Breast cancer occurred after Hodgkin's disease: clinico-pathological features, treatments and outcome: analysis of 214 cases

Best practice & research clinical haematology: Screening for breast cancer in hodgkin lymphoma survivors

Childhood and young adult survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma are at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is felt to originate from chest wall radiation exposure prior to the third decade of life, with incidence beginning to rise approximately eight to ten years following Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Although incidence varies according to age at radiation exposure, dosage, and treatment fields, cohort studies have documented a cumulative incidence of breast cancer of 10-20% by 40 years of age. Women with a history of chest radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma are counselled to begin screening with bilateral breast MRI at 25 years of age, or eight years after radiation, whichever occurs later. Outside of high-risk surveillance, the optimal management approach for women with prior radiation exposure continues to evolve. When diagnosed with breast malignancy, evidence supports consideration of unilateral therapeutic and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, although breast conserving surgery may be considered following multidisciplinary assessment. This review will address the epidemiology, characteristics, screening and management guidelines, and breast-cancer prevention efforts for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with radiation therapy in adolescence and young adulthood.

Breast Cancer and Mediastinal Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Multidisciplinary Discussion

Treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has evolved, with modern treatments combining less toxic chemotherapy and radiation, leading to improved long-term disease-free survival. However, there is a higher chance of second cancer, especially breast cancer, following effective HL treatment. The impact of reduced radiation doses and volumes, as well as the use of advanced irradiation techniques, on the risk of second malignancy is not clear. According to medical organizations, the history of chest irradiation is a relative contraindication to breast preservation therapy for women with initial breast cancer, leading to a paradigm of mastectomy. This article proposes a discussion between radiation oncologists and surgeons to review major trials and recent developments on the prevalence of breast cancer following HL therapy, the risk of contralateral cancer, the feasibility of breast conserving surgery (BCS), as well as breast reconstruction modalities.

Surgical Management and Contralateral Breast Cancer Risk in Women with History of Radiation Therapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma: Results from a Population-Based Cohort

BACKGROUND

Women with history of chest irradiation for Hodgkin lymphoma are at increased risk of developing bilateral breast cancer, although contralateral breast cancer risk estimates in this population remain undefined.

METHODS

We queried the SEER database for women treated with radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma prior to age 30 years and were diagnosed with a subsequent breast cancer between 1990-2016. Trends in surgical management and the 5- and 10-year cumulative incidence of contralateral breast cancer were evaluated.

RESULTS

The cohort included 295 women with a median age of 22 years (range 8-30 years) at Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, and 42 years (range 22-65 years) at breast cancer diagnosis. Overall, 263 (89.2%) presented with unilateral breast cancer, while 32 (10.8%) presented with synchronous bilateral breast cancer. Breast-conserving surgery was performed in 17.3% of patients, while mastectomy was performed in 82.7%. In 263 patients presenting with unilateral breast cancer, 50 (19.0%) underwent breast-conserving surgery and 213 (81.0%) underwent mastectomy. Subgroup analysis of mastectomy patients demonstrated a 40.5% bilateral mastectomy rate. The 5-year incidence of contralateral breast cancer in women who underwent unilateral surgery was 9.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.6-15.4%], increasing to 20.2% (95% CI, 13.7-29.2%) at 10-year and 29.9% (95% CI, 20.8-41.9%) at 15-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with a history of prior chest radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma with a diagnosis of breast cancer have a 10-year contralateral breast cancer risk of 20%. These findings support consideration of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy during surgical decision-making for management of this high-risk patient population.

Radiotherapy of lymphomas

Radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphomas has evolved a lot over time, but still plays an important role, almost always in addition to chemotherapy, for the management of the early stages. The major objective is to preserve the quality of life of patients who will be cured from this disease in the vast majority of cases. Also, the personalization of the indications for the purpose of de-escalating toxicity is very refined and is essentially based on the pre- and pertherapeutic assessment by FDG-PET. The indications for radiotherapy are more limited for non-Hodgkin lymphomas, but the same principles are found, regardless of the histological type. We present the update of the recommendations of the French society of oncological radiotherapy for radiotherapy of lymphomas, which remains a very evolving field in terms of therapeutic strategy and evaluation.

Clinicopathologic features of breast cancers diagnosed in women treated with prior radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma: Results from a population-based cohort

BACKGROUND

Childhood and young adult survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are at elevated risk of developing breast cancer, yet little data exist on the tumor characteristics that develop in this high-risk patient population.

