Accelerated partial breast irradiation with interstitial brachytherapy as second conservative treatment for ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence: Multicentric study of the GEC-ESTRO Breast Cancer Working Group

[Reirradiation of recurrent breast carcinoma]

Approximately 10 to 15% of patients with breast cancer will have a local recurrence after initial conservative treatment or mastectomy. Total mastectomy has historically been the standard treatment for local recurrence. However, the question of reirradiation may arise as part of a second conservative treatment in conjunction with segmentectomy or in the case of chest wall recurrence to improve local control. Different modalities are available: brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy with or without hyperthermia. Although the carcinologic results are encouraging, this complex situation requires rigorous patient selection and technical requirements to achieve the best local control and limit toxicity events. This article presents a review of the literature on the different indications and techniques for reirradiation of ipsilateral recurrent breast cancer, with the aim of providing decision support in clinical practice.

Salvage Breast-Conserving Surgery and Reirradiation With Intraoperative Electrons for Recurrent Breast Cancer: A Multicentric Study on Behalf of Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO)

PURPOSE

Intraoperative radiation therapy with electrons (IOERT) may represent a viable choice for partial breast reirradiation after repeat quadrantectomy for local recurrence (LR) for primary breast cancer (BC) in lieu of mastectomy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A database collecting data on partial breast reirradiation with IOERT from 8 Italian centers was set up in 2016 to 2018, providing data on cumulative incidence (CumI) of second LR and survival with a long follow-up.

RESULTS

From 2002 to 2015, 109 patients underwent the conservative retreatment. The median primary BC first LR interval was 11.1 years (range, 2.4-27.7). The median first LR size was 0.9 cm (range, 0.3-3.0), and 43.6% cases were luminal A. Median IOERT dose was 18 Gy (range, 12-21), and median collimator diameter was 4 cm (range, 3-6). Median follow-up duration was 11.7 years (IQR, 7.7-14.6). The second LR CumI was 12.2% (95% CI, 6.8%-19.2%) at 5 years and 32.3% at 10 years (95% CI, 22.8%-42.2%), occurring in the same site as the first LR in about half of the cases. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status and collimator size were independent LR predictors. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 95.2% and 88.3%, respectively, whereas 5- and 10-year BC-specific survival rates were 98% and 94.5%, respectively. The development of a second LR significantly reduced BC-specific survival (hazard ratio, 9.40; P < .001). Grade ≥3 fibrosis rate was 18.9%. Patient-reported cosmesis was good/excellent in 59.7% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Second LR CumI was within the range of the literature but higher than expected, opening questions on radiation field extension and fractionation schedule. Because a second LR worsened the outcome, salvage modality must be carefully planned.

Do we need reshape rTNM staging system for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence of breast cancer? A population-based, propensity score matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to explore the role of recurrent TNM (rTNM) staging in predicting prognosis for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) and determine the optimal treatment strategy for IBTR.

METHOD

IBTR cases were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database spanning the years 2000-2018. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to examine factors associated with overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to match IBTR with primary early breast cancer (EBC) based on clinicopathological characteristics. Investigations into the impact of different therapies were also included.

RESULTS

Of the 4375 IBTR cases included in the study, the 5-year OS was 87.1%, 71.6% and 58.7% in rTNM stages I, II and III, respectively. After PSM, while IBTR patients had worse survival to primary EBC patients, prognosis of IBTR for different rTNM stage always closely aligned with the corresponding stage of primary EBC. Repeat breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with radiation therapy was equivalent to mastectomy with respect to OS and BCSS. Chemotherapy was favorable for OS and BCSS in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative IBTR or IBTR occurring within a 60-month interval.

CONCLUSIONS

rTNM staging system has an outstanding prognostic value for survival outcome of patients with IBTR, and IBTR and primary EBC may have potentially analogous features in the context of TNM staging. BCS plus radiation therapy may be an alternative. IBTR cases who have experienced recurrence with short intervals and with ER-negative tumors might benefit from chemotherapy.

Hypofractionated Partial Breast Reirradiation in the Conservative Retreatment of Breast Cancer Local Recurrence

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of partial breast reirradiation (re-PBI) with intensity modulated radiation therapy using a hypofractionated scheme for breast cancer (BC) local relapse (LR) operated on with repeat breast-conservative surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Intensity modulated radiation therapy-based re-PBI was performed using either helical or step-and-shoot modality to deliver 37.05 Gy in 13 fractions in 2.5 weeks. Cumulative incidence of second LR, toxicity, disease-free survival (DFS), BC-specific survival, and overall survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between May 2012 and May 2021, 70 patients had re-PBI. The median follow-up (FU) was 6.3 years (quartiles 1-3, 4.0-8.1.). The median age at first LR was 62 years. The median primary BC first LR interval was 12.4 years (range, 1.6-26.7 years). Luminal A-like first LR accounted for 41% of the cases, and the median size was 0.8 cm. During FU, 18 (26%) patients showed a subsequent event: 3 second LRs (corresponding to an 8-year cumulative rate of 4%), 3 regional nodal recurrences, 7 distant metastases, and 5 other primary tumors. At 8 years, DFS, BC-specific survival, and overall survival were 76%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, grade 3 and extensive intraductal components were independent predictors for DFS. For 51 and 46 patients, chronic toxicity and cosmesis were evaluated, respectively: 4% had grade 3 fibrosis, and cosmesis was deemed good/excellent in just >60% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-PBI after repeat breast-conservative surgery represents a feasible alternative to mastectomy with regard to local control, showing an acceptable toxicity profile. A long-term FU is crucial to better understand the pattern of relapse and consolidate the position of re-PBI in clinical practice.

