Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Necessary in Patients who Undergo Prophylactic Mastectomy?

BACKGROUND

Over the last decade, rates of risk-reducing prophylactic mastectomy (PM) have risen dramatically. A topic of debate regarding the procedure is whether to use sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) at the time of PM and what factors might predict for such need. In order to assess the rate of identifying presence of occult invasive breast cancer in the PM specimen, we performed a retrospective review of the pathology findings from a single-surgeon case-series of PM.

METHODS

Patients undergoing PM between January 2013 and June 2019 at Orlando Health Cancer Institute were identified for a retrospective chart review. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data from the surgical procedure were collected and analyzed for the incidence of occult invasive breast cancer in the PM specimen.

RESULTS

A total of 146 consecutive patients with PM were identified; 120 (82.2%) underwent contralateral PM (CPM) and 26 (17.8%) underwent bilateral PM (BPM). Final pathology of the 172 PM specimens identified 4 (3.3%) with lobular carcinoma in situ, 3 (2.5%) with atypical ductal hyperplasia, and 2 (1.7%) with atypical lobular hyperplasia and 2 (1.7%) with intraductal papilloma. No invasive malignancy was detected in any of the 172 PM specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of occult invasive carcinoma in 172 consecutive PM specimens suggests a limited clinical utility in routinely performing SLNB in this setting. This study also suggests that use of preoperative breast MRI imaging could offer a potential non-invasive tool to detect occult malignancy and select patients who can safely undergo omission of SLNB at the time of PM.

Complications Associated with Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

No prior systematic review and meta-analysis has aimed to answer the frequently-studied question: does a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) increase complication risk for unilateral breast cancer patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy (UM)?

METHODS

A February 2021 search for studies on complications of UM+CPM identified 15 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were conducted to compare complications of 1) diseased versus CPM breasts for UM+CPM patients and 2) patients undergoing UM+CPM versus UM alone when grouped by their different reconstructive methods. Outcomes included incidence of any complication and any severe complication requiring re-operation, re-admission, or delay in adjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

For all UM+CPM patients, the diseased breast was slightly more prone to complications versus the CPM breast (RR:1.24, CI:1.02-1.51). In studies that stratified by reconstructive method, incidence of complications was higher for UM+CPM versus UM alone for patients with no reconstruction (RR:2.03, CI:1.38-2.98), prosthetic-based reconstruction (RR:1.42, CI:1.13-1.80), and autologous reconstruction (RR:1.32, CI:1.09-1.61). Similar results were found by the only prospective trial on the topic, which showed the same for more severe complications. Other smaller retrospective studies that did not stratify by reconstructive method showed similar complications for UM+CPM versus UM alone (RR:1.06, CI:0.79-1.42). These groups had similar incidences of complication-related delay in adjuvant therapy, as demonstrated by one study.

CONCLUSIONS

After UM+CPM, CPM breasts incur only slightly fewer complications. Stronger evidence supports more complications for UM+CPM than UM alone, although some studies report no difference. More work is needed to determine the effect of complications on timing of adjuvant therapy.

Analysis of a Trend Reversal in US Lumpectomy Rates From 2005 Through 2017 Using 3 Nationwide Data Sets

Importance

Rates of lumpectomy for breast cancer management in the United States previously declined in favor of more aggressive surgical options, such as mastectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).

Objective

To evaluate longitudinal trends in the rates of lumpectomy and mastectomy, including unilateral mastectomy vs CPM rates, and to determine characteristics associated with current surgical practice using 3 national data sets.

Design and Setting

Data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, and National Cancer Database (NCDB) were examined to evaluate trends in lumpectomy and mastectomy rates from 2005 through 2017. Mastectomy rates were also evaluated with a focus on CPM. Longitudinal trends were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed on the NCDB data set to identify predictors of lumpectomy and CPM.

Results

A study sample of 3 467 645 female surgical breast cancer patients was analyzed. Lumpectomy rates reached a nadir between 2010 and 2013, with a significant increase thereafter. Conversely, in comparison with lumpectomy rates, overall mastectomy rates declined significantly starting in 2013. Cochran-Armitage trend tests demonstrated an annual decrease in lumpectomy rates of 1.31% (95% CI, 1.30%-1.32%), 0.07% (95% CI, 0.01%-0.12%), and 0.15% (95% CI, 0.15%-0.16%) for NSQIP, SEER, and NCDB, respectively, from 2005 to 2013 (P < .001, P = .01, and P < .001, respectively). From 2013 to 2017, the annual increase in lumpectomy rates was 0.96% (95% CI, 0.95%-0.98%), 1.60% (95% CI, 1.59%-1.62%), and 1.66% (95% CI, 1.65%-1.67%) for NSQIP, SEER, and NCDB, respectively (all P < .001). Comparisons of specific mastectomy types showed that unilateral mastectomy and CPM rates stabilized after 2013, with unilateral mastectomy rates remaining higher than CPM rates throughout the entire time period.

Conclusions

This observational longitudinal analysis indicated a trend reversal with an increase in lumpectomy rates since 2013 and an associated decline in mastectomies. The steady increase in CPM rates from 2005 to 2013 has since stabilized. The reasons for the recent reversal in trends are likely multifactorial. Further qualitative and quantitative research is required to understand the factors driving these recent practice changes and their associations with patient-reported outcomes.

Nomogram Predicts the Role of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Male Patients With Unilateral Breast Cancer Based on SEER Database: A Competing Risk Analysis

Background

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in female breast cancer (FBC) is supported by multiple clinical studies and consensus guidelines, but knowledge of preventive contralateral mastectomy in male breast cancer (MaBC) is very limited and its benefits are still controversial.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was enrolled with 4,405 MaBC patients who underwent unilateral mastectomy (UM) or CPM from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1998 to 2015. A nomogram was built based on the corresponding parameters by competing risks regression to predict the 3-year, 5-year, and 8-year probabilities of BCSD (breast cancer-specific death). C-index and calibration curves were chosen for validation. Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to estimate the nomogram’s clinical utility.

