagnosed with primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), surrounding a breast implant in 1996. In light of the current state of knowledge, we evaluated the evidence presented in 1996 and consider that BIA-ALCL is a more appropriate diagnosis rather than PEL. We base our proposal on the following features: 1). clinical presentation of effusion around a breast implant, 2). occurring in an HIV negative patient, 3). absence of EBV co-infection, and 4). a historically questionable demonstration of HHV8. In effect we further support that HHV8 is not related with BIA-ALCL based on the following facts: 1). An extensive review of the literature did not disclose a similar case in the next 24 years, 2). Use of state of the art HHV8 by immunohistochemistry did not disclose any positive case among 30 randomly tested cases. We believe this matter is of importance because in the current WHO, the assertion that PEL is a possible complication of breast implants may lead to a diagnosis with poor prognosis and susceptible of morbidity related with aggressive therapy, in contrast with BIA-ALCL that can be cured with surgery alone.

Stage IV Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large-cell Lymphoma with Complete Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare lymphoma that has been associated with textured breast implants. Most cases present as a delayed (>1 year) seroma, which can be aspirated for diagnosis. Fewer patients present with masses or skin signs. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment for this form of lymphoma. For advanced disease, treatment is multidisciplinary and incorporates adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and potentially, the immunotherapeutic agent brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate. However, relapse rates are high among patients with peripheral ALCL. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman who developed BIA-ALCL 13 years after augmentation with silicone, textured implants and had a complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (hydroxydaunomycin), vincristine (Oncovin), etoposide, prednisolone (CHOEP) at time of bilateral removal of implants and capsules. CHOEP is a long-standing regimen for treatment of peripheral ALCL and is a suggested regimen for treatment of BIA-ALCL. This case report is the first to demonstrate the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of BIA-ALCL and suggests a role for its use in advanced disease.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A comprehensive review

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a recently recognized non-Hodgkin lymphoma of T-cell origin. Despite the low incidence of this new disease, the increasing use of breast implants for cosmetic or post-mastectomy reconstruction purposes places BIA-ALC as an emerging and compelling medical challenge. The real BIA-ALCL pathogenesis has not been fully uncovered so far, while different putative causal factors have been proposed. Breast implants with textured surfaces seem to be associated with nearly all cases of BIA-ALCL, while the real the risk of disease development has not been well estimated so far. Late onset, persistent seroma around breast implant represents the classical clinical presentation. Most of the BIA-ALCL patients presents with localized disease, which confers an excellent prognosis. Unlike other non-Hodgkin lymphomas, surgical excision of the mass has a key role in the treatment. For patients with advanced and disseminated diseases, the treatment did not differ from other types of T-cell lymphoma. For these reasons, BIA-ALCL represents an emerging disease which requires multidisciplinary team approach to well define diagnostic workup and treatment for each patient. This review article aims to summarize available data on BIA-ALCL. First, we will outline available data on BIA-ALCL epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic work-up, and treatment. Second, we will point out the potential psychological implications as well as the risk of perception distortion for women with breast implants, especially for those with previous breast cancer. Lastly, we will summarize the current national recommendations regarding textured breast implants and discuss the diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for BIA-ALCL management.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and effusions: A review with emphasis on the role of cytopathology

Breast implants are surgically implanted by the hundreds of thousands every year worldwide for reconstructive or aesthetic purposes. Complications related to breast implants include early and late effusions that are often submitted for cytopathological analysis, particularly to exclude the possibility of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare disease that generally follows an indolent clinical course, although it is becoming clearer that a subset of patients with adverse features have a poorer prognosis. Since a late-onset breast implant-associated effusion is the most common initial presentation of BIA-ALCL, cytopathological analysis of these effusions is considered the cornerstone and gold standard for rapid, efficient, reliable diagnosis and is critical for appropriate management and treatment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently published clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of BIA-ALCL and stresses the essential role of cytopathological analysis, although it remains a matter of debate if all seromas should undergo immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry, particularly for assessment of expression of CD30 irrespective of morphological appearance on cytology. Herein, we review the current knowledge on BIA-ALCL, review the key cytological findings of reactive and malignant effusions related to breast implants, and present a comprehensive cytopathological workup with the presence of atypical cells as the key and pivotal element triggering further ancillary studies. We believe this approach will ensure appropriate and cost-effective management of effusion specimens from breast implants.