A bibliometric worldview of breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer from 2013 to 2023

Over the last decade, significant advancements have been made in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer. However, there is a lack of analytical and descriptive investigations on the trajectory, essential research directions, current research scenario, pivotal investigative focuses, and forthcoming perspectives. The objective of this research is to provide a thorough update on the progress made in BCS for breast cancer over the preceding decade. Retrieved from the Web of Science database, the data span from January 1, 2013, to November 30, 2023. Utilizing a set of advanced analytical instruments, we conducted comprehensive bibliometric and visual analyses. The findings underscore the predominant influence of the USA, representing 35.77% of the overall publications and playing a pivotal role in shaping research within this field. Notable productivity was evident at various institutions, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Toronto. Annals of Surgical Oncology contributed the most publications in this field. An examination of keywords indicated a change in the concentration of research attention, transitioning from molecular subtype, ultrasonography, and intraoperative aspects to SEER, male breast cancer, and adjuvant measures. By offering a comprehensive bibliometric assessment, this study enhances our understanding of BCS for breast cancer. Consequently, this benefits both experienced researchers and newcomers alike, providing prompt access to essential information and fostering the extraction of innovative concepts within this specific field.

Management of second ipsilateral breast tumor event: An advocacy for a randomized trial

For a second ipsilateral breast tumor event, salvage mastectomy is the standard of care while second conservative treatment is a possible option. However, level 1 proofs are missing, leading to perform salvage mastectomy for patients who could receive second conservative treatment and consequently avoid psychological/quality of life salvage mastectomy deleterious impacts. A phase 3 randomized trial comparing salvage mastectomy to second conservative treatment is needed. Here we discuss what would be to us the optimal design of such trial to confirm the non-inferiority between the two salvage options, with a focus on methodological aspects in terms of patient characteristics and statistical issues.

Review of brachytherapy clinical trials: a cross-sectional analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov

INTRODUCTION

Characterizing the landscape of clinical trials including brachytherapy can provide an overview of the current status and research trends which may guide further areas of investigation.

METHOD

We queried 449,849 clinical trials from the ClinicalTrials.gov registry using brachytherapy-related keywords from 1980 to 2023, yielding 245 multi-arm and 201 single-arm, brachytherapy trials. Multi-arm and single-arm brachytherapy trials were compared using 12 trial protocol elements.

RESULTS

The number of trials including brachytherapy has increased over time, with over 60% of trials registered in 2010 onwards. The majority of clinical trials were Phase 2 or 3, evaluated both safety and efficacy, and were funded by academic sponsors. The most common tumor sites evaluated in brachytherapy clinical trials include prostate, cervix, liver, endometrium, and breast.

CONCLUSION

There remains continued interest in clinical trials including brachytherapy focused on evaluation of novel delivery systems, treatment planning, and new indications. More brachytherapy clinical trials are needed to define the optimal clinical utilization and advance prospective research in this field.

Proton Beam Therapy for Breast Cancer

Given the radiobiological and physical properties of the proton, proton beam therapy has the potential to be advantageous for many patients compared with conventional radiotherapy by limiting toxicity and improving patient outcomes in specific breast cancer scenarios.

Proton Reirradiation for High-Risk Recurrent or New Primary Breast Cancer

Radiotherapy is an integral component of multidisciplinary breast cancer care. Given how commonly radiotherapy is used in the treatment of breast cancer, many patients with recurrences have received previous radiotherapy. Patients with new primary breast cancer may also have received previous radiotherapy to the thoracic region. Curative doses and comprehensive field photon reirradiation (reRT) have often been avoided in these patients due to concerns for severe toxicities to organs-at-risk (OARs), such as the heart, lungs, brachial plexus, and soft tissue. However, many patients may benefit from definitive-intent reRT, such as patients with high-risk disease features such as lymph node involvement and dermal/epidermal invasion. Proton therapy is a potentially advantageous treatment option for delivery of reRT due to its lack of exit dose and greater conformality that allow for enhanced non-target tissue sparing of previously irradiated tissues. In this review, we discuss the clinical applications of proton therapy for patients with breast cancer requiring reRT, the currently available literature and how it compares to historical photon reRT outcomes, treatment planning considerations, and questions in this area warranting further study. Given the dosimetric advantages of protons and the data reported to date, proton therapy is a promising option for patients who would benefit from the added locoregional disease control provided by reRT for recurrent or new primary breast cancer.

Second Conservative Treatment for Local Recurrence Breast Cancer: A GEC-ESTRO Oncological Outcome and Prognostic Factor Analysis

PURPOSE

For second ipsilateral breast tumor event (2nd IBTE), second conservative treatment (2nd CT) combining lumpectomy plus accelerated partial breast reirradiation (APBrI) represents a curative option. The aim of this study was to analyze oncological prognostic factors for patients with a 2nd IBTE treated with 2nd CT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An analysis of clinical practices was conducted across 7 academic hospitals/cancer centers in 6 European countries based on the GEC-ESTRO database. Patients presenting a 2nd IBTE occurring after conservative surgery (lumpectomy + axillary evaluation) and irradiation performed for the primary tumor underwent a 2nd CT with brachytherapy-based APBrI. The main outcome was 5-year cumulative incidence (CI) rate of second local relapse. All analyzed patients were classified according to risk groups for Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie-European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (GEC-ESTRO) accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and molecular classification and time interval between first and second breast surgery (TIS1S2). Finally, we combined GEC-ESTRO APBI, molecular, and TIS1S2 risk groups, leading to the definition of a new score (named TAM: score based on the combination of time interval [T] between first and second surgery and APBI [A] and molecular [M] classifications) specifically designed for 2nd IBTE oncological outcome analysis.

RESULTS

From July 1994 to January 2021, a total of 508 patients received a 2nd CT. At the time of 2nd IBTE, median age was 64.6 years (range, 56.2-72.6). With a median follow-up of 60.9 months (56.2-72.6), the 5-year second local relapse CI rate was 4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2%-6%). The 5-year distant metastasis disease CI rate was 7% (95% CI, 4%-10%). Five-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 89% (95% CI, 86%-93%) and 91% (95% CI, 88%-94%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, TAM score was an independent prognostic factor for all the oncological items (P < .001) except disease-specific survival (P = .07) and overall survival (P = .09). The grade ≥3 late toxicity rate was 12.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of 2nd CT combining lumpectomy with APBrI for 2nd IBTE confirmed the excellent oncological results obtained after 2nd CT. Furthermore, the GEC-ESTRO TAM score appears to be an important prognostic factor, assisting patients and physicians in the decision-making process.

