Breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion: a definition supported by a long-term study of 1248 serially sectioned ductal carcinomas

Racial disparities in disease-specific mortality and surgical management of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Given persistent racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, this study explores racial differences in disease-specific mortality and surgical management among patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS-MI).

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program was queried for patients aged 18+ years with DCIS-MI between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. The study cohort was divided into non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients. Disease-specific mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

A total of 3400 patients were identified, of which 569 (16.7%) were NHB and 2831 (83.3%) were NHW. Compared with NHW patients, NHB patients had more positive lymph nodes (7.6% vs. 3.9% p < 0.001). In addition, NHB women were more likely to undergo axillary lymph node dissection (6.0% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.044) and receive chemotherapy (11.8% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001). There were no racial differences in breast surgery type (p = 0.168), reconstructive surgery (p = 0.362), or radiation therapy (p = 0.342). Overall, NHB patients had worse disease-specific mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-4.14) with mortality risks diverging from NHW women after 3 years (6 years rate ratio [RR] 2.12, 95% CI: 1.13-4.34; 9 years RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.24-4.35).

CONCLUSIONS

NHB women with DCIS-MI present with higher nodal disease burden and experience worse disease-specific mortality than NHW women.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Postoperative Adjuvant Therapy for HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma in Situ with Microinvasion

A retrospective study on 90 eligible HER2+ ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) patients was performed with a median follow-up time of 57 months. The baseline was consistent between the 4-cycle and 6-cycle chemotherapy groups. There were more patients with multiple foci of micrometastasis in the target therapy group in the two groups with or without target therapy (p < 0.01). Postoperative chemotherapy with a 4-cycle regimen can achieve the expected therapeutic effect in patients with HER2+ DCIS-MI, but the role of target therapy in HER2+ DCIS-MI patients has not been confirmed.

More microinvasive foci in larger tumours of breast ductal carcinoma in situ

Introduction

Microinvasion (Mi) is often thought to be an interim stage between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the potential influence of Mi on survival and assess its correlations with clinicopathological parameters, prognosis and molecular markers.

Methods

The number of Mi foci in a cohort of 66 DCIS-Mi cases was assessed from haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Disease-free survival, clinicopathological parameters and biomarker expression were correlated with the number of Mi foci.

Results

Higher numbers of Mi foci were found in larger tumours (P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Greater extent of DCIS is associated with multifocal Mi.

Clinicopathological characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion: A narrative review

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) is defined as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with a microscopic invasive focus ≤1 mm in the longest diameter. The current literature is controversial concerning the clinical prognostic features and management of DCIS-MI. This narrative review described recently reported literature regarding the characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of it.

Methods

Searching PubMed for relevant articles covering the period of 1982 to 2021 using the following terms by MeSH and free-word: breast cancer, microinvasion, DCIS, DCIS-MI, and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

Results

DCIS-MI tends to express more aggressive pathological features such as necrosis, HER2+, ER- or PR-, and high nuclear grade. The overall prognosis of DCIS-MI is typically good, however, some indicators such as young age, HR-, HER2+ and multimicroinvasive lesions, were associated with worse prognoses. And there are also conflicting results on the differences between the prognoses of DCIS-MI and DCIS or T1a-IDC. Postoperative chemotherapy and anti-HER2 therapy still have uncertain benefits and are more likely to be used to treat high-risk patients who are HR- orHER2+ to improve the prognosis.

Conclusion

DCIS-MI has more aggressive pathological features, which may suggest its biological behavior is worse than that of DCIS and similar to early IDC. Although the overall prognosis of DCIS-MI is good, when making decisions about adjuvant therapy clinicians need to give priority to the hormone receptor status, HER2 expression and axillary lymph node status of patients, because these may affect the prognosis and treatment response.

Intraoperative diagnosis of «sentinel» lymph nodes in the patients with mammary gland cancer

Objective. To improve intraoperative determination of «sentinel» lymph nodes in patients, suffering mammary gland cancer. Materials and methods. In the 2016 – 2021 yrs period on the base of the Odessa Regional Clinical Hospital 200 patients, suffering mammary gland cancer Stages Т1–Т3N0М0, were operated, using two dyes: the blue patented dye and fluorescent dye indocyanine green. All the patients were distributed into two groups. In Group I in 100 patients the "sentinel" lymph nodes biopsy was conducted. The blue patented dye was used for the lymph nodes staining. The same was conducted in 100 patients of Group II with the "sentinel" lymph nodes biopsy. For the lymph nodes staining there were applied the blue patented dye and fluorescent dye indocyanine green, which were introduced intravenously into the upper extremity on the side of the affected mammary gland along outflow from the upper extremity to mammary gland. Results. General five–year survival after axillary lympho–dissection and after biopsy of «sentinel» lymph nodes have constituted 91 and 92%, accordingly, while recurrence–free five–year survival – 82.2 and 83.9% accordingly. Only in 1.1% patient a regional recurrence in «sentinel» lymph nodes on the affected mammary gland side was revealed. In 57% patients the unaffected «sentinel» lymph nodes were diagnosed, that's why further lympho–dissection was accomplished. In 43% women–patients there was revealed metastatic affection of the lymph nodes. Recurrence was registered in 0.2% patients as an isolated metastases in axillary lymph nodes. Conclusion. The method of the «sentinel» lymph nodes diagnosis in mammary gland cancer, using the dyes, permits to escape the performance of traumatic operations in favor of organ–preserving interventions with biopsy of «sentinel» lymph nodes.

The presentation, management and outcome of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with microinvasion (invasion ≤1 mm in size)-results from the UK Sloane Project

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis, management and prognosis of microinvasive breast carcinoma remain controversial.

METHODS

We analysed the outcomes of patients with DCIS with and without microinvasion diagnosed between 2003 and 2012 within the Sloane project.

RESULTS

Microinvasion was recorded in 521 of 11,285 patients (4.6%), with considerable variation in reported incidence among screening units (0-25%). Microinvasion was associated with high-grade DCIS, larger DCIS size, comedo necrosis and solid, cribriform architecture (all P < 0.001). Microinvasion was more frequent in patients who underwent mastectomy compared with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) (6.9% vs 3.6%, P <  0.001), and in those undergoing axillary nodal surgery (60.4% vs 30.3%, P <  0.001) including the subset undergoing BCS (43.4% vs 8.5%, P < 0.001). Nodal metastasis rate was low and not statistically significant difference from the DCIS only group (P = 0.68). Following median follow-up of 110 months, 3% of patients had recurrent ipsilateral high-grade DCIS, and 4.2% developed invasive carcinoma. The subsequent ipsilateral invasion was of Grade 3 in 71.4% of patients with microinvasion vs 30.4% in DCIS without microinvasion (P = 0.02). Distant metastasis and breast cancer mortality were higher with microinvasion compared with DCIS only (1.2% vs 0.3%, P = 0.01 and 2.1% vs 0.8%; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher breast cancer mortality with microinvasion indicates a more aggressive disease.