Results

A total of 4,197 patients received UM and 208 patients received CPM, with 63-months median follow-up. In the competing risks regression, six variables (surgery, marital status, T-stage, N-stage, histology, tumor grade) were significantly associated with BCSD. Based on these independent prognosis factors, a nomogram model was constructed. The C-index 0.75 (95%CI: 0.73-0.77) in the training cohort and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.71-0.74) in the internal validation group suggested robustness of the model. In addition, the calibration curves exhibited favorably. The NRI values (training cohort: 0.54 for 3-year, 0.55 for 5-year, and 0.49 for 8-year BCSD prediction; validation cohort: 0.51 for 3-year, 0.45 for 5-year, and 0.33 for 8-year BCSD prediction) and IDI values (training cohort: 0.02 for 3-year, 0.03 for 5-year, and 0.04 for 8-year BCSD prediction; validation cohort: 0.02 for 3-year, 0.04 for 5-year, and 0.04 for 8-year BCSD prediction) indicated that the model performed better than the AJCC criteria-based tumor staging alone.

Conclusions

The administration of CPM was associated with the decrease in risk of BCSD in patients with MaBC. The nomogram could provide a precise and personalized prediction of the cumulative risk in patients with MaBC after CPM.

Detection of Contralateral Breast Cancer Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer: Comparison with Combined Mammography and Whole-Breast Ultrasound

Objective

To compare the screening performance of diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI and combined mammography and ultrasound (US) in detecting clinically occult contralateral breast cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2017 and July 2018, 1148 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.2 ± 10.8 years) with unilateral breast cancer and no clinical abnormalities in the contralateral breast underwent 3T MRI, digital mammography, and radiologist-performed whole-breast US. In this retrospective study, three radiologists independently and blindly reviewed all DW MR images (b = 1000 s/mm² and apparent diffusion coefficient map) of the contralateral breast and assigned a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category. For combined mammography and US evaluation, prospectively assessed results were used. Using histopathology or 1-year follow-up as the reference standard, cancer detection rate and the patient percentage with cancers detected among all women recommended for tissue diagnosis (positive predictive value; PPV₂) were compared.

Results

Of the 30 cases of clinically occult contralateral cancers (13 invasive and 17 ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]), DW MRI detected 23 (76.7%) cases (11 invasive and 12 DCIS), whereas combined mammography and US detected 12 (40.0%, five invasive and seven DCIS) cases. All cancers detected by combined mammography and US, except two DCIS cases, were detected by DW MRI. The cancer detection rate of DW MRI (2.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%, 3.0%) was higher than that of combined mammography and US (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 1.8%; p = 0.009). DW MRI showed higher PPV₂ (42.1%; 95% CI: 26.3%, 59.2%) than combined mammography and US (18.5%; 95% CI: 9.9%, 30.0%; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, DW MRI detected significantly more contralateral breast cancers with fewer biopsy recommendations than combined mammography and US.

Magnitude of reduction in risk of second contralateral breast cancer with bilateral mastectomy in patients with breast cancer: Data from California, 1998 through 2015

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, patients with breast cancer undergo bilateral mastectomy (BLM). To the authors' knowledge, the magnitude of benefit is unknown.

METHODS

The authors used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program regarding all women diagnosed with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 0 to stage III unilateral breast cancer in California from 1998 through 2015 and treated with BLM versus breast-conserving therapy including surgery and radiotherapy (BCT) or unilateral mastectomy (ULM). The authors measured relative risks of second contralateral breast cancer (CBC) and breast cancer death using Fine and Gray multivariable regression modeling adjusted for the competing risk of death and death from another cause, respectively, and potential confounding factors. Absolute excess risk of CBC was measured as the observed minus expected number of breast cancers in the general population divided by 10,000 person-years at risk.

RESULTS

Among 245,418 patients with a median follow-up of 6.7 years, 7784 patients (3.2%) developed CBC. Relative risks were lower after BLM (hazard ratio [HR], 0.10; 95% CI, 0.07-0.14) and higher after ULM (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13) versus BCT. Absolute excess risks were higher after BCT and ULM (5.0 and 13.6 more cases, respectively) compared with BLM (28.6 fewer cases). BLM reduced risk more among older women (38.0 fewer cases for women aged ≥50 years vs 17.9 fewer cases among women aged <50 years) but provided similar risk reduction across categories of tumor grade and tumor hormone receptor status. Compared with BCT, the risk of breast cancer death was equivalent after BLM (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.96-1.11) and higher after ULM (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17-1.25).

CONCLUSIONS

BLM may reduce second breast cancer risk by 34 to 43 cases per 10,000 person-years compared with other surgical procedures, but is not associated with a lower risk of death. Second breast cancers are rare, and their reduction should be weighed against the harms associated with BLM.

Risk-reducing mastectomy for the prevention of primary breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent progress in understanding the genetic basis of breast cancer and widely publicized reports of celebrities undergoing risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) have increased interest in RRM as a method of preventing breast cancer. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2004 and previously updated in 2006 and 2010.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To determine whether risk-reducing mastectomy reduces death rates from any cause in women who have never had breast cancer and in women who have a history of breast cancer in one breast, and (ii) to examine the effect of risk-reducing mastectomy on other endpoints, including breast cancer incidence, breast cancer mortality, disease-free survival, physical morbidity, and psychosocial outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

For this Review update, we searched Cochrane Breast Cancer's Specialized Register, MEDLINE, Embase and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 9 July 2016. We included studies in English.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Participants included women at risk for breast cancer in at least one breast. Interventions included all types of mastectomy performed for the purpose of preventing breast cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently abstracted data from each report. We summarized data descriptively; quantitative meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity of study designs and insufficient reporting. We analyzed data separately for bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) and contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (CRRM). Four review authors assessed the methodological quality to determine whether or not the methods used sufficiently minimized selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, and attrition bias.