METHODS

The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify breast cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 2016 in women who had received prior radiation therapy for HL at age 30 years or younger. Clinicopathologic features of subsequent breast cancers (breast cancer after radiation therapy for HL [BC-HL]) were examined and compared with breast cancers diagnosed in women who had no prior malignancy (breast cancer with no prior malignancy [BC-NPM]).

RESULTS

In total, 321 breast cancers were identified in 257 women who had a history of radiation therapy for HL. The median age at HL diagnosis was 22 years (interquartile range, 18-26 years), and nearly all patients in the BC-HL group (97.9%) were diagnosed ≥8 years after radiation therapy. Overall, 56 patients in the BC-HL group (21.8%) developed bilateral breast cancer. Compared with women who had BC-NPM, those who had BC-HL were younger (43 vs 60 years; P < .001) and were less likely to present with ductal carcinoma in situ (8.4% vs 14.9%; P = .001). On multivariable analysis that included adjustment for age, invasive BC-HL was associated with smaller (≤2 cm) tumor size (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.25-2.15) and upper outer quadrant tumors (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.04-1.81) compared with BC-NPM. In a subset analysis of 102 women who had HER2/neu status available, the distribution of biologic subtype was not significantly different between BC-HL and BC-NPM (P = .16).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast cancers in women who previously received radiation therapy for HL are characterized by earlier onset disease, although most remain estrogen receptor-positive and have early stage disease at presentation.

LAY SUMMARY

Women who have had radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma at a young age are at increased risk of developing early onset breast cancer; however, most of these breast cancers are sensitive to hormones (estrogen receptor-positive) and are diagnosed at early stages. Because these breast tumors are estrogen receptor-positive, medications that prevent breast cancer by blocking the effect of or lowering hormone levels (also termed endocrine prevention) may be useful in this group of high-risk women.

Primary Extranodal Follicular T-Cell Lymphoma and Ductal Breast Carcinoma Diagnosed by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are low-grade B-cell lymphomas and the breast is not a common site for this condition. This case report describes a 62-year-old woman with a primary NHL and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the left breast diagnosed by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy. The simultaneous diagnosis of breast cancer and NHL is rare, with few cases described in the literature. Primary breast lymphomas account only for 0.04% to 0.5% of breast malignancies. CASE REPORT In November 2016, a 62-year-old woman was treated for a peripheral T-cell lymphoma (follicular helper T-cell phenotype) of the left upper central breast; later she underwent periodic breast imaging follow-ups. In October 2018, MRI revealed a focal 33-mm non-mass contrast enhancement (according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System -MRI lexicon of the American College of Radiology) in the lower external quadrant of the left breast. Neither mammography nor ultrasonography demonstrated any suspicious features. The multidisciplinary medical team performed an MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy and the histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a DCIS. Subsequently, she underwent surgery resulting in eradication of the disease and has had regular follow-ups, including mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI. CONCLUSIONS This is a rare case of both a primary NHL of the breast and DCIS, which was detected only by MRI. It highlights the role of an MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, which allows an accurate and economic diagnosis in case of suspicious findings on MRI. We recommend the use of MRI in follow-ups for patients with previous breast lymphomas (high-risk patients).

Current overview and special considerations for second breast cancer in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors

Second breast cancer (SBC) is the most common solid cancer among Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) female survivors. We reviewed the related modifying risk factors, radiation-induced carcinogenesis, tumors characteristics, management specificities, prevention and surveillance modalities based on current evidence. The risk of developing SBC may be influenced essentially by the age at HL treatment, follow-up latency, dose of irradiation received and the extent of irradiated field. SBCs generally develop at younger age, they are often bilateral, and exhibit more aggressive biological features and worse prognosis. No firm answer about the benefits of breast surveillance is provided by literature, but compelling evidence tends toward a clinical benefit in early detection. Increasing awareness among health providers' care and current survivors as well as the implementation of screening measures is crucial. Great efforts are ongoing in individualizing treatment strategies for future HL patients and response-adapted approaches are holding promise in prevention of these second malignancies.

Radiation-associated breast cancers in a late-effects cohort: Long-term surveillance is essential

AIMS

Survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adulthood malignancies have an increased risk of subsequent primary malignancies, particularly after exposure to therapeutic radiation. This study aims to evaluate the mode of surveillance and surveillance compliance, incidence and mode of detection of breast cancer, breast cancer phenotype, and outcomes after radiation-associated breast cancer (RBC) in a late-effects cohort.

METHODS

Women exposed to therapeutic radiation attending the late effects service from 1st January 2000 to 20th February 2013. All invasive and in-situ cancers, benign tumors, and deaths were evaluated. The incidence of breast cancer was compared to the Australian general population. Compliance with breast surveillance recommendations, clinicopathological features, and management of breast cancers were examined.