Lymphomas arising in immune-privileged sites: insights into biology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis

Session 2 of the 2018 European Association of Hematopathology/Society for Hematopathology Workshop focused on lymphomas arising in immune-privileged sites: both lymphomas arising in the traditionally described "immune sanctuary" sites of the central nervous system (CNS) and testes, as well as those arising at sites of local immune privilege. Primary CNS large B cell lymphoma and primary testicular large B cell lymphoma were discussed, and the biology of these unique tumors was highlighted by several cases showing the classic mutation profile including MYD88 L265P and CD79B. The tendency of these tumors to involve both the CNS and testis was also reinforced by several cases. Four cases of low-grade B cell lymphomas (LGBCL) of the CNS were discussed. Two were classic Bing-Neel syndrome associated with LPL, and two were LGBCL with plasmacytic differentiation and amyloid deposition without systemic disease. Rare examples of systemic T and NK cell lymphomas involving the CNS were also discussed. Several cases of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) were submitted showing the typical clinicopathologic features. These cases were discussed along with a case with analogous features arising in a patient with a gastric band implant, as well as large B cell lymphomas arising alongside foreign materials. Finally, large B cell lymphomas arising in effusions or localized sites of chronic inflammation (fibrin-associated diffuse large B cell lymphoma [DLBCL] and DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation) were described. The pathogenesis of all of these lymphomas is believed to be related to decreased immune surveillance, either innate to the physiology of the organ or acquired at a local site.

Pathology and genetics of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas are a rare subtype of peripheral/mature T-cell lymphomas which are clinically, pathologically and genetically heterogeneous. Both ALK-positive (ALK+) and ALK-negative (ALK-) ALCL are composed of large lymphoid cells with abundant cytoplasm and pleomorphic features with horseshoe-shaped and reniform nuclei. ALK+ ALCL were considered as a definite entity in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. ALK-ALCL was included as a provisional entity in the WHO 2008 edition and in the most recent 2017 edition, it is now considered a distinct entity that includes cytogenetic subsets that appear to have prognostic implications (e.g. 6p25 rearrangements at IRF4/DUSP22 locus). ALK+ ALCLs are distinct in epidemiology and pathogenetic origin and should be distinguished from ALK-ALCL, cutaneous ALCL and breast implant associated ALCL which have distinct clinical course and pathogenetic features. Breast implant-associated ALCL is now recognized as a new provisional entity distinct from other ALK-ALCL; notably that it is a noninvasive disease associated with excellent outcome. In this article, we will provide an overview of the salient themes relevant to the pathology and genetic mechanisms in ALCL.

ALCL by any other name: the many facets of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) encompass a group of CD30(+) non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphomas. While the different subtypes of ALCLs may share overlapping clinical patient demographics as well as histological and immunohistochemical phenotypes, these tumours can drastically differ in clinical behaviour and genetic profiles. Currently, four distinct ALCL entities are recognised in the 2016 WHO classification: anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)(+), ALK(-), primary cutaneous and breast implant-associated. ALK(+) ALCL demonstrates a spectrum of cell cytology ranging from small to large lymphoma cells and characteristic 'hallmark' cells. ALK(+) ALCL consistently demonstrates ALK gene rearrangements and carries a favourable prognosis. ALK(-) ALCL morphologically and immunohistochemically mimics ALK(+) ALCL but lacks the ALK gene rearrangement. ALK(-) ALCLs are associated with variable prognoses depending on specific gene rearrangements; while DUSP22-rearranged cases have favourable outcomes similar to ALK(+) ALCLs, cases with p63 rearrangements carry a dismal prognosis and 'triple-negative' cases (those lacking ALK, DUSP22 and TP63 rearrangements) have an intermediate prognosis. Primary cutaneous ALCL presents as a skin lesion, lacks the ALK gene translocation and carries a favourable prognosis, similar or superior to ALK(+) ALCL. Breast implant-associated ALCL presents as a seroma with a median of 8-10 years after implant placement, lacks the ALK gene translocation and has an overall favourable but variable prognosis, depending on extent of disease at diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we present the clinical, pathological and genetic features of the ALCLs with emphasis on practical points and differential diagnoses for practising pathologists.

The First Confirmed Case of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Hawai'i

A 78-year-old woman within 3 years of of bilateral silicone gel breast implants for breast reconstruction due to breast cancer presented with heaviness and swelling in her right breast. Cytology of the aspirated fluid confirmed breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), and the patient underwent removal of implant and total capsulectomy. Breast implantassociated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare entity, but if diagnosed early is a curable condition. This paper presents the first confirmed case of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in Hawai'i.