MAIN RESULTS

All 61 included studies were observational studies with some methodological limitations; randomized trials were absent. The studies presented data on 15,077 women with a wide range of risk factors for breast cancer, who underwent RRM.Twenty-one BRRM studies looking at the incidence of breast cancer or disease-specific mortality, or both, reported reductions after BRRM, particularly for those women with BRCA1/2 mutations. Twenty-six CRRM studies consistently reported reductions in incidence of contralateral breast cancer but were inconsistent about improvements in disease-specific survival. Seven studies attempted to control for multiple differences between intervention groups and showed no overall survival advantage for CRRM. Another study showed significantly improved survival following CRRM, but after adjusting for bilateral risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (BRRSO), the CRRM effect on all-cause mortality was no longer significant.Twenty studies assessed psychosocial measures; most reported high levels of satisfaction with the decision to have RRM but greater variation in satisfaction with cosmetic results. Worry over breast cancer was significantly reduced after BRRM when compared both to baseline worry levels and to the groups who opted for surveillance rather than BRRM, but there was diminished satisfaction with body image and sexual feelings.Seventeen case series reporting on adverse events from RRM with or without reconstruction reported rates of unanticipated reoperations from 4% in those without reconstruction to 64% in participants with reconstruction.In women who have had cancer in one breast, removing the other breast may reduce the incidence of cancer in that other breast, but there is insufficient evidence that this improves survival because of the continuing risk of recurrence or metastases from the original cancer. Additionally, thought should be given to other options to reduce breast cancer risk, such as BRRSO and chemoprevention, when considering RRM.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

While published observational studies demonstrated that BRRM was effective in reducing both the incidence of, and death from, breast cancer, more rigorous prospective studies are suggested. BRRM should be considered only among those at high risk of disease, for example, BRCA1/2 carriers. CRRM was shown to reduce the incidence of contralateral breast cancer, but there is insufficient evidence that CRRM improves survival, and studies that control for multiple confounding variables are recommended. It is possible that selection bias in terms of healthier, younger women being recommended for or choosing CRRM produces better overall survival numbers for CRRM. Given the number of women who may be over-treated with BRRM/CRRM, it is critical that women and clinicians understand the true risk for each individual woman before considering surgery. Additionally, thought should be given to other options to reduce breast cancer risk, such as BRRSO and chemoprevention when considering RRM.

Subsequent risk of ipsilateral and contralateral invasive breast cancer after treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ: incidence and the effect of radiotherapy in a population-based cohort of 10,090 women

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of different treatment strategies on the risk of subsequent invasive breast cancer (IBC) in women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

METHODS

Up to 15-year cumulative incidences of ipsilateral IBC (iIBC) and contralateral IBC (cIBC) were assessed among a population-based cohort of 10,090 women treated for DCIS in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2004. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate associations of treatment with iIBC risk.

RESULTS

Fifteen years after DCIS diagnosis, cumulative incidence of iIBC was 1.9 % after mastectomy, 8.8 % after BCS+RT, and 15.4 % after BCS alone. Patients treated with BCS alone had a higher iIBC risk than those treated with BCS+RT during the first 5 years after treatment. This difference was less pronounced for patients <50 years [hazard ratio (HR) 2.11, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.35-3.29 for women <50, and HR 4.44, 95 % CI 3.11-6.36 for women ≥50, P interaction  < 0.0001]. Beyond 5 years of follow-up, iIBC risk did not differ between patients treated with BCS+RT or BCS alone for women <50. Cumulative incidence of cIBC at 15 years was 6.4 %, compared to 3.4 % in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

We report an interaction of treatment with age and follow-up period on iIBC risk, indicating that the benefit of RT seems to be smaller among younger women, and stressing the importance of clinical studies with long follow-up. Finally, the low cIBC risk does not justify contralateral prophylactic mastectomies for many women with unilateral DCIS.

Bilateral mastectomy and the retreat from breast-conserving surgery

The purpose of this study is to assess the consequences for breast cancer patients of the trend away from breast conservation in favor of bilateral and contralateral mastectomy. The methods are followed from the review of the literature from 1991 to 2015. Breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy, introduced into mainstream practice in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively, are now the standard of care for early-stage breast cancer. Disruptive change has unexpectedly supervened in the guise of bilateral mastectomy for cancer or prophylaxis and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. These operations are now being resorted to at a rate which cannot be explained by any of the biological imperatives related to breast cancer and related diseases. This phenomenon extends across the Western world and beyond, driven by patients' cancer concern, a misunderstanding of what surgery can and cannot achieve and preserve, and the current popular media/cultural environment. These developments and their consequences for patients are reviewed. Surgical complications, especially those related to reconstruction, are unusually common. Of equal or greater concern are the physical, esthetic, psychosocial, psychosexual morbidities, and other adverse sequelae of these operations.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM): A systematic review of patient reported factors and psychological predictors influencing choice and satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

Conduct a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies exploring patient reported factors and psychological variables influencing the decision to have contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), and satisfaction with CPM, in women with early stage breast cancer.

METHODS

Studies were identified via databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO. Data were extracted by one author and crosschecked by two additional authors for accuracy. The quality of included articles was assessed using standardised criteria by three authors.

RESULTS

Of the 1346 unique citations identified, 17 were studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies included were primarily cross-sectional and retrospective. No study utilised a theoretical framework to guide research and few studies considered psychological predictors of CPM. Fear of breast cancer was the most commonly cited reason for CPM, followed by cosmetic reasons such as desire for symmetry. Overall, women appeared satisfied with CPM, however, adverse/diminished body image, poor cosmetic result, complications, diminished sense of sexuality, emotional issues and perceived lack of education regarding alternative surveillance/CPM efficacy were cited as reasons for dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Current literature has begun to identify patient-reported reasons for CPM; however, the relative importance of different factors and how these factors relate to the process underlying the decision to have CPM are unknown. Of women who considered CPM, limited information is available regarding differences between those who proceed with or ultimately decline CPM.

Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Necessary in Patients Undergoing Prophylactic Mastectomy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The gain by performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) during prophylactic mastectomy (PM) is debatable, and we performed a meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate that the role of SLNB in subjects undergoing PM. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 11 relevant articles reporting on patients who underwent SLNB at the time of PM. Data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We included 14 studies comprising of 2,708 prophylactic mastectomies. Among 2,708 prophylactic mastectomies, the frequency of occult invasive cancer (51 cases) was 1.8% and the rate of positive SLNs (33 cases) was 1.2%. In 25 invasive cancers at the time of PM were found to have negative SLNs which avoided axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). In seven cases with positive SLNBs were found not to have invasive cancer at the time of PM and needed a subsequent ALND. Most of the patients with positive SLNs had locally advanced disease in the contralateral breast. SLNB may be suitable for patients with ipsilateral, locally advanced breast cancer and is not recommend for all patients undergoing PM.

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: Factors Predictive of Occult Malignancy or High-Risk Lesion and the Impact of MRI and Genetic Testing

BACKGROUND

Despite decreasing rates of subsequent contralateral breast cancer after diagnosis of unilateral primary breast cancer, the proportion of patients electing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is increasing. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with the identification of occult malignancy (OM) or high-risk lesion (HRL) in CPM to facilitate patient counseling and operative planning.