RESULTS

The prevalence of RBC was 17.1%. Twenty-eight cases of RBC occurred in 24 women, out of 140 women exposed to chest radiation. Patients whose first attendance was ≥15 years after radiation exposure experienced the highest incidence of RBC at 23%. The incidence of breast cancer was 11.2 times the general population (P < .001). Compliance with surveillance mammography was observed in 18.4%. Breast cancers diagnosed after the first attendance to the service were more likely screen-detected (P = .002). Most were hormone receptor positive (84.0%), invasive ductal carcinomas (82.1%), and managed with mastectomy (89.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients attending a dedicated late effects service have a high burden of subsequent malignancies generally occurring after long latency. Judicious management with adherence to long-term surveillance guidelines is advocated.

[Cancers and environmental exposures: Between uncertainties and certainties]

While improvements in the environment and living conditions have contributed to a significant increase in human longevity for over a century, the role of environmental factors in the occurrence of cancer has become a public health concern. It is recognized that a number of environmental factors such as environmental quality (air, water, soil), or environmental changes contribute to the occurrence of certain cancers. Despite this awareness, their potential impacts on health raise many scientific questions. The development of new methodological tools for the characterization of exposure, the study of the association between environmental agents and cancer through an exposure-cancer approach and the health impacts associated, have led to changes in scientific paradigms including the concept of exposome. This concept, at the heart of health and environmental issues, takes into account the determinants of health related to the quality of populations' living environments and provides assistance in public policy decision-making. Ultimately, the aim is to develop measures likely to reduce exposure and prevent health risks and damage to the most vulnerable populations, both in their physical environment and in their living environment, including the economic and social determinants.

A rare case of bilateral breast lobular carcinoma coexisting with primary breast follicular lymphoma

CLINICAL PRACTICE POINTS

● Co-existence of breast cancer and lymphoma is a rare condition. A few cases of synchronous breast ductal carcinoma and lymphoma have been reported in the literature. However, to our knowledge this is the first case report of a bilateral breast lobular carcinoma co-presenting with follicular lymphoma.

● Little is known about the pathophysiology of synchronous cancers of different tumor types, especially solid tumors co-existing with hematologic malignancies. In-depth review of these cases can shed light on underlying mechanism leading to synchronous cancer development.

Secondary breast cancer after Hodgkin lymphoma: a case report and literature review

The occurrence of secondary breast cancers in women previously exposed to chest irradiation for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is considered as a major issue for the quality of life of these long-term survivors as well as a challenge for clinical management. This study reports a case of a woman treated for HL at the age of 24 years, who developed breast cancer after an interval of 20 years. This case highlights once again the importance of awareness among HL survivors about their increased breast cancer risk and re-launches the debate about the efficacy of adoption of breast screening guidelines.

Modern therapies and iatrogenic changes in breast pathology

Iatrogenic changes within the breast can provide challenges for the histopathologist in routine practice. Diagnostic procedures, such as core biopsies, result in reactive changes and can cause displacement of benign and malignant cells, the interpretation of which may cause difficulties in the resection specimen. Breast augmentation surgery with implants or injection of fillers, performed for cosmetic reasons or as part of a reconstructive process following removal of breast cancer, also produces reactive changes locally and at distant sites that may mimic cancer. The entity of implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is now well recognized, with progress in our understanding of the underlying biological factors that drive its development. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy used in the treatment of breast cancer causes characteristic changes in normal breast tissue, and can alter the histological appearance and receptor status of the tumour. Radiotherapy to the breast, for breast cancer or childhood malignancies, increases the risk of developing a secondary malignancy in the breast long after treatment. In this review, we describe some of the iatrogenic changes that may be seen in histological specimens from the breast.

Second malignancies in Hodgkin's disease: A review of the literature and report of a case with a secondary Lennert's lymphoma

A small percentage of patients treated for Hodgkin's disease are at risk of developing a second malignancy. The appearance of secondary malignancies such as leukemia, carcinoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphomas may be attributed to the mutagenic effects of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Most secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are of the B-cell type, but isolated cases were reportedly of a T-cell lineage. A review of the literature pertaining to the development of secondary peripheral T-cell lymphomas is presented along with the description of an additional case. The latter developed in the tonsil and was diagnosed as a Lennert's lymphoma (lymphoepithelioid T cell lymphoma)on histological and immunological grounds. This report also reviews the development of a of peripheral T-cell lymphoma described in patients following chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease.