Microinvasive breast cancer and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy

Whether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) should be performed in patients with microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC) has been a matter of debate over the last decade. MIBC has a favorable prognosis and while metastasis to the axilla is rare, it can impact treatment recommendations. In this study we evaluated clinical and histological features in both MIBC and background DCIS including ER, PR, and HER-2, number of foci of MIBC, the extent of the DCIS, nuclear grade, presence of comedo necrosis, as well as surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment and follow up to identify variables which predict disease free survival (DFS), as well as the factors which influence clinical decision making. Our study included 72 MIBC patients with a mean patient follow-up time of 55 months. Three patients with MIBC had recurrence, and two deceased, leaving five patients in total with poor long-term outcomes and a DFS rate of 93.1%. Performing mastectomy, high nuclear grade, and negativity for ER and HER-2 were found to be associated with the use of SLNB, although none of these variables were found to be associated with DFS. One positive lymph node case was discovered following SLNB in our study. This suggests the use of SLNB may provide diagnostic information to some patients, although these are the anomalies. When comparing patients who had undergone SLNB to those which had not there was no difference in DFS. Certainly, the use of SLNB in MIBC is quite the conundrum. It is important to acknowledge that surgical complications have been reported, and traditional metrics used for risk assessment in invasive breast cancer may not hold true in the setting of microinvasion.

Multiple Metastases of the Liver and Lung After Breast-Conserving Surgery for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Without Microinvasion of the Breast: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive disease that rarely causes distant metastasis. It is extremely rare for patients diagnosed with DCIS without microinvasion to develop distant metastasis in the absence of ipsilateral or contralateral breast recurrence. This is the first case report of multiple liver and lung metastases from DCIS after breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy.

Case Presentation

A 45-year-old woman who was diagnosed with DCIS and received breast-conserving surgery, radiotherapy, and sequential endocrine therapy developed multiple metastases in the liver and lung despite not having bilateral breast recurrence at the 62-month follow-up. Comprehensive advanced breast cancer therapy was administered but did not prevent the progression of metastatic foci in the liver.

Conclusions

This case shows the poor potential outcome in DCIS. Further research should be conducted on metastasis in DCIS; reexamination and monitoring are indispensable for patients diagnosed with DCIS.

National Cancer Institute Experience in Micro-invasive Breast Carcinoma Treatment and Outcome

AbstractBackground: Significant relationship between breast cancer immunophenotype and risk of recurrence either local and/or distant may help determine which patients might benefit more from axillary staging and whether axillary staging is warranted in all cases or not. Patients with microinvasive carcinoma can present with axillary LN. metastasis, with incidence ranges from 0% to 20% . Thus, sentinel node biopsies are considered for patients with microinvasive carcinoma. The role of axillary staging in MIBC is not well defined, with the rate of axillary L.N. metastases ranging 0–11 %. Current studies focus on the clinical characteristics of MIBC. However, only a few studies have evaluated the survival and treatment, especially adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery, for patients with MIBC.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 139 cases diagnosed with microinvasive breast carcinoma from 2011 to 2015 who were identified in the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. The pathologic database of our hospital was searched to identify patients with a pathologic diagnosis of MIBC on surgical specimens. The clinical features, sonographic and mammographic images and pathology records were reviewed.Results: There is increased incidence of MIBC over the past decade. Patients with MIBC were managed surgically with BCS. MIBC have the good prognosis. However, patients who are negative hormonal receptors have relatively substantial risk of relapse within the first 5 years after surgical operation. Adjuvant chemotherapy can only improve the outcomes of patients with negative hormonal receptors. Further studies with prolonged follow-up of large cohort are warranted to assess the prognostic significance and treatment of this lesion.Keywords: MIBC, CIS, DCIS, BC

The Role of Trastuzumab in Patients with HER2 Positive Small (pT1mi/a) Breast Cancers, a Multicenter Retrospective Study

Simple Summary

Treatment of small HER2+ breast cancers with adjuvant Trastuzumab is still controversial. This study aims to measure the effect of Trastuzumab in early stages of breast cancer (pT1mic/a pN0/1mi) in terms of disease recurrence and to identify which factors most affect the prognosis of small HER2+ tumors. We retrospectively selected and reviewed 100 HER2+ pT1mic-pT1a breast cancer patients with a median follow-up of 86 months. In our study the primary outcome was the disease recurrence rate, which appeared to be significantly lower among patients who received adjuvant Trastuzumab. Among the patients who did not receive adjuvant Trastuzumab, HR− HER2+ tumors showed a risk seven times higher of relapse. The results of our study indicate that adjuvant Trastuzumab reduces the risk of developing a disease recurrence even in small HER2+ tumors. Adjuvant targeted therapy should be considered in patients with HR− HER2+ tumors, the category with the highest risk of recurrence.

Abstract

The treatment with adjuvant Trastuzumab in patients diagnosed with HER2+ small breast cancers is controversial: limited prospective data from randomized trials is available. This study aims to measure the effect of Trastuzumab in the early stages of breast cancer (pT1mic/a pN0/1mi) in terms of disease recurrence and to identify which are the factors that most affect the prognosis of small HER2+ tumors. One hundred HER2+ pT1mic-pT1a breast cancer patients who were treated in three Turin Breast Units between January 1998 and December 2018 were retrospectively selected and reviewed. Trastuzumab was administered to 23 patients. Clinicopathological features and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between different subgroups. The primary outcome was the disease recurrence rate. Median follow-up time was 86 months. Compared to pT1a tumors, pT1mic lesions had a higher tumor grade (84% of pT1mic vs. 55% of pT1a; p = 0.003), a higher Ki-67 index (81% vs. 46%; p = 0.007) and were more frequently hormone receptor (HR) negative (69% vs. 36%, p = 0.001). Disease recurrence rate was significantly lower among patients who received adjuvant Trastuzumab (p = 0.02), with this therapy conferring an 85% reduction in the risk of relapse (HR 0.15; p = 0.02). Among the patients who did not receive adjuvant Trastuzumab, the only factor significantly associated with an increased risk of developing a recurrence was the immunohistochemical (IHC) subtype: in fact, HR− HER2+ tumors showed a risk seven times higher of relapsing (HR 7.29; p = 0.003). Adjuvant Trastuzumab appears to reduce the risk of disease recurrence even in small HER2+ tumors. The adjuvant targeted therapy should be considered in patients with HR− HER2+ tumors since they have the highest risk of recurrence, independently from size and grade.