METHODS

We identified patients undergoing CPM in addition to mastectomy for index breast cancer between October 2008 and June 2013. Patient and tumor factors were analyzed to identify associations with OM or HRL in CPM.

RESULTS

Among 740 CPM patients, an OM was identified in 4.1 % and an HRL was identified in 10.5 %. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with either occult finding included older age [odds ratio (OR) 1.37, per 10-year increase], invasive lobular index tumor histology (OR 2.60), progesterone receptor (PR)-positive index tumor (OR 1.79), and neoadjuvant therapy (OR 0.55). Overall, 244 patients (33 %) underwent BRCA testing, and 38 (16 %) had a deleterious mutation; 494 patients (67 %) had a preoperative breast MRI. Neither absence of a deleterious BRCA mutation nor a negative preoperative MRI decreased the likelihood of an occult finding in CPM.

CONCLUSIONS

Although invasive cancer was identified infrequently in CPM specimens, the rate of HRL or OM in our study was 14.6 %. Older age and infiltrating lobular and PR-positive index breast cancers were associated with a higher risk of OM in CPM, while neoadjuvant therapy diminished the risk. BRCA testing and preoperative MRI were not associated with HRL or OM. This information is valuable for patient counseling and surgical planning.

A multidisciplinary team approach minimises prophylactic mastectomy rates

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) has become increasingly common but is not without complications especially if accompanied by reconstructive surgery. In patients with sporadic unilateral breast cancer, contralateral PM offers no survival advantage. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) communication and interaction may facilitate shared decision-making and curtail PM rates. The aim of this study was investigate the effect of a regional MDT meeting on PM decision-making.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study involving retrospective review of prospectively recorded MDT meeting records for a 151 patient requests for PM from 2011 to 2014. Final MDT decisions were recorded as PM 'accepted', 'declined' or 'pending'. For MDT sanctioned requests, the factors justifying PM were recorded. Where PM was declined, justification for MDT refusal was sought and recorded.

RESULTS

Approximately half of all requests for PM have been upheld (53.0%) and 1/3 of requests have been declined (32.5%). Of those declined, low risk of contralateral breast cancer versus relatively high risk of systemic relapse were commonly cited as justification for PM refusal (45.7%). A proportion of patients who initiated PM discussion subsequently changed their minds (19.6%), or failed to attend clinic appointments (6.5%). Some patients were deemed medically unfit for complex reconstructive surgery (13%), or were declined on the basis of an apparent cosmetic drive for surgery (6.5%), concerns regarding depression or anxiety (2.2%) and/or if family history could not be substantiated (6.5%).

DISCUSSION

MDT meetings facilitate cross-specialty interrogation of requests for PM, minimise unnecessary surgery and restrict PM to those likely to derive maximum benefit.

Perceptions of Contralateral Breast Cancer Risk: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study

PURPOSE

An increasing proportion of breast cancer patients undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) to reduce their risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC). Our goal was to evaluate CBC risk perception changes over time among breast cancer patients.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of women with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer. Patients completed a survey before and approximately 2 years after treatment. Survey questions used open-ended responses or 5-point Likert scale scoring (e.g., 5 = very likely, 1 = not at all likely).

RESULTS

A total of 74 women completed the presurgical treatment survey, and 43 completed the postsurgical treatment survey. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between responders and nonresponders of the follow-up survey. The mean estimated 10-year risk of CBC was 35.7 % on the presurgical treatment survey and 13.8 % on the postsurgical treatment survey (p < 0.001). The perceived risks of developing cancer in the same breast and elsewhere in the body significantly decreased between surveys. Both CPM and non-CPM (breast-conserving surgery or unilateral mastectomy) patients' perceived risk of CBC significantly decreased from pre- to postsurgical treatment surveys. Compared with non-CPM patients, CPM patients had a significantly lower perceived 10-year risk of CBC (5.8 vs. 17.3 %, p = 0.046) on postsurgical treatment surveys.

CONCLUSIONS

The perceived risk of CBC significantly attenuated over time for both CPM and non-CPM patients. These data emphasize the importance of early physician counseling and improvement in patient education to provide women with accurate risk information before they make surgical treatment decisions.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy after unilateral breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is associated with improved survival, incidence of contralateral breast cancer (CBC), and recurrence in patients with unilateral breast cancer (UBC).

BACKGROUND

Despite conflicting data, CPM rates continue to increase. Here we present the first meta-analysis to assess post-CPM outcomes in women with UBC.

METHODS

We searched 5 databases and retrieved papers' bibliographies for relevant studies published through March 2012. Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on the basis of tests of study heterogeneity. We examined potential confounding via stratification and meta-regression. We report pooled relative risks (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at 2-tailed P < 0.05 significance.

RESULTS

Of 93 studies reviewed, 14 were included in meta-analyses. Compared with nonrecipients, CPM recipients had higher rates of overall survival [OS; RR = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.11)] and lower rates of breast cancer-specific mortality [BCM; RR = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.85)] but saw no absolute reduction in risk of metachronous CBC (MCBC). Among patients with elevated familial/genetic risk (FGR, ie, BRCA carrier status and/or family history of breast cancer), both relative and absolute risks of MCBC were significantly decreased among CPM recipients [RR = 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.09); RD = -24.0% (95% CI: -35.6%, -12.4%)], but there was no improvement in OS or BCM.

CONCLUSIONS

CPM is associated with decreased MCBC incidence but not improved survival among patients with elevated FGR. The superior outcomes observed when comparing CPM recipients with nonrecipients in the general population are likely not attributable to a CPM-derived decrease in MCBC incidence. UBC patients without known FGR should not be advised to undergo CPM.

Breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with 232,670 new cases estimated in the USA for 2014. Approaches for reducing breast cancer risk include lifestyle modification, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgery. Lifestyle modification has a variety of health benefits with few associated risks and is appropriate for all women regardless of breast cancer risk. Chemoprevention options have expanded rapidly, but most are directed at estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and uptake is low. Prophylactic surgery introduces significant additional risks of its own and is generally reserved for the highest risk women.

Impact of reconstruction and reoperation on long-term patient-reported satisfaction after contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is increasingly chosen by breast cancer patients and may be related to increased use of immediate reconstruction. This study examines long-term patient satisfaction with CPM and reconstruction in a historical cohort.