Recommandations francophones pour la pratique clinique concernant la prise en charge des cancers du sein de Saint-Paul-de-Vence 2022-2023

With more than 60,000 new cases of breast cancer in mainland France in 2023 and 8% of all cancer deaths, breast cancer is the leading cancer in women in terms of incidence and mortality. While the number of new cases has almost doubled in 30 years, the percentage of patients at all stages alive at 5 years (87%) and 10 years (76%) testifies to the major progress made in terms of screening, characterisation and treatment. However, this progress, rapid as it is, needs to be evaluated and integrated into an overall strategy, taking into account the characteristics of the disease (stage and biology), as well as those of the patients being treated. These are the objectives of the St Paul-de-Vence recommendations for clinical practice. We report here the summary of the votes, discussions and conclusions of the Saint-Paul-de-Vence 2022-2023 RPCs.

The 2022 Assisi Think Tank Meeting: White paper on optimising radiation therapy for breast cancer

The present white paper, referring to the 4th Assisi Think Tank Meeting on breast cancer, reviews state-of-the-art data, on-going studies and research proposals. < 70% agreement in an online questionnaire identified the following clinical challenges: 1: Nodal RT in patients who have a) 1-2 positive sentinel nodes without ALND (axillary lymph node dissection); b) cN1 disease transformed into ypN0 by primary systemic therapy and c) 1-3 positive nodes after mastectomy and ALND. 2. The optimal combination of RT and immunotherapy (IT), patient selection, IT-RT timing, and RT optimal dose, fractionation and target volume. Most experts agreed that RT- IT combination does not enhance toxicity. 3: Re-irradiation for local relapse converged on the use of partial breast irradiation after second breast conserving surgery. Hyperthermia aroused support but is not widely available. Further studies are required to finetune best practice, especially given the increasing use of re-irradiation.

Breast brachytherapy: Building a bright future on the foundation of a rich history of advancement in technology, technique, and patient-centered care

For over 20 years, the concept of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has received considerable attention. Initially concentrating on the appropriateness of APBI as an alternative treatment to whole breast radiotherapy, investigation and innovation evolved towards dose delivery and technique appropriateness. The purpose of this article is to review the pertinent literature that supports the role brachytherapy serves in delivering APBI and the recognized brachytherapy techniques for dose delivery. Publications establishing techniques utilizing multicatheter brachytherapy, single-entry brachytherapy applicators, permanent breast seed implantation brachytherapy, noninvasive breast brachytherapy and electronic brachytherapy are described. The use of brachytherapy for repeat breast conservation therapy is additionally reviewed. A historical perspective and potential direction of future investigation and innovation are presented.

Early effectiveness and toxicity outcomes of reirradiation after breast conserving surgery for recurrent or new primary breast cancer

PURPOSE

Breast reirradiation (reRT) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) has emerged as a viable alternative to mastectomy for women presenting with recurrent or new primary breast cancer. There are limited data on safety of different fractionation regimens. This study reports safety and efficacy among women treated with repeat BCS and reRT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients who underwent repeat BCS followed by RT from 2015 to 2021 at 2 institutions were analyzed. Univariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of acute and late toxicities. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LR-RFS).

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were reviewed with median follow-up of 16 months (range: 3-60 months). At time of first recurrence, 41% had invasive carcinoma with a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) component, 41% had invasive carcinoma alone and 18% had DCIS alone. All were clinically node negative. For the reirradiation course, 95% received partial breast irradiation (PBI) (57.5% with 1.5 Gy BID; 27% with 1.8 Gy daily; 10.5% with hypofractionation), and 5% received whole breast irradiation (1.8-2 Gy/fx), all of whom had received PBI for initial course. One patient experienced grade 3 fibrosis, and one patient experienced grade 3 telangiectasia. None had grade 4 or higher late adverse events. We found no association between the fractionation of the second course of RT or the cumulative dose (measured as EQD2) with acute or late toxicity. At 2 years, OS was 100%, DMFS was 91.6%, and LR-RFS was 100%.

CONCLUSION

In this series of patients with recurrent or new primary breast cancer, a second breast conservation surgery followed by reirradiation was effective with no local recurrences and an acceptable toxicity profile across a range of available fractionation regimens at a median follow up of 16 months. Longer follow up is required.

Different Re-Irradiation Techniques after Breast-Conserving Surgery for Recurrent or New Primary Breast Cancer

Breast re-irradiation (reRT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) using external beam radiation is an increasingly used salvage approach for women presenting with recurrent or new primary breast cancer. However, radiation technique, dose and fractionation as well as eligibility criteria differ between studies. There is also limited data on efficacy and safety of external beam hypofractionation and accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) regimens. This paper reviews existing retrospective and prospective data for breast reRT after BCS, APBI reRT outcomes and delivery at our institution and the need for a randomized controlled trial using shorter courses of radiation to better define patient selection for different reRT fractionation regimens.

Accelerated partial breast irradiation in early stage breast cancer

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is increasingly used to treat select patients with early stage breast cancer. However, radiation technique, dose and fractionation as well as eligibility criteria differ between studies. This has led to controversy surrounding appropriate patients for APBI and an assessment of the toxicity and cosmetic outcomes of APBI as compared to whole breast irradiation (WBI). This paper reviews existing data for APBI, APBI delivery at our institution, and ongoing research to better define patient selection, treatment delivery, dosimetric considerations and toxicity outcomes.

Is repeat breast conservation possible for small ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence?

BACKGROUND

Most cases of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) involve small tumors. Although a few guidelines recommend mastectomy, several patients prefer repeat BCS (re-BCS). This study aimed to compare re-BCS and mastectomy in terms of prognosis in patients with IBTR and to identify candidates for re-BCS.

METHODS

The data of patients with small IBTR between 1999 and 2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models and propensity score matching were applied.