Breast ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion versus ductal carcinoma in situ: a comparative analysis of clinicopathological and mammographic findings

AIM

To determine the differences in clinicopathological and mammographic findings between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion (DCIS-MI) and explore clinicopathological and mammographic factors associated with DCIS-MI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All DCIS patients with or without micro-invasion who underwent preoperative mammography at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 through June 2020 were identified retrospectively. The correlations of clinicopathological findings with DCIS-MI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Imaging findings were compared between the groups by using the Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 445 DCIS lesions and 151 DCIS-MI lesions were included in the final analysis. Large extent (≥2.7 cm), high nuclear grade, comedo-type, negative progesterone receptor (PR), negative oestrogen receptor (ER), high Ki-67 and axillary lymph node metastasis were more frequently found in DCIS-MI than in DCIS (all p<0.05), and the first four of these were found to be independent predictors of DCIS-MI in the multivariate analysis (all p<0.05). Regarding imaging findings, compared to DCIS, DCIS-MI showed fewer occult lesions and more lesions with calcifications in mass, asymmetry, and architectural distortion (p=0.004). Grouped calcifications were usually associated with DCIS, while regional calcifications were commonly found in DCIS-MI (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Large extent, high nuclear grade, comedo-type and negative PR were found to be independent predictors of DCIS-MI. Lesions with calcifications and regional calcifications were more likely associated with DCIS-MI on mammography.

Metastasis-suppressor NME1 controls the invasive switch of breast cancer by regulating MT1-MMP surface clearance

Membrane Type 1 Matrix Metalloprotease (MT1-MMP) contributes to the invasive progression of breast cancers by degrading extracellular matrix tissues. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase, NME1/NM23-H1, has been identified as a metastasis suppressor; however, its contribution to local invasion in breast cancer is not known. Here, we report that NME1 is up-regulated in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as compared to normal breast epithelial tissues. NME1 levels drop in microinvasive and invasive components of breast tumor cells relative to synchronous DCIS foci. We find a strong anti-correlation between NME1 and plasma membrane MT1-MMP levels in the invasive components of breast tumors, particularly in aggressive histological grade III and triple-negative breast cancers. Knockout of NME1 accelerates the invasive transition of breast tumors in the intraductal xenograft model. At the mechanistic level, we find that MT1-MMP, NME1 and dynamin-2, a GTPase known to require GTP production by NME1 for its membrane fission activity in the endocytic pathway, interact in clathrin-coated vesicles at the plasma membrane. Loss of NME1 function increases MT1-MMP surface levels by inhibiting endocytic clearance. As a consequence, the ECM degradation and invasive potentials of breast cancer cells are enhanced. This study identifies the down-modulation of NME1 as a potent driver of the in situ-to invasive transition during breast cancer progression.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion

Background

We analyzed the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) and breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Methods

We analyzed the records of 40 patients diagnosed with DCISM and 61 patients with DCIS who were hospitalized at Shengjing Hospital (Shenyang, China) from January 2009 to June 2016. The size, hardness, and degree of calcification of tumors were determined by mammography and ultrasonography.

Results

In all, 37 DCISM patients and 45 DCIS patients showed clinical palpable masses (92.5% vs 73.77%, P = 0.018). Mammography showed that the mean size of tumor was larger in DCISM patients than that of DCIS patients (3.13 ± 1.51 vs 2.68 ± 1.77, P = 0.030). Ultrasound examination revealed calcification shadows in the solid tumor mass in 17 DCISM cases and 11 DCIS patients (42.5 vs 18.03%, P = 0.007). Furthermore, estrogen receptor positivity and progesterone receptor positivity were more common in DCIS patients (32.5% vs 54.10%, P = 0.033; 22.5% vs 45.90%, P = 0.017), and the percentage of menopausal patients were higher in DCISM patients than that of DCIS patients (70.00% vs 47.54%, P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Clinically palpable and calcified tumor masses on sonography are more commonly encountered in DCISM lesions.

Multiple Microinvasion Foci in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Recurrence and Worse Survival Outcome

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) was defined as one or more foci of invasion beyond the basement membrane within 1 mm. The size of primary lesion is associated with axillary status and prognosis in patients with invasive breast cancer; thus, it is of interest to determine whether multiple foci of microinvasion are associated with a higher risk of positive axillary status or worse long-term outcomes in patients with DCISM.

Methods

This study identified 359 patients with DCISM who had undergone axillary evaluation at our institute from January 2006 to December 2015. Patients were categorized as one focus or multiple foci (≥2 foci) according to the pathological results. Clinicopathological features, axillary status, and disease-free survival rate were obtained and analyzed.

Results

Of 359 patients, 233 (64.90%) had one focus of microinvasion and 126 (35.10%) had multiple foci. Overall, 242 (67.41%) and 117 (32.59%) patients underwent sentinel lymph nodes biopsy (SLNB) and axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND), respectively. Isolated tumor cells were found in four (1.11%) patients and axillary metastasis rate was 2.51%. Neither axillary evaluation methods (P = 0.244) nor axillary metastasis rate (P = 0.559) was significantly different between patients with one focus and multiple foci. In univariate analysis, patients with multiple foci tended to have larger tumor size (P < 0.001), higher nuclear grade (P = 0.001), and higher rate of lymphatic vascular invasion (P = 0.034). Also, the proportion of positive HER2 (P = 0.027) and Ki67 level (P = 0.004) increased in patients with multiple foci, while in multivariate analysis, only tumor size showed significant difference (P = 0.009). Patients with multiple foci were more likely to receive chemotherapy (56.35 vs 40.77%; P = 0.028). At median 5.11 years follow-up, overall survival rate was 99.36%. Patients with multiple microinvasive foci had worse disease-free survival rate compared with one-focus patients (98.29 vs 93.01%, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Even though the numbers of microinvasion were different and patients with multiple foci of microinvasion tended to have larger tumor size, there was no higher risk of axillary involvement compared with patients with one focus of microinvasion, while patients with multiple microinvasive foci had worse DFS rate. Thus, DCISM patients with multiple foci of microinvasion may be the criterion for more aggressive local–regional treatment. Optimization of adjuvant therapy in DCISM patients is required.

Breast ductal Carcinoma in situ associated with microinvasion induces immunological response and predicts ipsilateral invasive recurrence

Although microinvasion (Mi) is often thought to be an interim stage between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and established invasive ductal carcinoma, survival outcomes and biological behaviour of DCIS-Mi are still poorly understood. This study investigated the potential influence of Mi on disease-free survival (DFS) and assessed its correlations with clinicopathological parameters, prognosis, molecular, and immune markers. CD4, CD8, forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), CD68, CD163, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and its ligand (PD-L1) expression in pure DCIS and DCIS-Mi, from a cohort of 198 patients, were determined by immunohistochemistry. DFS, clinicopathological parameters, immune markers, and biomarker expression were correlated with presence of Mi. Twelve out of 198 DCIS cases were associated with Mi. DCIS-Mi was significantly linked with ipsilateral invasive recurrence (p = 0.032). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that DCIS-Mi had worse DFS for ipsilateral invasive recurrence (p = 0.011) and this was affirmed by multivariate Cox regression analysis (95% CI 1.181-9.010, HR = 3.262, p = 0.023). DCIS-Mi was associated with higher densities of immune infiltrates positive for CD4 (p = 0.037), FOXP3 (p = 0.037), CD163 (p = 0.01), and PD-L1 (p = 0.015). This study demonstrated that DCIS-Mi was correlated with high densities of immune infiltrates and predicted ipsilateral invasive recurrence.