Finding Consensus After Two Decades of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an emerging and indolent, but potentially fatal cancer of the immune system that can develop around textured-surface breast implants. The World Health Organization first recognized BIA-ALCL as a unique clinical entity in 2016. To date, over 600 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide. BIA-ALCL most commonly presents with disease confined to the capsule, as a seroma or a mass adjacent to the implant. While BIA-ALCL has a fairly indolent clinical course, with an excellent prognosis in early stage disease, disseminated cancer and death have also been reported. In this review, the authors focus on the early diagnosis and treatment, including reconstructing the breast following BIA-ALCL, and also discuss recently updated National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. They also review the current epidemiology and risk factors associated with BIA-ALCL. Finally, they discuss important medicolegal considerations and the bioethics surrounding the continued use of textured-surface breast implants.

[Revised WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, 2017 (4th edition):lymphoid tumors]

The paper is devoted to changes in the 4^th edition of the WHO classification of lymphoid tumors in the 2017 revision, to the principles of the structure and features of the classification. It discusses changes in the identification of new clinical and morphological categories and in the abolition of some previously existing ones. New information about lymphoid tumors, their immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics of classification importance are briefly outlined. The absolute need for molecular genetic studies for the diagnosis of certain lymphoproliferative diseases is underlined. The characteristics of lymphoid pretumor states are given.

Cell of Origin and Immunologic Events in the Pathogenesis of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a CD30-positive, anaplastic lymphoma kinase–negative T-cell lymphoma. Nearly all cases have been associated with textured implants. Most cases are of effusion-limited, indolent disease, with an excellent prognosis after implant and capsule removal. However, capsular invasion and tumor mass have a more aggressive course and a fatal outcome risk. This review summarizes the current knowledge on BIA-ALCL cell of origin and immunologic factors underlying its pathogenesis. Cytokine expression profiling of BIA-ALCL cell lines and clinical specimens reveals a predominantly type 17 helper T-cell (Th17)/Th1 signature, implicating this as its cell of origin. However, a Th2 allergic inflammatory response is suggested by the presence of IL-13, with infiltration of eosinophils and IgE-coated mast cells in clinical specimens of BIA-ALCL. The microenvironment-induced T-cell plasticity, a factor increasingly appreciated, may partially explain these divergent results. Mutations resulting in constitutive Janus kinase (JAK)–STAT activation have been detected and associated with BIA-ALCL pathogenesis in a small number of cases. One possible scenario is that an inflammatory microenvironment stimulates an immune response, followed by polyclonal expansion of Th17/Th1 cell subsets with release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and accumulation of seroma. JAK-STAT3 gain-of-function mutations within this pathway and others may subsequently lead to monoclonal T-cell proliferation and clinical BIA-ALCL. Current research suggests that therapies targeting JAK proteins warrant investigation in BIA-ALCL.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): an overview of presentation and pathogenesis and guidelines for pathological diagnosis and management

AIMS

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon complication associated largely with textured implants. It is important that the symptoms associated with BIA-ALCL are recognised and that robust pathways are in place to establish the diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to review what is known of the incidence of the disease, current thoughts on pathogenesis, patterns of presentation and pathological features to provide standard guidelines for its diagnosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Systematic review of the literature via PubMed covering cases series, modes of presentation, cytological, histological and immunohistochemical features and disease outcome. Since 1997, 518 cases throughout 25 countries have been registered on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons PROFILE registry, with an estimated risk for women with an implant of one to three per million per year. It most frequently presents as a late-onset accumulation of seroma fluid, sometimes as a mass lesion. The neoplastic cells are highly atypical, consistently strongly positive for CD30, with 43-90% also positive for EMA, and all are ALK-negative. Behaviour is best predicted using a staging system for solid tumours.

CONCLUSION

BIA-ALCL is a rare but important complication of breast implants. While characterised by CD30-positive neoplastic cells this must be interpreted with care, and we provide pathological guidelines for the robust diagnosis of this lesion as well as the most appropriate staging system and management strategies. Finally, in order to generate more accurate data on incidence, we recommend mechanisms for the routine central reporting of all cases.

Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

There has been increasing evidence in recent years that breast implants can, in rare cases, be associated with the development of an anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL).

METHODS

This review is based on relevant publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed for articles that appeared from the time of the initial description of breast-implant-associated ALCL onward (1997 to January 2018), and by a further search in German nationwide databases.