RESULTS

Of the 3648 patients with IBTR, 2831 (77.6%) underwent mastectomy and 817 (22.4%) underwent re-BCS. The multivariate Cox model showed that re-BCS was associated with a worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.342; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.084-1.663) and BCSS (HR, 1.454; 95% CI, 1.004-2.105) compared with mastectomy. The omission of radiation after re-BCS was associated with worse survival overall and especially in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative IBTR (HR, 1.384; 95% CI, 1.110-1.724; and HR, 1.577; 95% CI, 1.075-2.314, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in the OS and BCSS between re-BCS with radiation and mastectomy. Subgroup analysis indicated that the surgical approach was not an independent factor for survival in the ER-positive patients with IBTR.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-BCS should be considered with caution in patients with small IBTR. However, a positive ER status can be an important factor for choosing re-BCS, and radiation therapy may improve oncological safety after re-BCS.

LAY SUMMARY

Repeat breast-conserving surgery (re-BCS) was investigated to determine if it is safe for patients with small ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). This population-based cohort study included 2831 patients with small IBTR. Re-BCS was associated with a worse overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival compared with mastectomy. Further analysis found that the IBTR estrogen receptor status was an important basis for choosing re-BCS, and radiation may improve oncological safety after re-BCS.

Radiotherapy and hyperthermia for breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of combined radiotherapy (RT) and hyperthermia (HT) in a large mono-institutional cohort of breast cancer (BC) patients affected by recurrent, newly diagnosed non-resectable or high risk resected tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of BC patients treated with RT + HT between 1995 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. RT doses of 50-70 Gy concurrent to a twice per week superficial HT were applied. For HT, a temperature between 41 and 42 °C was applied for approximately 1 h. Primary endpoint was local control (LC), secondary endpoints comprised toxicity, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

A total of 191 patients and 196 RT + HT treatments were analyzed. In 154 cases (78.6%) RT + HT was performed for patients with recurrent BC. Among these, 93 (47.4% of the entire cohort) had received RT prior to RT + HT. Median follow up was 12.7 years. LC at 2, 5, and 10 years was 76.4, 72.8, and 69.5%, respectively. OS at 2, 5, and 10 years was 73.5, 52.3, and 35.5%, respectively. PFS at 2, 5, and 10 years was 55.6, 41, and 33.6%, respectively. Predictive factors for LC were tumor stage, distant metastases, estrogen/progesterone receptor expression, resection status and number of HT fractions. At multivariate analysis tumor stage and receptor expression were significant. No acute or late toxicities higher than grade 3 were observed.

CONCLUSION

Combined RT + HT offers long-term high LC rates with acceptable toxicity for patients with recurrent, newly diagnosed non-resectable or resected BC at high risk of relapse.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Role of Repeat Breast-Conserving Surgery for the Management of Ipsilateral Breast Cancer Recurrence

INTRODUCTION

The standard surgical management of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence (IBCR) in patients previously treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy (RT) is mastectomy. Recent international guidelines provide conflicting recommendations. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the oncological outcomes in patients with IBCR treated with repeat BCS (rBCS).

METHODS

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant English-language publications, with no date restrictions. All relevant studies providing sufficient data to assess oncological outcomes (second local recurrence [LR] and overall survival [OS]) of rBCS for the management of IBCR after previous BCS and RT were included (PROSPERO registration CRD42021286123).

RESULTS

Forty-two observational studies met the criteria and were included in the analysis. The pooled second LR rate after rBCS was 15.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.1-19.7), and 10.3% (95% CI 6.9-14.3) after salvage mastectomy. On meta-analysis of comparative studies (n = 17), the risk ratio (RR) for second LR following rBCS compared with mastectomy was 2.103 (95% CI 1.535-2.883; p < 0.001, I² = 55.1%). Repeat RT had a protective effect (coefficient: - 0.317, 95% CI - 0.596 to - 0.038; p = 0.026, I² = 40.4%) for second LR. Pooled 5-year OS was 86.8% (95% CI 83.4-90.0) and 79.8% (95% CI 74.7-84.5) for rBCS and salvage mastectomy, respectively. Meta-analysis of comparative studies (n = 20) showed a small OS benefit in favor of rBCS (RR 1.040, 95% CI 1.003-1.079; p = 0.032, I² = 70.8%). Overall evidence certainty was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests rBCS could be considered as an option for the management of IBCR in patients previously treated with BCS and RT. Shared decision making, appropriate patient selection, and individualized approach are important for optimal outcomes.

Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer-Professional Guideline 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer

The international radiotherapy (RT) expert panel has revised and updated the RT guidelines that were accepted in 2020 at the 4th Hungarian Breast Cancer Consensus Conference, based on new scientific evidence. Radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is indicated in ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 0), as RT decreases the risk of local recurrence (LR) by 50-60%. In early stage (stage I-II) invasive breast cancer RT remains a standard treatment following BCS. However, in elderly (≥70 years) patients with stage I, hormone receptor-positive tumour, hormonal therapy without RT can be considered. Hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) and for selected cases accelerated partial breast irradiation are validated treatment alternatives to conventional WBI administered for 5 weeks. Following mastectomy, RT significantly decreases the risk of LR and improves overall survival of patients who have 1 to 3 or ≥4 positive axillary lymph nodes. In selected cases of patients with 1 to 2 positive sentinel lymph nodes axillary dissection can be substituted with axillary RT. After neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) followed by BCS, WBI is mandatory, while after NST followed by mastectomy, locoregional RT should be given in cases of initial stage III-IV and ypN1 axillary status.

The Role of Interstitial Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview of Indications, Applications, and Technical Notes

Simple Summary

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the female population. Adjuvant radiotherapy has become increasingly important as conservative treatment. Muticatheter interstitial brachytherapy is a type of radiation technique wherein the radioactive sources are directly implanted into or close to the target tissue and may be considered an extremely precise, versatile, and variable radiation technique. Literature data support muticatheter interstitial brachytherapy as the only method with strong scientific evidence to perform partial breast irradiation and reirradiation after previous conservative surgery and external beam radiotherapy. The aim of our work is to provide a comprehensive view of the use of interstitial brachytherapy, with particular focus on the implant description, limits, and advantages of the technique.