Clinical characteristics of breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion: a narrative review

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) is defined as the extension of cancer cells beyond the basement membrane into adjacent tissue with no focus larger than 1 mm or a maximum diameter of less than 1 mm for multiple invasive foci. DCIS-MI constitutes approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases and 5% to 10% of cases of DCIS. The current literature is controversial concerning the clinical prognostic features and management of DCIS-MI. This narrative review described recently reported literature regarding the characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of DCIS-MI.

Breast Microinvasive Carcinoma With Different Morphologies: Analysis of Clinicopathologic Features of 121 Cases

Purpose:

To investigate the clinicopathological features of patients with breast microinvasive carcinoma (MI).

Methods:

The clinical data of 121 cases with breast MI were retrospectively collected. The whole tumor in each case was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for pathological evaluation. The relationships among size of tumor, histological grade, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the number of MIs, type of MI, and lymph node metastasis were analyzed.

Results:

It was revealed that 86% of the cases had high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 63.6% had multiple MIs. The larger size of the tumors, the higher the grade of DCIS, the more the number of MIs; 3.3% of cases had rich TILs (lymphocyte/stroma > 30%) in the DCIS, and 26.5% had rich TILs in MIs. The type A of MIs is characterized by single cells and small clusters of solid cells. Tumor cells in type B of MIs can form glandular ducts. Formal grading of microinvasive is challenging/impossible due to its limited size precluding a representative mitotic count. But nuclear grade and tubule (differentiation) grades can be reported. In addition, 72.7% of cases had type A of MIs and 27.3% of cases had type B of MIs. Type B was found to be highly accompanied by moderate-grade DCIS. Only 6.6% of patients with MI had lymph node metastasis, which was mainly related to MIs with less TILs.

Conclusion:

Breast MI is easy to occur in high-grade DCIS, and multiple infiltration foci may be observed in case with tumor size of higher than 3.5 cm. Microinvasive carcinoma with poor TILs maybe a risk factor for lymph node metastasis in patient with DCIS-Mi.

Clinic-Pathological Features of Breast Ductal Carcinoma in Situ with Micro-Invasion

Background: To investigate the differences of clinic-pathological features among ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion (DCIS-MI) and early invasive carcinoma (IDC) in stage T1.Methods: From January 2014 to December 2018, 308 cases DCIS, DCIS-MI 92 cases and 111 cases of T1a, 343 cases of T1b, and 1032 cases of T1c were investigated in a retrospective analysis. The population and clinic-pathological characteristics including age, menstrual status, surgical mode, lymph node status and molecular markers were compared in each group. Survival rate of all patients were followed-up for 5 years.Results: Compared with DCIS-MI group, the higher breast-conserving rate and lower lymph node metastasis rate in the DCIS group were shown in the DCIS-MI group (p < .05). There were no significant differences in tumor diameter, number of tumors, ER, PR, HER2 and Ki67 expression, molecular typing, (p > .05). The expression of Ki67 in T1a, T1b and T1c groups increased gradually with elevated grades (p < .05). The proportion of HER2-positive patients in DCIS-MI group was significantly higher than that in T1a-b-c (p < .05). There were no significant differences in DFS and OS between the 3 groups (p > .05).Conclusions: The clinic-pathological features of DCIS-MI are similar to those of DCIS and T1a, but significantly different from T1c.

Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Analysis of 127 Cases

OBJECTIVES

To explore the characteristics of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on real-time grayscale contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging and the diagnostic value of CEUS in DCIS.

METHODS

A total of 127 histopathologically confirmed DCIS lesions and 124 fibroadenomas (FAs; controls) were subjected to conventional ultrasound and CEUS. Next, the CEUS findings of DCIS and FA lesions, including morphologic features and quantitative parameters, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Binary logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors from DCIS and FA lesions detected by CEUS. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound revealed significant differences between DCIS and FA. The wash-in time, enhancement mode, enhancement intensity, blood perfusion defects, peripheral high enhancement, enhancement scope, intratumoral vessels and their courses and dilatation degree, and penetrating vessels on CEUS were identified as features correlated with DCIS (P < .05). Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was developed, and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve of each index was generated, including the wash-in time, enhancement intensity, blood perfusion defects, enhancement scope, penetrating vessels, arrival time, and peak intensity (P < .05; area under the curve, >0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The contrast-enhancement patterns and DCIS parameters appeared different from FA lesions, thus suggesting that CEUS can be very useful in distinguishing DCIS from FA lesions.

Label-Free Identification of Early Stages of Breast Ductal Carcinoma via Multiphoton Microscopy

Breast cancer can be cured by early diagnosis. Appropriate and effective clinical treatment benefits from accurate pathological diagnosis. However, due to the lack of effective screening and diagnostic imaging methods, early stages of breast cancer often progress to malignant breast cancer. In this study, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) via two-photon excited fluorescence combined with second-harmonic generation was used for identifying the early stages of breast ductal carcinoma. The results showed differences in both cytological features and collagen distribution among normal breast tissue, atypical ductal hyperplasia, low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, and high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion. Furthermore, three features extracted from the MPM images were used to describe differences in cytological features, collagen density, and basement membrane circumference in the early stages of breast ductal carcinoma. They revealed that MPM has the ability to identify early stages of breast ductal carcinoma label-free, which would contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This study may provide the groundwork for the further application of MPM in the clinic.

Multiple metastases of bones and sigmoid colon after mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: a case report

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is reportedly well. Extremely rare patients with DCIS develop distant breast cancer metastasis without locoregional or contralateral recurrence. This is the first report of multiple bones and sigmoid colon metastases from DCIS after mastectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old woman was diagnosed with DCIS, and she received mastectomy, followed by endocrine therapy and target therapy. During the following-up, convulsions and pain on the legs were complaint. Therefore, Computed Tomography (CT) on bones and positron emission tomography (PET) for whole body were examined in order. Multiple bones and sigmoid colon were under the suspect of metastases, which were then verified by biopsy in the left ilium and colonoscopy respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This case reveals the heterogeneous behavior and the potential poor outcome of DCIS, regular examination and surveillance are necessary even though the distant metastasis rate in DCIS is low.

Multiple foci of microinvasion is associated with an increased risk of invasive local recurrence in women with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery

PURPOSE

The impact of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) with multiple foci of microinvasion (MI) (≤ 1 mm) on the risks of local recurrence (LR) and invasive LR is unknown, leading to uncertainty if DCIS with multiple foci of MI requires more aggressive treatment. We report a population-based analysis of the impact of multiple foci of MI, confirmed by pathology review, on the 15-year risks of LR and invasive LR treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) ± radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

Cohort includes all women diagnosed with DCIS ± MI from 1994 to 2003 treated with BCS ± RT. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the impact of multiple foci of MI on the risks of LR and invasive LR, adjusting for covariates. The 15-year local and invasive local recurrence-free survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method with differences compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The cohort includes 2988 women treated by BCS; 2721 had pure DCIS (51% received RT), 267 had DCIS with one or more foci of MI (58% had RT). Median follow-up was 13 years. Median age at diagnosis was 58 years. On multivariable analyses, the presence of multiple foci of MI was associated with an increased risk of invasive LR (HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.01-2.49, p = 0.04) but not DCIS LR (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.46, 1.76, p = 0.7). The 15-year invasive LRFS risks for cases with pure DCIS, with 1 focus or multiple foci of MI were 85.7%, 85.6%, 74.7% following treatment by BCS alone, 87.2%, 89.9%, and 77% for those treated with BCS + RT without boost and 89.2%, 91.3%, and 95% for women treated with BCS + RT and boost.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of multiple foci of MI in DCIS is associated with higher 15-year risks of invasive LR after breast-conserving therapy compared to women with pure DCIS but treatment with whole breast and boost RT can mitigate this risk.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in microinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND

Microinvasive breast cancer is an uncommon pathological entity. Owing to the rarity of this condition, its surgical axillary management and overall prognosis remain controversial.