Integrating traditional medicine into modern inflammatory diseases care: multitargeting by Rhus verniciflua Stokes

Despite the fact that numerous researches were performed on prevention and treatment of inflammation related diseases, the overall incidence has not changed remarkably. This requires new approaches to overcome inflammation mediated diseases, and thus traditional medicine could be an efficacious source for prevention and treatment of these diseases. In this review, we discuss the contribution of traditional medicine, especially Rhus verniciflua Stokes, to modern medicine against diverse inflammation mediated diseases. Traditionally, this remedy has been used in Eastern Asia for the treatment of gastric problems, hepatic disorders, infectious diseases, and blood disorders. Modern science has provided the scientific basis for the use of Rhus verniciflua Stokes against such disorders and diseases. Various chemical constituents have been identified from this plant, including phenolic acid, and flavonoids. Cell-based studies have exhibited the potential of this as antibacterial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, growth inhibitory, and anticancer activities. Enormous animal studies have shown the potential of this against proinflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, liver diseases, and chemical insults. At the molecular level, this medicinal plant has been shown to modulate diverse cell-signaling pathways. In clinical studies, Rhus verniciflua Stokes has shown efficacy against various cancer patients such as colorectal, gastric, hepatic, renal, pancreatic, and pulmonary cancers. Thus, this remedy is now exhibiting activities in the clinic.

A rare case of non-invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast coexisting with follicular lymphoma: A case report with a review of the literature

The double presentation of breast cancer and follicular lymphoma is extremely rare, and only six cases have previously been reported in the literature. In the present study, a case of synchronous ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and follicular lymphoma is reported. During an annual breast screening procedure, a 49-year-old female presented with a hard induration under the nipple of the right breast and swelling of a soft lymph node (LN) in the right axilla. Mammography and ultrasonography revealed two lesions in the right breast: One was a tumor with microcalcification, 1.0 cm in diameter, and the other was a large, crude calcification, 2.5 cm in diameter. In addition, computed tomography and positron emission tomography revealed swellings of the bilateral axillary (Ax) LN and intra-abdominal para-aortic LN. The patient underwent excisions of the large calcified mass, a micro-calcified tumor and the right AxLN. The pathological and immunohistochemical studies revealed fat necrosis and DCIS of the breast, which was positive for the estrogen receptor and the progesterone receptor, while human epidermal growth factor receptor II protein expression was evaluated as 2+ and stage was classified as pTis pN0 M0, stage 0. Furthermore, the Ax node was diagnosed as follicular lymphoma, which was positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)20, CD79a, CD10 and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 protein, but negative for Bcl-6 protein. The clinical stage was classified as stage III. The patient was administered chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy to the conserved breast. Two years have passed since the surgery, and the patient is disease-free.

Tailored strategies for radiation therapy in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma

Radiotherapeutic advances have contributed to the evolution of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) treatment paradigms. A reduction in radiation therapy (RT) field size and dose has the potential to significantly impact the therapeutic ratio by diminishing late toxicities while maintaining curability. Substantial progress in risk stratification has contributed to the development of tailored RT strategies which address both field design as well as dose. Technologic improvements have also enhanced the ability to adapt the RT technique to the individual patient. The refinement of the RT approach and its incorporation into current combined modality strategies in adult classical HL is the subject of ongoing investigation and is critically reviewed.

Dose Response of MTLn3 Cells to Serial Dilutions of Arsenic Trioxide and Ionizing Radiation

MTLn3 cells derived from mouse mammary epithelium are known to be highly malignant and are resistant to both radio- and chemo-therapy. We exposed MTLn3 cells to various doses of inorganic Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in combination with ionizing radiation. Cells were treated with a series of As2O3 concentrations ranging from 20 μM to 1.22 nM for 8 hour, 24 hour and 48 hour periods. Post-treated cell proliferation was quantified by measuring mitochondrial activity and DNA analysis. Cells exposed to radiation and As2O3 at concentration greater than 1.25 μM showed apoptosis and radiations alone treated cells were statistically not different from the control. Hormesis was observed for As2O3 concentrations in the range of 0.078 μM to 0.625 μM while the combined chemo and radiation treatments of the cells did not affect the hormetic effect. We have demonstrated that As2O3 (in the presence and absence of ionizing radiation) in specific low concentrations induced apoptosis in the otherwise chemoresistant cancer cells. This low concentration-mediated cell death is immediately followed by a surge in cell survival. Low dosing dosimetry is highly desirable in metronomic therapy however, it has a narrow window since necrosis, hormesis, apoptosis and other dose-dependent biological processes take place in this region. Further quantifiable dosimetry is highly desired for routine clinical practice.