Abstract

Breast cancer represents the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the female population, despite continuing advances in treatment options that have significantly accelerated in recent years. Conservative treatments have radically changed the concept of healing, also focusing on the psychological aspect of oncological treatments. In this scenario, radiotherapy plays a key role. Brachytherapy is an extremely versatile radiation technique that can be used in various settings for breast cancer treatment. Although it is invasive, technically complex, and requires a long learning curve, the dosimetric advantages and sparing of organs at risk are unequivocal. Literature data support muticatheter interstitial brachytherapy as the only method with strong scientific evidence to perform partial breast irradiation and reirradiation after previous conservative surgery and external beam radiotherapy, with longer follow-up than new, emerging radiation techniques, whose effectiveness is proven by over 20 years of experience. The aim of our work is to provide a comprehensive view of the use of interstitial brachytherapy to perform breast lumpectomy boost, breast-conserving accelerated partial breast irradiation, and salvage reirradiation for ipsilateral breast recurrence, with particular focus on the implant description, limits, and advantages of the technique.

Partial Breast Re-Irradiation for Patients with Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence After Initial Treatment with Breast Conservation for Early Stage Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), including intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), is an evidence based treatment option in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS) for early-stage breast cancer. However, literature regarding re-irradiation for patients with ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences (IBTR) is limited. This prospective study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of using APBI in patients who had prior whole breast irradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This is a single institution, prospective study of patients who were previously treated with BCS and adjuvant whole breast radiation. At the time of enrollment, all had unifocal IBTR, histologically confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma with negative margins after repeat BCS. Patients received either IORT in a single fraction at time of BCS or MammoSite® brachytherapy twice daily over 5 days. Follow-up data and patient surveys were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, then annually for at least a 5-year period.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2014, 13 patients were enrolled. Median time to recurrence after initial course of radiation was 12.5 years. Median follow-up after re-treatment was 7.8 years. One patient in the IORT group had a subsequent tumor bed recurrence, yielding a local control of 92%. One patient had distant recurrence. At baseline, 69% reported excellent-good cosmesis compared to 39% at 5-years. All patients indicated total satisfaction with overall treatment experience.

CONCLUSIONS

APBI using IORT was well tolerated with excellent local control and may be a reasonable alternative to mastectomy for IBTR. Further study is needed to determine the most suitable candidates for this approach.

Re-irradiation for intra-thoracic tumours and extra-thoracic breast cancer: dose accumulation, evaluation of efficacy and toxicity based on a literature review

The improvement seen in the diagnostic procedures and treatment of thoracic tumours means that patients have an increased chance of longer overall survival. Nevertheless, we can still find those who have had a recurrence or developed a secondary cancer in the previously treated area. These patients require retreatment including re-irradiation. We have reviewed the published data on thoracic re-irradiation, which shows that some specific healthy tissues can tolerate a significant dose of irradiation and these patients benefit from aggressive treatment; however, there is a risk of damage to normal tissue under these circumstances. We analysed the literature data on re-irradiation in the areas of vertebral bodies, spinal cord, breast, lung and oesophagus. We evaluated the doses of primary and secondary radiotherapy, the treatment techniques, as well as the local control and median or overall survival in patients treated with re-radiation. The longest OS is reported in the case of re-irradiation after second breast-conserving therapy where the 5-year OS range is 81 to 100% and is shorter in patients with loco-reginal re-irradiation where the 5-y OS range is 18 to 60%. 2-year OS in patients re-irradiated for lung cancer and oesophagus cancer range from 13 to 74% and 18 to 42%, respectively. Majority grade ≥3 toxicity after second breast-conserving therapy was fibrosis up to 35%. For loco-regional breast cancer recurrences, early toxicity occurred in up to 33% of patients resulting in mostly desquamation, while late toxicity was recorded in up to 23% of patients and were mostly ulcerations. Early grade ≥3 lung toxicity developed in up to 39% of patients and up to 20% of Grade 5 hemoptysis. The most frequently observed early toxicity grade ≥3 in oesophageal cancer was oesophagitis recorded in up to 57% of patients, followed by hematological complications which was recorded in up to 50% of patients. The most common late complications included dysphagia, recorded in up to 16.7% of patients. We have shown that thoracic re-irradiation is feasible and effective in achieving local control in some patients. Re-irradiation should be performed with maximum accuracy and care using the best available treatment methods with a highly conformal, image-guided approach. Due to tremendous technological progress in the field of radiotherapy, we can deliver radiation precisely, shorten the overall treatment time and potentially reduce treatment-related toxicities.

Clinical Course and Predictors of Subsequent Recurrence and Survival of Patients With Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical course and long-term outcomes of patients with ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and identify independent prognostic factors for further recurrence.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 327 patients who experienced IBTR after undergoing BCS for breast cancer at Asan Medical Center during 1990–2013. Overall survival (OS) after IBTR and cumulative incidence rates of recurrences after IBTR were calculated. The association of clinicopathological factors with survival and the development of further recurrence after IBTR was determined in multivariate analysis.

Results

At a median follow-up of 127.7 months, 97 patients experienced recurrence after IBTR. The 5-year and 10-year cumulative incidence rates of recurrence after IBTR were 32% and 41%, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year OS rates after IBTR were 86.6% and 70.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, hormone receptor negativity was associated with decreases in OS after IBTR (hazard ratio [HR] 2.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–6.78). Patients with longer disease-free interval (DFI) had decreased risks of second recurrence (HR .99, 95% CI .99–1.00), and second locoregional recurrence (LRR) (HR .98, 95% CI .97–.99). Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) of IBTR was associated with increased recurrence rates (second recurrence-free survival, HR 3.58, 95% CI 2.16–5.94; second LRR free survival, HR 5.21, 95% CI 2.77–9.78; second distant metastasis-free survival, 2.11, 95% CI 1.04–4.30) and lower survival rates (OS after IBTR, HR 4.64, 95% CI 2.23–9.67).

Conclusions

Despite subsequent recurrences during long-term follow-up, the survival rates after IBTR remained high. Patients with hormone receptor-negative tumors, shorter DFI, and tumors that present LVI of IBTR had higher risks for recurrence and poor survival rates after IBTR. The study findings may help in understanding the course and prognosis of IBTR patients and identifying high-risk IBTR to establish management strategies.

Outcomes of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast conserving surgery: Repeat lumpectomy as an alternative to salvage mastectomy

BACKGROUND

We examined the outcomes of salvage mastectomy and repeat lumpectomy for management of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence.