METHODS

A database was analysed to identify patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who had surgery for invasive breast cancer at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, between 1998 and 2010. Women who had undergone axillary staging by sentinel lymph node biopsy were included in the study.

RESULTS

Of 257 women with microinvasive breast cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), 226 (87·9 per cent) had negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and 31 had metastatic SLNs. Twelve patients had isolated tumour cells (ITCs), 14 had micrometastases and five had macrometastases in sentinel nodes. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 16 of the 31 patients with positive SLNs. After a median follow-up of 11 years, only one regional first event was observed in the 15 patients with positive SLNs who did not undergo axillary lymph node dissection. There were no regional first events in the 16 patients with positive SLNs who had axillary dissection.

CONCLUSION

Good disease-free and overall survival were found in women with positive SLNs and microinvasive DCIS. This study is in line with studies showing that SLNB in microinvasive DCIS may not be useful, and supports the evidence that less surgery can provide the same level of overall survival with better quality of life.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients affected by breast ductal carcinoma in situ with and without microinvasion: Retrospective observational study

With the introduction of an organized mammographic screening, the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has experienced an important increase. Our experience with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) among patients with DCIS is reviewed.We collected retrospective data on patients operated on their breasts for DCIS (pTis), DCIS with microinvasion (DCISM) (pT1mi) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) sized ≤2 cm (pT1) between January 2002 and June 2016, focusing on the result of SLNB.543 DCIS, 84 DCISM, and 2111 IDC were included. In cases of DCIS and DCISM, SLNB resulted micrometastatic respectively in 1.7% and 6.0% of cases and macrometastatic respectively in 0.9% and 3.6% of cases. 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival in DCISM and IDC were similar, while significantly longer in DCIS. 5-year local recurrence rate of DCIS and DCISM were respectively 2.5% and 7.9%, and their 5-year distant recurrence rate respectively 0% and 4%. IDC, tumor grading ≥2 and lymph node (LN) macrometastasis were significant predictors for decreased overall survival. Significant predictors for distant metastases were DCISM, IDC, macroscopic nodal metastasis, and tumor grading ≥2. Predictors for the microinvasive component in DCIS were tumor multifocality/multicentricity, grading ≥2, ITCs and micrometastases.Our study suggests that despite its rarity, sentinel node metastasis may also occur in case of DCIS, which in most cases are micrometastases. Even in the absence of an evident invasive component, microinvasion should always be suspected in these cases, and their management should be the same as for IDC.

Predicting underestimation of ductal carcinoma in situ: a comparison between radiomics and conventional approaches

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the feasibility of predicting invasion carcinoma from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions diagnosed by preoperative core needle biopsy using radiomics signatures, clinical imaging characteristics, and breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) descriptors on mammography.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we enrolled 362 DCIS patients diagnosed by core needle biopsy, 110 (30.4%) of which had invasive carcinoma confirmed by operation and pathology. We analyzed the images identified suspicious calcification from 250 subjects (161 pure DCIS and 89 DCIS with invasion). A total of 569 calcification radiomics signatures were extracted from microcalcification for each patient. We included a group of routine clinical imaging characteristics and BI-RADS descriptors for comparison purpose. Five feature selection and seven classification methods were evaluated in terms of their prediction performance. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) averaged from tenfold cross-validation of different feature sets to identify the best combination of feature selection and classification methods.

RESULTS

Optimal feature selection and classification methods were identified after evaluating various combinations of feature sets. The best performance was achieved using both radiomics and clinical imaging characteristics (AUC = 0.72) performing better than BI-RADS descriptors or radiomics, but was no significant difference with clinical imaging characteristics (AUC = 0.66). The most significant features found were morphology signatures, first-order statistics, asymmetry/mass prevalence, and nuclear grade.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the prediction model established using microcalcifications radiomics signatures and clinical imaging characteristics has the potential to identify an understaging of invasive breast cancer.

Microinvasive Carcinoma versus Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Comparison of Clinicopathological Features and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

Although microinvasive carcinoma is distinct from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the clinical significance of microinvasion in DCIS remains elusive. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of microinvasive carcinoma compared with pure DCIS.

METHODS

We assessed 613 cases of DCIS and microinvasive carcinoma that were consecutively resected from 2003 to 2014 and analyzed clinicopathological variables, expression of standard biomarkers such as the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), p53, and Ki-67, and tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

Among the 613 cases, 136 (22.2%) were classified as microinvasive carcinoma. Microinvasive carcinoma was significantly associated with DCIS with a large extent, high nuclear grade, necrosis, and comedotype architectural pattern. ER and PR expressions were dominantly observed in pure DCIS, whereas positive HER2 status, p53 overexpression, and high Ki-67 proliferation indices were more frequently observed in microinvasive carcinoma. Lymph node metastasis was found in only four cases of microinvasive carcinoma with multifocal microinvasion. In the multivariate analysis, DCIS with a large extent, comedo-type architectural pattern, and negative ER status were found to be independent predictors of microinvasion. During follow-up, 12 patients had ipsilateral breast recurrence, and no differences in recurrence rates were observed between patients with DCIS and those with microinvasive carcinoma. The triple-negative subtype was the only factor that was associated with tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Microinvasive carcinomas are distinct from DCIS in terms of clinicopathological features and biomarker expressions but are similar to DCIS in terms of clinical outcomes. Our results suggest that microinvasive carcinoma can be treated and followed up as pure DCIS.

Analysis of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes reveals two new biologically different subgroups of breast ductal carcinoma in situ

Background

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been demonstrated to significantly influence prognosis and response to therapy of invasive breast cancer (IBC). Thus, it has been suggested that TIL density or/and immunophenotype could serve as biomarkers for selection of IBC patients for immunotherapy. However, much less is known about significance of TILs in breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Methods

We retrospectively investigated TIL density and immunophenotype in 96 pure DCIS and 35 microinvasive carcinomas (miCa). TIL density was assessed on H&E-stained breast biopsy sections as the percentage of tumour stromal area occupied by TILs, and classified into 4 grades: 0 (0%–9%), 1 (10–29%), 2 (30–49%) and 3 (50%–100%). TIL immunophenotype was assessed by immunohistochemistry for CD8, CD4, FoxP3, CD38 or CD20.