METHODS

621 unilateral breast cancer patients with a family history of breast cancer who underwent CPM between 1960 and 1993 were surveyed regarding quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction with CPM at two time points (approximately 10 and 20 years after CPM).

RESULTS

583 women responded to the first follow-up questionnaire (median 10.7 years; mean 11.9 years) after CPM. There were 403 (69 %) patients who underwent reconstruction and 180 (31 %) patients who did not. Women electing reconstruction were younger [mean age 47 versus (vs.) 53 years; p = 0.01] and more likely to be married (85 vs. 78 %; p = 0.048). Most women reported satisfaction with CPM (83 %), and they would choose CPM again (84 %) and make the same choice regarding reconstruction (73 %). However, reconstruction patients demonstrated significantly lower satisfaction (p = 0.0001) and were less likely to choose CPM again (p < 0.0001). Within the reconstruction group, 39 % needed 1 + unplanned reoperation, which was strongly associated with lower satisfaction (p = 0.0001), lower likelihood of choosing CPM again (p = 0.006), and lower likelihood of choosing reconstruction again (p < 0.0001). There were 269 women who responded to the second questionnaire (median 18.4 years; mean 20.2 years after CPM). Satisfaction with CPM remained high, with 92 % of the women stating they would choose CPM again.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women report stable long-term satisfaction with CPM. Women who had reconstruction and required reoperations in this historical cohort reported lower satisfaction.

Attitudes and compliance of clinical management after genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer among high-risk Southern Chinese females with breast cancer history

Western studies have shown that the uptake rates of surveillance and prophylaxis may vary among BRCA mutation carriers between ethnicities. The present study is the first to investigate the behavioural impact and subjective attitudes in Southern Chinese high-risk families who had undergone BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing up to 2.5 years post-testing. Individuals who had such genetic testing and have consented to participate in the prospective database of Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry were recruited and surveyed by a face-to-face or telephone interview. Sociodemographic information, genetic test results, pre- and post-testing surveillance, medical regimes, and attitudes towards the choice of clinical management were obtained by interviews and retrieval of medical records using this prospective database. 69 females with breast cancer history were recruited into the study. Twenty-nine female carriers (15 BRCA1 mutated gene-carriers and 14 BRCA2 mutated gene-carriers) and 40 non-carriers of a BRCA 1/2 mutations were interviewed. The uptake rate of high risk breast screening i.e. clinical breast examination, mammography, and breast MRI is significantly higher among female carriers (48.3 %) after knowing genetic testing results than before (p < 0.01). A strong significant relationship between any increase or decrease of ovarian ultrasound screening (OS) and genetic status is found (p < .001), with more females did OS and with a higher frequency after knowing genetic testing results among both carriers (22.7 % → 86.4 %) and non-carriers (37.5 % → 50.0 %). Among carriers, very few opted for prophylactic surgeries. The present cohort might see prophylaxis as last resort and would use traditional Chinese medicine in cancer risk management.

Survival outcomes after contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) rates have substantially increased in recent years and may reflect an exaggerated perceived benefit from the procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the survival benefit of CPM for women with unilateral breast cancer.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to simulate survival outcomes after CPM and no CPM among women with stage I or II breast cancer without a BRCA mutation. Probabilities for developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC), dying from CBC, dying from primary breast cancer, and age-specific mortality rates were estimated from published studies. We estimated life expectancy (LE) gain, 20-year overall survival, and disease-free survival with each intervention strategy among cohorts of women defined by age, estrogen receptor (ER) status, and stage of cancer.

RESULTS

Predicted LE gain from CPM ranged from 0.13 to 0.59 years for women with stage I breast cancer and 0.08 to 0.29 years for those with stage II breast cancer. Absolute 20-year survival differences ranged from 0.56% to 0.94% for women with stage I breast cancer and 0.36% to 0.61% for women with stage II breast cancer. CPM was more beneficial among younger women, stage I, and ER-negative breast cancer. Sensitivity analyses yielded a maximum 20-year survival difference with CPM of only 1.45%.

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute 20-year survival benefit from CPM was less than 1% among all age, ER status, and cancer stage groups. Estimates of LE gains and survival differences derived from decision models may provide more realistic expectations of CPM.

Predictors that influence contralateral prophylactic mastectomy election among women with ductal carcinoma in situ who were evaluated for BRCA genetic testing

BACKGROUND

Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are at increased risk for developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC). Consequently, more women with DCIS are electing to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). We evaluated factors associated with CPM in patients with DCIS who underwent genetic counseling for BRCA testing.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 165 women with DCIS referred for genetic counseling between 2003 and 2011. Patient characteristics were age, marital and educational status, tumor markers, nuclear grade, family history of breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC), race, Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, and BRCA results. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictive factors associated with CPM election.

RESULTS

Of 165 patients, 44 (27 %) underwent CPM. Patients <45 years of age were more likely to elect CPM (p = 0.0098). A BRCA+ mutation was found in 17 patients (10.3 %), and BRCA+ women were more likely to elect CPM than BRCA or untested women (p = 0.0001). Patients who had a family history of OC (57.7 %) were more likely to choose CPM than those with no family history (p = 0.0004). Younger age, BRCA+, and an OC family history remained significant in the multivariate model (p < 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The CPM rate among patients with DCIS who undergo genetic counseling is high. Factors associated with increased likelihood of CPM among this group were age, BRCA+, and a family history of OC. Further studies are needed to evaluate patients' perceptions of CBC risk and their role in the likelihood of CPM choice.

Increasing trend of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: what are the factors behind this phenomenon?

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies have shown a trend towards increasing rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in the US. In this review, we will explore the trend, possible causative factors and outcomes from CPM.

METHODS

We performed a literature review of all relevant retrospective reviews, clinical trials and review articles regarding contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

RESULTS

Several studies have noted a four to fivefold increase in CPM in recent years; an increase most notable in younger patients. When surveyed, patients report that the most important factors affecting their choice of CPM include fear of cancer recurrence, genetic counseling/testing, family history or additional high risk factors, stress surrounding close follow up, the availability of reconstructive surgery and information provided about contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk and risk for local recurrence. Women who have undergone CPM do report high satisfaction with the procedure and some studies suggest risk reduction.