METHODS

Between 2013 and 2019, 113 patients with an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast conserving surgery were identified. Patients and tumor characteristics at initial diagnosis and at recurrence were collected. Outcomes evaluated included second recurrence and overall survival. Complications at 30-days and 90-days after surgery for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-two percent of patients underwent salvage mastectomy (n = 84) and 28% underwent repeat lumpectomy (n = 32 overall, n = 13 reirradiation). Salvage mastectomy patients were younger at initial diagnosis (P = .007) with longer time to ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence from first diagnosis (P = .03). At 2.5 years median follow-up, the overall incidence of second recurrence was 8% with 5% rate (n = 4) in salvage mastectomy group versus 16% (n = 5) in repeat lumpectomy group; however, among patients undergoing repeat lumpectomy with reirradiation (n = 13), only one patient developed a second recurrence (8%). There was no significant difference in rates of second local recurrence (P = .11), disease free survival (P = .13), or overall survival (P = .95) between repeat lumpectomy with reirradiation and salvage mastectomy.

CONCLUSION

At a short-term follow-up, repeat lumpectomy with reirradiation could be considered in a select group of patients presenting with an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence with multidisciplinary input with low rates of postoperative complications and equivalent survival outcomes.

Repeat Breast-Conserving Surgery Versus Salvage Mastectomy for Ipsilateral Breast Tumour Recurrence After Breast-Conserving Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Salvage mastectomy (SM) is the standard surgery for ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR). However, whether repeat breast-conserving surgery (RBCS) is an alternative method remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the effects of RBCS and SM after IBTR for breast-conserving surgery (BCS).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Wiley Online and Embase for controlled studies comparing RBCS and SM after IBTR for BCS (published between 1993 and 2019, published in English). Our main endpoints were the secondary local recurrence rate (SLRR), distant metastasis rate (DMR) and overall survival (OS). We used a random-effects model or fixed-effects model for data pooling.

Results

Fifteen of the 424 eligible studies were ultimately included, and all studies were retrospective cohort studies (n=2532 participants). 1) SLRR: The SLRR of RBCS was higher than SM (pooled relative rate (pRR) = 1.87, 95% CI 1.22 - 2.86, P=0.004). Stratified analysis was performed according to whether radiotherapy was performed after salvage surgery (radiotherapy group: 2ndRT, no radiotherapy group: no-2ndRT), and the following results were revealed: pRR=0.43 (95% CI 0.20-0.95, P=0.04) for group 2ndRT; and pRR=2.30 (95% CI 1.72-3.06, P<0.00001) for group no-2ndRT. These results showed that the main cause of heterogeneity was salvage radiotherapy. 2) DMR: No significant difference in the DMR was observed between RBCS and SM (pRR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.37 - 1.01, P=0.05). 3) OS: No significant difference in OS was observed between RBCS and SM (pRR=0.65, 95% CI 0.39 - 1.08, P=0.10).

Conclusions

The SLRR of RBCS was higher than SM for ITBR after BCS, but survival was not affected. RBCS may be used as an alternative for IBTR patients after BCS with strict control for several indications, such as tumor size, recurrence interval and biological behavior, and attaching importance to subsequent salvage radiotherapy and systematic therapy.

Proton reirradiation for recurrent or new primary breast cancer in the setting of prior breast irradiation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Late local recurrences and second primary breast cancers are increasingly common. Proton beam therapy (PBT) reirradiation (reRT) may allow safer delivery of a second definitive radiotherapy (RT) course. We analyzed outcomes of patients with recurrent or new primary breast cancer who underwent reRT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an IRB-approved retrospective study, patient/tumor characteristics, treatment parameters, outcomes, and toxicities were collected for all consecutive patients with recurrent or new primary non-metastatic breast cancer previously treated with breast or chest wall RT who underwent PBT reRT.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients received reRT using uniform (70%) or pencil beam (30%) scanning PBT. Median first RT, reRT, and cumulative doses were 60 Gy (range 45-66 Gy), 50.4 Gy(RBE) (40-66.6 Gy(RBE)), and 110 Gy(RBE) (96.6-169.4 Gy(RBE)), respectively. Median follow-up was 21 months. There were no local or regional recurrences; 17% developed distant recurrence. Two-year DMFS and OS were 92.0% and 93.6%, respectively. Nine of 13 (69.2%) patients who underwent implant or flap reconstruction developed capsular contracture, 3 (23.1%) requiring surgical intervention. One (7.7%) patient developed grade 3 breast pain requiring mastectomy after breast conserving surgery. No acute or late grade 4-5 toxicities were seen. Increased body mass index (BMI) was protective of grade ≥ 2 acute toxicity (OR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.70-1.00).

CONCLUSION

In the largest series to date of PBT reRT for breast cancer recurrence or new primary after prior definitive breast or chest wall RT, excellent locoregional control and few high-grade toxicities were encountered. PBT reRT may provide a relatively safe and highly effective salvage option. Additional patients and follow-up are needed to correlate composite normal tissue doses with toxicities and assess long-term outcomes.

Proton Reirradiation for Locoregionally Recurrent Breast Cancer

Purpose

Local-regional recurrence (LRR) of breast cancer after prior adjuvant radiation (RT) can present a clinical challenge. Proton therapy is recommended by the American Society for Radiation Oncology in cases where reirrradiation is needed; however, data are limited. We present the toxicity and outcomes after reirradiation for local-regional recurrence of breast cancer with proton therapy.

Methods and Materials

A single-institution retrospective review identified patients with the following criteria: LRR of breast cancer, prior photon radiation to the same region, proton beam reirradiation, and definitive intent. Surgery or systemic therapy at the time of recurrence was used when indicated. The log-rank test was used to compare Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare worst reported toxicities with clinical variables.