Results

Compared to pure DCIS, miCa contained significantly more cases with TIL density grade 3 (p = 0.028). Concordantly, CD8+, CD4+ and CD38+ cells were more numerous in miCa than in pure DCIS. In the pure DCIS subgroup with TIL density grades 2 and 3, all TIL subpopulations were more numerous than in the pure DCIS with TIL density grades 0 and 1, however the ratio between T-lymphocytes (CD8+ and CD4+) and B-lymphocytes (CD20+) was significantly lower (p = 0.029). On the other side, this ratio was significantly higher in miCa, in comparison with pure DCIS having TIL density grades 2 and 3 (p = 0.017). By cluster analysis of tumour cell pathobiological features we demonstrated similarity between miCa and the pure DCIS with TIL density grades 2 and 3. The only significant difference between those two categories was in the ratio of T- to B-TILs, higher in miCa.

Conclusion

Results indicate that TIL density level can distinguish 2 biologically different DCIS subgroups, one of which (DCIS with ≥30% TILs, the TIL-rich DCIS) is like miCa. Similarity of TIL-rich pure DCIS and miCa as well as the role of B-lymphocytes in DCIS invasiveness are worth further investigating with regards to the potential development of immunotherapy-based prevention of DCIS progression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4013-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of microinvasion on breast cancer mortality in women with ductal carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a neoplastic proliferation of epithelial cells which is confined within the basement membrane of the mammary ductal-lobular system. It is of interest to determine to what extent the potential to metastasize increases for DCIS patients when the basement membrane is breached (i.e. microinvasion is present).

METHODS

We retrieved the records of 525,395 women who had either first primary DCIS or small (≤ 2.0 cm) node-negative invasive breast cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries database (1990-2013). For each patient, we extracted information on year of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, tumour size, tumour grade, oestrogen receptor status, use of radiotherapy, type of surgery, cause of death and follow-up time. We classified patients into four groups, according to the size of the invasive component of the primary tumour. We estimated the actuarial rate of breast cancer-specific mortality at ten and 20 years for women in each size category.

RESULTS

We identified 161,394 women with pure DCIS, 13,489 women with microinvasive carcinoma (≤ 0.1 cm of invasion), 153,856 women with invasive cancer 0.2-1.0 cm in size and 196,656 women with invasive cancer 1.1-2.0 cm in size. The 20-year actuarial breast cancer-specific mortality rate was 3.8% for women with pure DCIS, was 6.9% for women with microinvasive carcinoma, was 6.8% for women with invasive cancer 0.2-1.0 cm in size and was 12.1% for women with invasive cancer 1.1-2.0 cm in size. The adjusted hazard ratio for death associated with microinvasive carcinoma (vs. pure DCIS) was 2.00 (95% CI 1.76-2.26; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of prognosis, microinvasive cancer more closely resembles small invasive cancer 0.2-1.0 cm) than pure DCIS. For invasive cancers under 1.0 cm, size has little impact on mortality.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Biology, Biomarkers, and Diagnosis

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an often-diagnosed breast disease and a known, non-obligate, precursor to invasive breast carcinoma. In this review, we explore the clinical and pathological features of DCIS, fundamental elements of DCIS biology including gene expression and genetic events, the relationship of DCIS with recurrence and invasive breast cancer, and the interaction of DCIS with the microenvironment. We also survey how these various elements are being used to solve the clinical conundrum of how to optimally treat a disease that has potential to progress, and yet is also likely over-treated in a significant proportion of cases.

Application of a novel prognostic invasive lesion index in ductal carcinoma in situ with minimal invasion of the breast

Multiple invasive foci has been shown to increase the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early breast cancer, but its prognostic implication remains unknown. We aimed to identify the prognostic value of the number of invasive foci in ductal carcinoma in situ with minimal invasion of the breast (DCIS‐MI), and further establish a prognostic invasive lesion index (ILI). A total of 193 patients with DCIS‐MI (the invasive component was up to 10 mm in diameter) were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) were used to evaluate the predictive value of the number of invasive foci in LNM. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used for survival analysis. More than five invasive foci was an independent predictor for LNM (OR, 2.67, 95% CI, 1.12–6.33, P = 0.026), and associated with significantly shorter disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with no more than five invasive foci (mean DFS 123.8 vs. 148.0 months, P = 0.002; and mean OS 133.5 vs. 151.4 months, P = 0.025). The ILI was established by the sum scores of the number of invasive foci and the invasive component size, having an optimal cut‐off point of 5.5 scores. The high‐ILI group (ILI >5 scores) had a higher incidence of LNM (23.6% vs. 6.9%) and worse prognosis than the low‐ILI group (ILI ≤5 scores). In conclusion, more than five invasive foci was an independent predictor for LNM and an unfavorable prognostic parameter. The ILI could potentially be used to predict survival prognosis in patients with DCIS‐MI.

The Demographic Features, Clinicopathological Characteristics and Cancer-specific Outcomes for Patients with Microinvasive Breast Cancer: A SEER Database Analysis

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of microinvasive breast cancer, we conducted an observational study of female diagnosed with DCIS or DCIS with microinvasion (DCISM) from 1990 to 2012 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. There were 87695 DCIS and 8863 DCISM identified. In DCISM group, patients appeared to be younger and more black patients were identified in comparison with DCIS group. Furthermore, DCISM was associated with more aggressive tumor characteristics like higher rates of oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negativity, HER2 positivity, and lymph node metastasis. With a median follow-up of 91 months, patients with DCISM had worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.475; P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 1.263; P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, microinvasion was an independent prognostic factor for worse CSS (HR, 1.919; P < 0.001) and OS (HR, 1.184; P < 0.001). The 10-year cancer-specific mortality rate was 1.49% in DCIS and 4.08% in DCISM (HR, 2.771; P < 0.001). The 20-year cancer-specific mortality rate was 4.00% in DCIS and 9.65% in DCISM (HR, 2.482; P < 0.001). Deepening understanding of the nature of microinvasive breast cancer will be valuable for clinical treatment recommendations.

An Examination of the Local Cellular Immune Response to Examples of Both Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the Breast and DCIS With Microinvasion, With Emphasis on Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Tumor Infiltrating Lymphoctytes

OBJECTIVES

We tried to describe cellular immune response (tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), lymphoid aggregates, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)) in neoplastic microenvironment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with or without associated microinvasion.

METHODS

The histopathologic parameters of 177 DCIS and 27 DCIS with microinvasion were evaluated. We determined number of ducts involved by DCIS, and calculated percentage of these ducts surrounded by TLSs. TILs were quantitated in 27 microinvasive cases.