RESULTS

516 pathologically confirmed cases of breast-implant-associated (BIA) ALCL were documented around the world until February 2018; seven of these arose in Germany and were reported to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM). In approximately 80% of the affected women, the BIA-ALCL manifested itself as a late-developing seroma at the implant site; in the rest, as a solid tumor with or without an accompanying seroma. The mean implant exposure time ranged from 7 to 13 years on average. 16 fatalities have been reported worldwide. Among the 7 cases reported in Germany, four women had undergone breast reconstruction with implants after breast cancer surgery, and two had undergone breast augmentation surgery. In all patients, the entire capsule-and-implant unit was resected. One patient underwent chemotherapy and one further patient underwent chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The risk that a woman with breast implants will develop a primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is estimated at 0.35 to 1 case per million persons per year. The incidence of implant-associated ALCL is thus very low, yet nevertheless markedly higher than that of other primary lymphomas of the breast. Because of the low case numbers, recommendations for the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of this entity have not been adequately evaluated. Treatment with primary curative intent for BIA-ALCL confers a much better prognosis than when performed for a systemic ALCL. Whenever a patient with a breast implant presents with a late-developing seroma, BIA-ALCL should be included in the differential diagnosis. This diagnosis is reportable.

Differences in Human Leukocyte Antigen Expression Between Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Patients and the General Population

BACKGROUND

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon T-cell lymphoma associated with textured-surface breast implants. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms have been described with other forms of lymphoma, but have not been described for BIA-ALCL.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate HLA polymorphisms in BIA-ALCL patients.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated HLA alleles in patients with BIA-ALCL. HLA was analyzed by probe-based sequence-specific testing and sequence-based typing. The frequencies of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 alleles were evaluated. Allele frequencies in the Caucasian European general population were obtained from the National Marrow Donor Program to serve as normative controls. We estimated the relative risk of BIA-ALCL with 95% confidence intervals from a t test.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients who had undergone BIA-ALCL and HLA testing were identified from 2017 to 2018. Patients carried 10, 11, and 9 HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C alleles, respectively. There were 8 DRB1 alleles and 5 DQB1 alleles in the BIA-ALCL patients. The A*26 allele occurred significantly more frequently in the general population compared with BIA-ALCL patients (0.2992 vs 0.07692, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results identify a difference between HLA A*26 in patients who develop BIA-ALCL and the general population, and may signify genetic susceptibility factors responsible for germline genetic variation in HLA in patients with BIA-ALCL. Further work is needed to elucidate if these alleles are predictive for BIA-ALCL in women with textured-surface breast implants.Level of Evidence: 4.

[Revised version of the 4th edition of the WHO classification of malignant lymphomas : What is new?]

After 8 years, the WHO has now published the updated version of the 4th edition of the classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors. This update provides a conceptual rewrite of existing entities as well as some new provisional entities and categories, particularly among the aggressive B‑cell lymphomas. Important new diagnostic categories include the high-grade B‑cell lymphomas, the large B‑cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement, and the Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberrations. Of particular importance, new concepts concerning the taxonomy and classification of early lymphoid lesions or precursor lesions are included, such as the in situ follicular neoplasia or the in situ mantle cell neoplasia. In addition, the concept of indolent lymphoproliferations, such as breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and the indolent T‑cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, has been strengthened. Finally, diagnostic criteria for existing lymphoma entities have been refined.

Aggressive T-cell lymphomas: 2019 updates on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management

INTRODUCTION

Aggressive T-cell lymphomas continue to have a poor prognosis. There are over 27 different subtypes of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and we are now beginning to understand the differences between the various subtypes beyond histologic variations.

MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS OF VARIOUS SUBTYPES OF PTCL

Gene expression profiling can help in diagnosis and prognostication of various subtypes including PTCL-nos and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. In addition, mutational analysis is now being incorporated in clinical trials of novel agents to evaluate various biomarkers of response to allow better therapeutic choices for patients.

TARGETED THERAPIES

There are many targeted agents currently in various stages of clinical trials for PTCL that take advantage of the differential expression of specific proteins or receptors in PTCL tumors. The most promising is the CD30 directed antibody drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin. This has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the upfront treatment of CD30 expressing PTCLs in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone chemotherapy. Other notable targets are CD25, CCR4 tag, PI3kinase inhibitors, and JAK/STAT inhibitors. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors are promising for ALK expressing tumors.

IMMUNOTHERAPIES

The use of checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of PTCL is still controversial. The most promising results have been seen in cases of extranodal natural killer cell/T-cell lymphomas and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. For all other subtypes, immune checkpoint inhibitors should be used with extreme caution and only in the context of a clinical trial. Allogeneic stem cell transplant continues to be the curative therapy for most aggressive subtypes of PTCL.