Results

The population included 27 patients with a history of prior radiation and treated with proton therapy for LRR between 2012 and 2019. The median interval between courses was 9.7 years. Proton reirradiation regimens included whole breast/chest wall (WB/CW) with regional nodal RT (22/27), nodal RT alone (2/27), or WB/CW alone (3/27). The median dose was 51 Gy, and the most common fractionation was 1.5 Gy twice daily. Median follow-up after reirradiation was 16.6 months. Acute grade 3 toxicities included dermatitis in 2 patients and breast pain in 2 patients. Grade 2 or higher late toxicities included 6 G2 rib fractures and 1 G2 brachial plexopathy, 1 G3 dermatitis, 1 G3 breast pain, and 1 G4 dermatitis. Twelve patients had new documented recurrences of which 1 was a second in-field LRR, and there were 7 deaths.

Conclusions

Proton salvage reirradiation to median 51 Gy in 1.5 Gy twice daily appears to be safe with acceptable acute and late toxicity, and effective with >95% local-regional control.

Breast conserving surgery versus salvage mastectomy for ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence: a propensity score matching analysis

Salvage mastectomy is regarded as the treatment of first choice for ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence (IBCR), even if a second breast conserving surgery (BCS) is feasible. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term oncological outcomes of IBCR patients who had undergone either mastectomy or second BCS, performing a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to reduce the selection bias. All the consecutive patients with IBCR were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two different groups of treatment: repeat BCS versus salvage mastectomy. The propensity score predicting the probability of surgical treatment was determined for each patient and a 1:1 matching was performed. Disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. A total of 309 patients underwent surgical treatment for IBCR. After PSM, 108 patients treated with repeat BCS and 108 patients treated with salvage mastectomy were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in terms of DFS between patients with IBCR receiving repeat BCS or salvage mastectomy (p = 0.167). However, patients with IBCR undergoing second BCS had significantly better DDFS, OS, and BCSS compared to salvage mastectomy (p < 0.001). Salvage mastectomy should not be considered the optimal treatment for IBCR and it does not seem to improve prognosis compared to repeat conserving surgery. Second BCS for IBCR is a safe option with encouraging long-term oncological outcomes and should be proposed to all patients, when technically feasible.

Integration of functional imaging in brachytherapy

Functional imaging allows the evaluation of numerous biological properties that could be considered at all steps of the therapeutic management of patients treated with brachytherapy. Indeed, it enables better initial staging of the disease, and some parameters may also be used as predictive biomarkers for treatment response, allowing better selection of patients eligible for brachytherapy. It may also improve the definition of target volumes with the aim of dose escalations by dose-painting. Finally, it could be useful during the follow-up to assess response to treatment. In this review, we report how functional imaging is integrated at the present time during the brachytherapy procedure, and what are its potential future contributions in the main tumour locations where brachytherapy is recommended. Functional imaging has great potential in the contact of brachytherapy, but still, several issues remain to be resolved before integrating it into clinical practice, especially as a biomarker or in dose painting strategies.

The Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Oncology Recommendation for Breast Tumor Recurrence: Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Criteria

Salvage mastectomy is currently considered the standard of care for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Alternative treatment options for these patients, such as a second BCS followed by repeated RT, have been suggested. The panel of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology developed clinical recommendations for second BCS followed by re-irradiation over mastectomy alone for women with IBTR using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology and the evidence to decision framework. The following outcomes were identified by the panel: locoregional control, metastasis-free survival, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival; acute and late toxicity, specific late toxicity, second locoregional tumor, and death related to treatment. An Embase and PubMed literature search was performed by two independent authors. Five retrospective observational studies were eligible for inclusion in the present analysis. According to the reports in the literature and our analysis, the advantages of second quadrantectomy and re-irradiation (re-QUART) outweigh its side effects, with overall good rates of survival and adequate toxicity without increasing costs. Given the very low level of evidence, the panel stated that a second BCS plus re-irradiation can be considered as an alternative to salvage mastectomy for selected patients with IBTR.

Interstitial multicatheter HDR-brachytherapy as accelerated partial breast irradiation after second breast-conserving surgery for locally recurrent breast cancer

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of interstitial multicatheter high dose rate brachytherapy (imHDR-BRT) as accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) after second breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). Between January 2010 and December 2019, 20 patients with IBTR who refused salvage mastectomy (sMT) were treated with second BCS and post-operative imHDR-BRT as APBI. All patients had undergone primary BCS followed by adjuvant external beam radiotherapy. Median imHDR-BRT dose was 32 Gy delivered in twice-daily fractions of 4 Gy. Five-year IBTR-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS) as well as toxicity and cosmesis were evaluated in the present retrospective analysis. Median age at recurrence and median time from the first diagnosis to IBTR was 65.1 years and 12.2 years, respectively. After a median follow-up of 69.9 months, two patients developed a second local recurrence resulting in 5-year IBTR free-survival of 86.8%. Five-year DMFS and 5-year OS were 84.6% and 92.3%, respectively. Grade 1-2 fibrosis was noted in 60% of the patients with no grade 3 or higher toxicity. Two (10%) cases of asymptomatic fat necrosis were documented. Cosmetic outcome was classified as excellent in 6 (37.5%), good in 6 (37.5%), fair in 3 (18.75%) and poor in 1 (6.25%) patient, respectively. We conclude that imHDR-BRT as APBI re-irradiation is effective and safe for IBTR and should be considered in appropriately selected patients.

Salvage of locally recurrent breast cancer with repeat breast conservation using 45 Gy hyperfractionated partial breast re-irradiation

PURPOSE

Mastectomy has long been the preferred approach for local salvage of recurrent breast cancer following breast-conservation therapy (BCT). Growing interest in avoiding mastectomy prompted RTOG 1014, a landmark phase two study demonstrating the feasibility of repeat BCT using a novel radiotherapy (RT) regimen (i.e., 45 Gy administered in 30 fractions of 1.5 Gy twice-daily to the partial breast, "rePBI"). We adopted this regimen as our institutional standard and report our observations regarding the safety and efficacy of rePBI as salvage therapy.

METHODS

All patients at our institution who underwent repeat BCT and subsequently received rePBI from 2011 to 2019 were identified. Clinicopathologic features and treatment characteristics for both primary breast cancers and recurrences were collected, as were rates of subsequent recurrence and treatment-associated toxicities.