RESULTS

Tumors having higher percentage of DCIS ducts associated with TLSs had higher incidence of microinvasion (P < .001). Percentage of DCIS ducts involved by TLSs was also higher in hormone receptor (HR)-/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ and TNBC subtypes of DCIS than in HR+/HER2- and HR+/HER2+ subtypes (38.04 ± 25.8%, 32.6 ± 32.4%, 2.5 ± 7.3% and 17.4 ± 23.3%, respectively, P < .001). In DCIS without microinvasion, HR+/HER2- subtype predominated (P < .001). In microinvasive cases, HR-/HER2+ subtype was most common. TNBC was more common in microinvasive carcinoma than DCIS (P < .001). Among 27 microinvasive ductal carcinomas, increased TLS amount was associated with increased TILs (P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

TLS abundance around DCIS was associated with HER2+ and TNBC subtypes and microinvasion. Pathologists should be aware of microinvasion when diagnosing DCIS lesions with abundant TLSs.

Ductal carcinoma in situ and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion: correlation of FDG uptake with histological and biological prognostic factors

BACKGROUND

Several studies investigated the correlation between the intensity of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and some histological and biological characteristics in breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is generally thought to be a precursor lesion of invasive breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between FDG uptake values on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with histological and biological prognostic factors in DCIS and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS-Mi).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PET/CT images for initial staging of confirmed DCIS and DCIS-Mi patients, taken between July 2004 and December 2009, were reviewed retrospectively. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and tumor background count density ratio on PET/CT were compared with tumor characteristics. Histological and biological prognostic factors included tumor size, nuclear grade, Van Nuys Prognostic Index, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, and Ki-67 index.

RESULTS

In total, 87 lesions from 83 patients (all females; mean age 51 ± 9 years) were studied. The Van Nuys Prognostic Index group was 1 in 25 lesions, 2 in 36, and 3 in 26. On statistical analysis, significant differences in SUVmax and tumor background count density ratio were seen between the Van Nuys Prognostic Index groups and according to tumor size and HER2. The correlation between SUVmax and Ki-67 was significant. However, the correlation between tumor background count density ratio and Ki-67 was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

In DCIS and DCIS-Mi cases, significant correlations were found between increased FDG uptake and several histological and biological factors for poor prognosis (tumor size, Van Nuys Prognostic Index, and HER2).

Is adjuvant chemotherapy necessary for patients with microinvasive breast cancer after surgery?

Objective: Survival and treatment of patients with microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC) remain controversial. In this paper, we evaluated whether adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary for patients with MIBC to identify risk factors influencing its prognosis and decide the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: In this retrospective study, 108 patients with MIBC were recruited according to seventh edition of the staging manual of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The subjects were divided into chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy groups. We compared the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates between groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the factors related to prognosis for patients with MIBC using univariate and multivariate analyses. We also evaluated the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the prognostic factors by subgroup analysis after median follow-up time of 33 months (13-104 months). Results: The 5-year DFS and OS rates for the chemotherapy group were 93.7% and 97.5%, whereas those for the non-chemotherapy group were 89.7% and 100%. Results indicate that 5-year DFS was superior, but OS was inferior, in the former group compared with the latter group. However, no statistical significance was observed in the 5-year DFS (P=0.223) or OS (P=0.530) rate of the two groups. Most relevant poor-prognostic factors were Ki-67 overexpression and negative hormonal receptors. Cumulative survival was 98.2% vs. 86.5% between low Ki-67 (≤20%) and high Ki-67 (>20%). The hazard ratio of patients with high Ki-67 was 16.585 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.969-139.724; P=0.010]. Meanwhile, ER(-)/PR(-) patients with MIBC had cumulative survival of 79.3% compared with 97.5% for ER(+) or PR(+) patients with MIBC. The hazard ratio for ER(-)/PR(-) patients with MIBC was 19.149 (95% CI, 3.702-99.057; P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that chemotherapy could improve the outcomes of ER(-)/PR(-) patients (P=0.014), but not those who overexpress Ki-67 (P=0.105). Conclusions: Patients with MIBC who overexpress Ki-67 and with negative hormonal receptors have relatively substantial risk of relapse within the first five years after surgery. However, adjuvant chemotherapy can only improve the outcomes of ER(-)/PR(-) patients, but not those who overexpress Ki-67. Further studies with prolonged follow-up of large cohorts are recommended to assess the prognostic significance and treatment of this lesion.

Sonographic Features of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast With Microinvasion: Correlation With Clinicopathologic Findings and Biomarkers

OBJECTIVES

To compare the sonographic results, clinicopathologic characteristics, and biomarkers in pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and DCIS with microinvasion.

METHODS

A total of 218 patients with pathologically proven DCIS based on sonography in our hospital (2009-2013) were retrospectively enrolled. Clinicopathologic characteristics and biomarkers were examined. Grayscale sonographic results were investigated according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon, and color Doppler sonography was used to assess the vascularization distribution and degree. All variables were compared by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

All patients were female, with a mean age of 55.3 years (range, 32-78 years). One hundred sixty patients with 160 lesions had pure DCIS, and 58 patients with 58 lesions had DCIS with microinvasion. Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion was more likely to have sentinel lymph node metastases, larger tumors, a higher tumor grade, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity, and a high Ki-67 index (all P < .05). Univariate analysis showed that DCIS with microinvasion was more likely to be hypoechoic with microcalcifications, have a mixed vascularization distribution (equal peripheral and internal blood flow signals), and have a high degree of vascularization (at least 2 penetrating vessels; all P < .05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of microcalcifications and a high degree of vascularization were significantly and independently associated with microinvasion (both P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that DCIS with microinvasion is more likely to have microcalcifications and a high degree of vascularization than pure DCIS. Patients with these sonographic features are more likely to have a high tumor grade, sentinel lymph node metastases, larger tumors, a high Ki-67 index, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and molecular subtypes of microinvasive carcinoma of the breast

Patients with microinvasive carcinoma often have favorable prognosis, but it remains unclear whether this special type of breast cancer represents a distinct morphological entity with its own biological features and clinical behavior distinct from those of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study is a retrospective analysis of a large patient cohort from a single institution. One hundred and thirty one microinvasive carcinoma and 451 DCIS cases were collected. ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 were examined by immunohistochemistry in pathological sections. We assessed the clinicopathologic characteristics, molecular features, and survival status of microinvasive carcinoma and compared to those of DCIS. Microinvasive carcinoma differed from DCIS with respect to tumor size, lymph node status, and initial presentation (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in nuclear grade among microinvasive carcinoma of different molecular subtype (P < 0.05). The clinicalpathologic features and outcomes of patients with microinvasive carcinoma were similar to those with DCIS. The 5-year OS rate for microinvasive carcinoma and DCIS patients was 99.0 and 99.2%, respectively. A combination of pathologic, clinical, and molecular factors may ultimately reveal more powerful and robust measures for disease classification than any one modality alone. Microinvasive carcinoma does not significantly predict for worse DFS or OS in comparison with patients with DCIS.