CONCLUSION

CPM rates have increased across the US and numerous factors have been reported to increase the likelihood of choosing CPM. Despite that bilateral mastectomy is associated with an increased risk of wound and overall postoperative complications for certain populations, this surgery appears to have psychological, cosmetic and possibly oncologic benefit.

Cost-effectiveness of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for prevention of contralateral breast cancer

BACKGROUND

A growing number of women with sporadic unilateral, early-stage breast cancers are undergoing ipsilateral therapeutic mastectomy with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) to prevent the development of new cancers in the contralateral breast.

METHODS

A decision-tree using TreeAge Pro 2012 software was used to model the costs and effects of CPM versus unilateral mastectomy (UM) in women younger than 50 years of age with sporadic unilateral, early stage breast cancers. Cost estimates were obtained from the Medicare Fee Schedule and the Healthcare Utilization Project. Probability estimates were obtained from the literature. Outcome effects were measured by incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. A 10-year risk period for contralateral breast cancer (CBC), a lifetime time horizon, and a societal perspective were used.

RESULTS

Treatment with CPM results in 0.2 QALYs less than UM and $279 less in costs during a 10-year risk period and lifetime follow-up. The resulting incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) is a savings of $1397 per QALY lost. The ICER is sensitive to the rate and method of postmastectomy reconstruction and the cost of radiologic surveillance after UM.

CONCLUSIONS

CPM is cost-saving for the prevention of CBC in women younger than 50 years of age with sporadic, unilateral, early-stage breast cancers, but also reduces resulting health. The savings for health lost are insufficient to be considered cost-effective at this time.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in an Asian population: a single institution review

BACKGROUND

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) removes the non-diseased breast in women who have unilateral breast cancer. This reduces the incidence of contralateral breast cancer, and potentially improves survival in high risk patients. Such surgical risk-reduction strategy is increasingly being adopted in the United States, despite a decreasing incidence of contralateral breast cancer. The use of CPM in an Asian population is yet unknown. We present the first Asian report on CPM rates and trends in Singapore, the country with the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who had breast cancer surgery from 2001 to 2010 at the largest healthcare system in Singapore was performed. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were analysed with regards to type of surgery performed. Factors associated with CPM were identified.

RESULTS

From 2001 to 2010, a total of 5130 patients underwent oncological breast surgery. A decreasing trend of mastectomies (82.7%-70.8%), an upward trend of breast conserving surgery (BCS) (17.3%-29.2%) and an increasing trend in CPM (0.46%-1.25%) is observed. Patients who opted for CPM are likely to be younger (48.4 ± 9.4 years), married (60%), parous (56.7%), with no family history of breast/ovarian cancer (66.7%), and diagnosed at an earlier stage. The rate of synchronous occult breast malignancy was found to be 10% (n = 30), and these were in patients who were of a low cancer-risk profile.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study reflects an increasing incidence of breast cancer in Singapore, with a decrease in mastectomies, and an increase in BCS and CPM rates, similar to Western data. Similar to Western populations, the Asian woman who opts for CPM is likely to be young and have an earlier stage of breast cancer. In contrast, the Asian woman is likely to have no family history of breast or ovarian cancers. Commonly cited reasons for increased CPM rates such as the increased availability of genetic counselling and pre-operative MRI evaluation, along with wide use of reconstruction, do not feature as dominant factors in our population, suggesting that the Asian patients may have different considerations when electing for CPM.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and survival: report from the National Cancer Data Base, 1998-2002

The use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has been increasing despite questionable survival benefit. We examined the effect of CPM on survival using the National Cancer Data Base. We examined overall survival on 219,983 mastectomy patients diagnosed with unilateral AJCC Stage 1-III invasive breast cancer between 1998 and 2002 of which 14,994 (7 %) underwent CPM at the time of their index mastectomy. Median follow up time was 5 years. Neoadjuvant and locally advanced breast cancers were excluded. Approximately 4 % underwent CPM in 1998 compared to 9.4 % in 2002, an ~125 % increase. CPM patients were significantly younger than non-CPM patients, on managed care plans, and were treated at high volume centers. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of death was 0.55 (95 % CI 0.52-0.57) for CPM compared to unilateral mastectomy. In a multivariable Cox model adjusting for age, race, stage, grade, histology, insurance, facility characteristics, use of adjuvant hormonal, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, and year of diagnosis, the adjusted HR was 0.88 (95 % CI 0.83-0.93; p < 0.001) which translated into an absolute 5-year benefit of 2 %. There was a differential effect of CPM by stage and age: HR = 0.88 (95 % CI 0.82-0.94; p < 0.001) in women younger than 70 with stage I/II, and HR = 0.95 (95 % CI 0.88-1.04; p = 0.28) in women with stage III or older than age 69 which translated into an absolute 5-year benefit of 1.3 %. Utilization of hormonal therapy or chemotherapy had no effect on the HR. After adjusting for confounding, the overall survival benefit for CPM is minimal at best.

The frequency and outcome of breast cancer risk-reducing surgery in Finnish BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Risk-reducing mastectomy of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers is known to significantly reduce lifetime risk of breast cancer. Our aim was to study the frequency and outcome of risk-reducing mastectomies performed in Helsinki University Central Hospital during 1997-2010.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In testing for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, 136 female carriers had been identified and followed up in Helsinki University Central Hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 69 breasts in 52 women were operated on for risk-reduction, including 28 (54%) bilateral mastectomies at mean age of 43 years. Autologous tissue was used for reconstruction in 40 (50%) and implants in 31 (39%) of the breasts, respectively. In all, 8 patients (15%) chose to have no reconstruction. Minor or major complications were recorded in 21 (40%) patients. Five reconstructions failed and were corrected with re-reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of Finnish BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, a high percentage 52 (41%) chose risk-reducing breast surgery. Autologous tissue was favored in breast reconstructions. Immediate breast reconstructions were associated with a relatively high risk of complications in free flaps and in implant reconstructions, but not in latissimus dorsi reconstructions. It is mandatory that patients are informed about the risks associated with risk-reducing operations.