Re-evaluating the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in microinvasive breast carcinoma

The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in microinvasive breast carcinoma is unclear. We examined the incidence of lymph node metastasis in patients with microinvasive carcinoma who underwent surgery at our institution. Retrospective review of our pathology database was performed (1994-2012). Of 7000 patients surgically treated for invasive breast carcinoma, 99 (1%) were classified as microinvasive carcinoma. Axillary staging was performed in 81 patients (64, sentinel lymph node biopsy; 17, axillary lymph node excision). Seven cases (9%) showed isolated tumor/epithelial cells in sentinel nodes. Three of these seven cases showed reactive changes in lymph nodes, papillary lesions in the breast with or without displaced epithelial cells within biopsy site tract, or immunohistochemical (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2) discordance between the primary tumor in the breast and epithelial cells in the lymph node, consistent with iatrogenically transported epithelial cells rather than true metastasis. The remaining four cases included two cases, each with a single cytokeratin-positive cell in the subcapsular sinus detected by immunohistochemistry only, and two cases with isolated tumor cells singly and in small clusters (<20 cells per cross-section) by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry. The exact nature of cytokeratin-positive cells in the former two cases could not be determined and might still have represented iatrogenically displaced cells. In the final analysis, only two cases (3%) had isolated tumor cells. Three of these four cases had additional axillary lymph nodes excised, which were all negative for tumor cells. At a median follow-up of 37 months (range 6-199 months), none of these patients had axillary recurrences. Our results show very low incidence of sentinel lymph node involvement (3%), only as isolated tumor cells, in microinvasive carcinoma patients. None of our cases showed micrometastases or macrometastasis. We recommend reassessment of the routine practice of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with microinvasive carcinoma.

Biology and treatment of ductal carcinomain situ

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is responsible for 25% of screen-detected breast cancers. Various prognostic classifications are in use, including the Van Nuys Prognostic Index and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer grading system (well, intermediate or poorly differentiated) based on cytonuclear pattern. This has been modified in screening programs to low, intermediate and high grade. In comparison with normal epithelium, DCIS has a tenfold increase in growth and 15-fold increase in apoptosis. Patients with extensive or multifocal DCIS need mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy, together with reconstruction, if requested. Microinvasion associated with DCIS is an indication for sentinel node biopsy. Randomized trials have confirmed the value of breast irradiation after wide excision, in terms of DCIS relapse and progression to invasive disease. Patients with estrogen receptor-positive DCIS benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen after breast-conserving surgery.

Extensive pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: identification of predictors of associated infiltrating carcinoma and lymph node metastasis before immediate reconstructive surgery

AIM

To identify predictors for infiltrating carcinoma and lymph node involvement, before immediate breast reconstructive surgery, in patients with an initial diagnosis of extensive pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2000 and December 2009, 241 patients with pure extensive DCIS in preoperative biopsy had underwent mastectomy. Axillary staging (sentinel node and/or axillary dissection) was performed in 92% (n = 221) of patients. Patients with micro-invasive lesions at initial diagnosis, recurrence or contralateral breast cancer were excluded.

RESULTS

Respectively 14% and 21% of patients had a final diagnosis of micro-invasive carcinoma (MIC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Univariate analysis showed that the following variables at diagnosis were significantly correlated with the presence of either MIC or IDC in the mastectomy specimen: palpable tumor (p = 0.002), high grade DCIS (p = 0.002) and detection of an opacity by mammography (p = 0.019). Axillary lymph node (ALN) involvement was reported in 9% of patients. Univariate analysis suggested that a body mass index higher than 25 (p = 0.007), a palpable tumor (p = 0.012) and the detection of an opacity by mammography (p = 0.044) were associated with an increased rate of ALN involvement.

CONCLUSION

Skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction (IBRS) has become increasingly popular, especially for patients with extended DCIS of the breast. This study confirmed that extended DCIS is associated with a substantial risk of finding MIC or IDC on the surgical specimen but also ALN involvement. Adjuvant systemic treatment and/or radiotherapy could be indicated for some of these patients after the surgery. Patients should be informed of the rate of 1) complications associated to IBRS that will potentially delay the introduction of systemic or local therapy 2) complications associated to radiotherapy after IBRS.

Ductal carcinoma in situ: what the pathologist needs to know and why

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a proliferation of malignant epithelial cells confined to the ductolobular system of the breast. It is considered a pre-cursor lesion for invasive breast cancer and when identified patients are treated with some combination of surgery, +/− radiation therapy, and +/adjuvant tamoxifen. However, no good biomarkers exist that can predict with accuracy those cases of DCIS destined to progress to invasive disease or once treated those patients that are likely to suffer a recurrence; thus, in the era of screening mammography it seems likely that many patients with DCIS are overtreated. This paper details the parameters that should be included in a pathology report for a case of DClS with some explanations as to their importance for good clinical decision making.

Different distribution of breast ductal carcinoma in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion, and invasion breast cancer

Background

Breast ductal cancer in situ (DCIS) can recur or progress to invasive ductal cancer (IDC), and the interim stage include DCIS with microinvasion (DCIS-Mi). In this article, we attempt to study the study the differences of clinicopathological features, imaging data, and immunohistochemical-based subtypes among DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we attempt to compare the clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical results and imaging data of 866 patients (included 73 DCIS, 72 DCIS-Mi, and 721 IDC).

Results

Patients with DCIS and DCIS-Mi were younger than those with IDC (P = 0.007). DCIS and DCIS-Mi often happened in premenopausal women while IDC was opposite (P <0.001). The incidence of IDC with node-positive was significantly higher than it in DCIS and DCIS-Mi (P <0.001). We also observed that the Her2-positive was more often found in patients with pure DCIS compared to those with DCIS-Mi and DCIS-I (P <0.001). There was a significant difference between the four subgroups (Luminal-A, Luminal-B, ERBB2+, Basal-like) from DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC (P <0.001). Basal-like patients were fewer than other subgroups in DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC. The incidence of the first performance of ultrasound (catheter winded and nodular mass) and mammography (nodular mass) had significantly difference among patients with DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC (P <0.001).

Conclusions

Different clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and imaging features among DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC indicate that they are distinct entities. A larger sample size is needed for further study.

Proposal for Creating a Guideline for Cancer Registration of Microinvasive Tumors of the Breast and Ovary (II)

BACKGROUND

Cancer registration in Korea has a longer than 30-years of history, during which time cancer registration has improved and become well-organized. Cancer registries are fundamental for cancer control and multi-center collaborative research. However, there have been discrepancies in assigning behavior codes. Thus, we intend to propose appropriate behavior codes for the International Classification of Disease Oncology, 3rd edition (ICD-O-3) for microinvasive tumors of the ovary and breast not only to improve the quality of the cancer registry but also to prevent conflicts.

METHODS

As in series I, two pathology study groups and the Cancer Registration Committee of the Korean Society of Pathologists (KSP) participated. To prepare a questionnaire on provisional behavior code, the relevant subjects were discussed in the workshop, and consensus was obtained by convergence of opinion from members of KSP.

RESULTS

Microinvasive tumor of the breast should be designated as a microinvasive carcinoma which was proposed as malignant tumor (/3). Serous borderline tumor with microinvasion of the ovary was proposed as borderline tumor (/1), and mucinous borderline tumor with microinvasion of the ovary as either borderline (/1) or carcinoma (/3) according to the tumor cell nature.

CONCLUSIONS

Some issues should be elucidated with the accumulation of more experience and knowledge. Here, however, we present our second proposal.