Trends and clinical implications of preoperative breast MRI in Medicare beneficiaries with breast cancer

While there has been increasing interest in the use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for women with breast cancer, little is known about trends in MRI use, or the association of MRI with surgical approach among older women. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database, we identified a cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2000 to 2009 who underwent surgery. We used Medicare claims to identify preoperative breast MRI and surgical approach. We evaluated temporal trends in MRI use according to age and type of surgery, and identified factors associated with MRI. We assessed the association between MRI and surgical approach: breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy, bilateral versus unilateral mastectomy, and use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Among the 72,461 women in our cohort, 10.1 % underwent breast MRI. Preoperative MRI use increased from 0.8 % in 2000-2001 to 25.2 % in 2008-2009 (p < 0.001). Overall, 43.3 % received mastectomy and 56.7 % received BCS. After adjustment for clinical and demographic factors, MRI was associated with an increased likelihood of having a mastectomy compared to BCS (adjusted odds ratio = 1.21, 95 % CI 1.14-1.28). Among women who underwent mastectomy, MRI was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having bilateral cancer diagnosed (9.7 %) and undergoing bilateral mastectomy (12.5 %) compared to women without MRI (3.7 and 4.1 %, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). In conclusion, the use of preoperative breast MRI has increased substantially among older women with breast cancer and is associated with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with bilateral cancer, and more invasive surgery.

Operative risks associated with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: a single institution experience

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine if newly diagnosed breast cancer patients undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) experience more complications than patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy (UM).

METHODS

A total of 600 patients underwent either UM or CPM between January 2009 and March 2012 for unilateral breast cancer. Operative complications were classified as minor (aspirations, infection requiring antibiotics, partial flap and nipple necrosis, minor bleeding, delayed wound healing) or major (hematoma or seroma requiring operation, infection requiring rehospitalization, blood product transfusion, total flap or nipple loss, implant removal), mixed (both minor and major complications), or multiple. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regressions were used for the analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 600 patients, 391 (65 %) underwent UM and 209 (35 %) underwent CPM. Across all complication groups, there were significantly more complications in the CPM group versus the UM group (41.6 vs. 28.6 %, p = 0.001). Major complications alone were significantly greater in the CPM versus the UM group (13.9 vs. 4.1 %, p < 0.001). When adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking and diabetes history, AJCC stage, reconstruction, previous radiation therapy, and adjuvant therapy, CPM patients were 1.5 times more likely to have any complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95 % CI 1.04-2.25, p = 0.029) and 2.7 times more likely to have a major complication compared with UM patients (OR 2.66; 95 % CI 1.37-5.19, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

CPM patients have an increased risk of complications, especially major complications requiring rehospitalization or reoperation. These complications may influence patient and physician decisions to choose CPM.

Establishing a program for individuals at high risk for breast cancer

Our need to create a program for individuals at high risk for breast cancer development led us to research the available data on such programs. In this paper, we summarize our findings and our thinking process as we developed our own program. Breast cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. Even though there are known risk factors for breast cancer development, approximately 60% of patients with breast cancer have no known risk factor, although this situation will probably change with further research, especially in genetics. For patients with risk factors based on personal or family history, different models are available for assessing and quantifying risk. Assignment of risk levels permits tailored screening and risk reduction strategies. Potential benefits of specialized programs for women with high breast cancer risk include more cost -effective interventions as a result of patient stratification on the basis of risk; generation of valuable data to advance science; and differentiation of breast programs from other breast cancer units, which can result in increased revenue that can be directed to further improvements in patient care. Guidelines for care of patients at high risk for breast cancer are available from various groups. However, running a high-risk breast program involves much more than applying a guideline. Each high-risk program needs to be designed by its institution with consideration of local resources and country legislation, especially related to genetic issues. Development of a successful high-risk program includes identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; developing a promotion plan; choosing a risk assessment tool; defining "high risk"; and planning screening and risk reduction strategies for the specific population served by the program. The information in this article may be useful for other institutions considering creation of programs for patients with high breast cancer risk.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: clinical and pathological features from a prospective database

INTRODUCTION

In keeping with recently documented national trends, a significant and increasing number of patients will have chosen contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) based on personal preference, without traditional clinical or pathological indication.

METHODS

Women who underwent CPM at the University of Louisville from 2003 to 2009 were selected for this study. Descriptive factors were evaluated such as age, race, family history of breast cancer, laterality, hormone receptor status, stage, grade and histology of the index breast lesion. Statistical analysis was used to compute predictive factors for occult contralateral pathology.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients underwent CPM and had adequate medical information to be included in this study. The median age was 48 years, with 88% being white and 12% being African American. Seventy-six percent of the index breast cancers were infiltrating ductal carcinoma and 12% were infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Five "significant" occult pathologies were found in the prophylactically removed breast. Two of the lesions were ductal carcinoma in situ, 2 were lobular carcinoma in situ and 1 was an invasive mucinous carcinoma. On bivariate analysis, there were no factors identified predictive for occult contralateral pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

In line with previously reported data, we noted that fewer than 5% of patients who underwent CPM had pathology in the contralateral breast. We were unable to correlate any clinical or pathological characteristics in women who presented with contralateral breast cancer. This study raises serious questions regarding the clinical utility of CPM in detecting synchronous clinically and radiographically occult contralateral primaries.

Prophylactic Mastectomy: An Appraisal

The main indication of prophylactic mastectomy pertains to BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. Prophylactic mastectomy includes the simple method and the subcutaneous method. Both methods can be followed by breast plastic reconstruction either at the same time or later. This review examines key issues regarding prophylactic mastectomy: the selection of patients, its effectiveness, its limitations, convergence/divergence in existing guidelines, and future perspectives.

Prophylactic mastectomy in patients at high risk: is there a role for sentinel lymph node biopsy?

INTRODUCTION

Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) rates in the United States are rising due to determination of increased Gail risk, moderate-high risk lesions, a strong family history, and gene mutation carriers. The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in PM remains controversial. This report sought to examine clinical utility of SLNB in PM.

METHODS

A total of 292 patients underwent bilateral or contralateral PM (1999-2011). SLNB was performed on the PM side in 195 (66.7%) patients with standard techniques. Clinicopathologic data were analyzed for the incidence of occult cancer in prophylactic breast and/or axilla. Univariate analysis was used to determine factors that predict SLN positivity.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 49 years (range, 19-79 years). Contralateral invasive breast cancer (64.7%) was the most common indication for PM. A total of 209 (71.5%) invasive breast cancer and 49 (16.7%) in situ cancers (n = 38 ductal carcinoma in situ, n = 10 lobular carcinoma in situ) were identified on the therapeutic mastectomy side, with a median tumor size of 1.5 cm. 58.6% were estrogen receptor positive and 4.7% were multicentric. Three (1%) ductal carcinoma in situ, 4 (1.3%) lobular carcinoma in situ, and 5 (1.7%) atypical ductal, and 1 (0.3%) lobular hyperplasia were identified in PM breast. No invasive breast cancer or positive SLN was identified in PM breast and/or axilla.

CONCLUSION

Although a minimally invasive procedure, the utility of SLNB in patients with absent or contralateral early disease is limited. Advanced T stage, multicentricity, or receptor status on the therapeutic side or a finding of in situ or atypical hyperplasia in prophylactic breast specimen yielded no positive SLN. Routine SLNB in pure bilateral PM can safely be omitted, which reduces axillary morbidity and operative time and/or cost. Selective use of SLNB for contralateral recurrent and/or locally advanced cancers warrants further investigation.

The contralateral prophylactic mastectomy decision-making process

Women facing an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis may elect to have a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) to reduce the risk of developing a contralateral breast cancer. In the United States, CPM rates for all surgically treated women with stages I through III unilateral breast cancer increased dramatically from 1998 to 2003. In 1991, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel concluded that breast-conserving surgery is an appropriate and preferred treatment for the majority of women with stage I and II breast cancer because it provides survival rates equivalent to those of total mastectomy while preserving the breast. Owing to the near equivalence of the 2 surgical treatment options in terms of survival benefit and recurrence risk, surgical treatment for early-stage breast cancer qualifies as a "preference-sensitive decision" for which no one treatment is best (S. T. ; ). We performed a literature review to identify studies that examined CPM decision making in women facing an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis with the aim of determining the most influential factors affecting her surgical choice. Study outcome measures were largely based on demographic information retrospectively extracted from large databases representing trends rather than revealing influences reflecting preference-sensitive decision making. While we may know demographically, which women choose CPM, we do not know why. To better understand this increasing trend, which greatly impacts patient counseling, prospective research is needed using decision quality methods developed to illuminate factors influencing a woman's decision.

Modeling of the growth kinetics of occult breast tumors: role in interpretation of studies of prevention and menopausal hormone therapy

BACKGROUND

Autopsy studies report a reservoir of small, occult, undiagnosed breast cancers in up to 15.6% of women dying from unrelated causes. The effective doubling times (EDT) of these occult neoplasms range from 70 to 350 days and mammographic detection threshold diameters from 0.88 to 1.66 cm. Modeling of the biologic behavior of these occult tumors facilitates interpretation of tamoxifen breast cancer prevention and menopausal hormone therapy studies.

METHODS

We used iterative and mathematical techniques to develop a model of occult tumor growth (OTG) whose parameters included prevalence, EDT, and detection threshold. The model was validated by comparing predicted with observed incidence of breast cancer in several populations.

RESULTS

Iterative analysis identified a 200-day EDT, 7% prevalence and 1.16 cm detection threshold as optimal parameters for an OTG model as judged by comparison with Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) population incidence rates in the United States. We validated the model by comparing predicted incidence rates with those observed in five separate population databases, in three long-term contralateral breast cancer detection studies, and with data from a computer-simulated tumor growth (CSTG) model. Our model strongly suggests that breast cancer prevention with anti-estrogens or aromatase inhibitors represents early treatment not prevention. In addition, menopausal hormone therapy does not primarily induce de novo tumors but promotes the growth of occult lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our OGTG model suggests that occult, undiagnosed tumors are prevalent, grow slowly, and are the biologic targets of anti-estrogen therapy for prevention and hormone therapy for menopausal women.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in breast cancer patients with a family history: a prospective 2-years follow-up study of health related quality of life, sexuality and body image

INTRODUCTION

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is the most effective option to prevent the occurrence of a second breast cancer in hereditary breast cancer patients. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression, sexuality and body image in breast cancer patients with a family history undergoing CPM with immediate breast reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 60 of 69 eligible patients agreed to participate in the study. Four validated questionnaires were used: the SF-36, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ). Forty-five patients (75%) responded before CPM, 49 (82%) at 6 months, and 45 (75%) at 2 years after CPM.

RESULTS

Overall, the patients showed a satisfactory HRQoL 2 years after CPM, similar to women in the general population. There were no differences in HRQoL, anxiety, depression or sexuality before and after CPM. However, more than half of the women reported at least one body image problem 2 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

No adverse effects on HRQoL, anxiety, depression or sexuality were observed. However, some aspects of body image were negatively affected after CPM. These findings could be used in preoperative counselling of breast cancer patients opting for CPM.

Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast: MRI pathological correlation following bilateral total mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is more often multifocal and bilateral than invasive ductal carcinoma. MRI is usually recommended for detection of all ILC sites. The performance of known diagnostic breast MRI criteria for ILC characterization has not been evaluated to date using bilateral mastectomy specimens as gold standard.

PURPOSE

To determine the value of BI-RADS 2006 MRI criteria for ILC detection and characterization, using pathological examination of bilateral mastectomy specimens as the reference standard.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2004 and 2007, we retrospectively included all patients with pathologically documented ILC referred to our institution for bilateral mastectomy and preoperative bilateral breast MRI. The location, diameter, and characteristics (BI-RADS) of all lesions were compared with pathological findings. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of bilateral breast MRI for the diagnosis of ILC were calculated. Association of MRI BI-RADS categorical variables and characterization of ILC were assessed (Fisher exact test).

RESULTS

Among 360 patients treated for ILC in 2004-2007, 15 patients qualified for this study. Thirty-one ILC foci were found on pathological examination (30 ipsilateral and 1 contralateral tumor; mean diameter 23 mm; range 2-60 mm) and all were identified on MRI, with 90% of masses and 10% non-mass-like enhancements; MRI features significantly associated with ILC included absence of smooth margins (P = 0.02) and rim-shaped enhancement (P = 0.039). Enhancement kinetics of the 31 foci were evenly distributed among wash-out, plateau, and persistent profiles. Eleven additional lesions were seen on MRI, mainly corresponding to fibrocystic disease; 91% presented as masses and 9% had a wash-out profile.

CONCLUSION

Based on the 2006 BI-RADS criteria, breast MRI shows a high sensitivity for ILC detection, at the expense of a 26% false-positive rate, suggesting that a pathological proof by US- or MR-guided biopsy is required in case of suspicious MRI images in this context.