RESULTS

The cohort included 34 patients with a median age of 65.8 (46.2-78.2) at the time of rePBI. At a median follow-up of 23.5 months, there were two subsequent locoregional recurrences (2-year local control rate 97%). There was no grade ≥ 3 toxicity. The most common acute toxicity (< 3 months) was radiation dermatitis (100%), and common grade 1-2 late toxicities (> 3 months) included fibrosis in 14 (41%), breast asymmetry in 12 (35%), and chest wall pain in 11 (32%).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat breast conservation using the hyperfractionated partial breast RT regimen defined by RTOG 1014 (45 Gy administered in 30 1.5 Gy twice-daily fractions) appears effective and well tolerated. No grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed and local control was excellent. Longer term follow-up among larger cohorts will define whether salvage mastectomy should remain the preferred standard.

Salvage Mastectomy Versus Second Conservative Treatment for Second Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Event: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Analysis of the GEC-ESTRO Breast Cancer Working Group Database

PURPOSE

Second conservative treatment has emerged as an option for patients with a second ipsilateral breast tumor event after conserving surgery and breast irradiation. We aimed to address the lack of evidence regarding second breast event treatment by comparing oncologic outcomes after conservative treatment or mastectomy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Oncologic outcomes were analyzed using a propensity score-matched cohort analysis study on patients who received a diagnosis of a second breast event between January 1995 and June 2017. Patient data were collected from 15 hospitals/cancer centers in 7 European countries. Patients were offered mastectomy or lumpectomy plus brachytherapy. Propensity scores were calculated with logistic regression and multiple imputations. Matching (1:1) was achieved using the nearest neighbor method, including 10 clinical/pathologic data related to the second breast event. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival from the salvage surgery date. Secondary endpoints were 5-year cumulative incidence of third breast event, regional relapse and distant metastasis, and disease-free and specific survival. Complications and 5-year incidence of mastectomy were investigated in the conservative treatment cohort.

RESULTS

Among the 1327 analyzed patients (mastectomy, 945; conservative treatment, 382), 754 were matched by propensity score (mastectomy, 377; conservative treatment, 377). The median follow-up was 75.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.4-83.3) and 73.8 months (95% CI, 67.5-80.8) for mastectomy and conservative treatment, respectively (P = .9). In the matched analyses, no differences in 5-year overall survival and cumulative incidence of third breast event were noted between mastectomy and conservative treatment (88% [95% CI, 83.0-90.8] vs 87% [95% CI, 82.1-90.2], P = .6 and 2.3% [95% CI, 0.7-3.9] vs 2.8% [95% CI, 0.8-4.7], P = .4, respectively). Similarly, no differences were observed for all secondary endpoints. Five-year cumulative incidence of mastectomy was 3.1% (95% CI, 1.0-5.1).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the largest matched analysis of mastectomy and conservative treatment combining lumpectomy with brachytherapy for second breast events. Compared with mastectomy, conservative treatment does not appear to be associated with any differences in terms of oncologic outcome. Consequently, conservative treatment could be considered a viable option for salvage treatment.

Ipsilateral Breast Cancer Recurrence: Characteristics, Treatment, and Long-Term Oncologic Results at a High-Volume Center

INTRODUCTION

Salvage mastectomy is considered the treatment of choice for ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence (IBCR), even if a second breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is feasible. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of IBCR patients, to compare the 2 therapeutic options in terms of long-term outcomes, and to identify independent factors that may predict the type of treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 309 IBCR patients who underwent either repeat BCS or mastectomy were identified. All the analyzed patients with IBCR had true recurrence.

RESULTS

Repeat BCS and salvage mastectomy were performed in 143 and 166 patients, respectively. Age < 65 years (59.6% vs 37.1% if age ≥ 65 years; odds ratio, 2.374; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-5.24; P = .018) and disease-free interval < 24 months (15.7% vs 10.5% if disease-free interval ≥ 24 months; odds ratio, 2.705; 95% confidence interval, 1.42-5.97; P = .007) were found to significantly increase the probability of receipt of mastectomy. Disease-free survival rates at 3, 5, and 10 years were 79.2%, 68.2%, and 36.9%; and 77.2%, 65.9%, and 55.3% in patients receiving repeat BCS or mastectomy, respectively (P = .842). Overall survival rates at 3, 5, and 10 years were 95.4%, 91.4%, and 68.5%; and 87.3%, 69.3%, and 57.9%, respectively, in patients receiving repeat BCS or mastectomy (P = .018).

CONCLUSION

Salvage mastectomy should not be considered the only treatment option for IBCR. A second BCS can still be evaluated and proposed to IBCR patients, with acceptable locoregional control and survival. The risk of poor long-term prognosis after mastectomy should be shared with the patient.

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.

Prognosis of Surgical Treatment After Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence

BACKGROUND

Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) was determined to be a powerful independent risk factor of distant disease and increased mortality. Although mastectomy is the standard salvage treatment for IBTR after breast conserving treatment, there is evidence that repeat breast conserving surgery (rBCS) might be a feasible alternative treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data of patients who were diagnosed with IBTR between 1998 and 2013 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis, and propensity score matching analysis was applied to compensate for the differences in some baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 475 patients (22.9%) who underwent rBCS and 1600 (77.1%) who underwent mastectomy after IBTR were included in the study. During a median follow-up of 130 mo, no significant differences were observed in BCSS and OS between the rBCS and mastectomy groups of patients before and after propensity score matching. Multivariate analysis revealed that race, the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of the recurrent tumor, and reirradiation were independent prognostic factors for both BCSS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study indicate that rBCS can be a feasible alternative treatment option for patients with IBTR. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to identify the prognosis of patients after rBCS as well as the best candidates for a second breast conserving surgery.

A national surveillance study of the current status of reirradiation using brachytherapy in Japan

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the current status and pattern of practice for reirradiation using brachytherapy (ReRT-BT) through a survey in Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We distributed an e-mail-based questionnaire to 153 institutions equipped with high-dose-rate brachytherapy facilities.

RESULTS

We received responses from 76 institutions (49.7%). Forty-three of these institutions performed ReRT-BT and 42 institutions (55%) performed ReRT-BT during 2009-2018. However, 29 of the 42 institutions (69%) reported difficulty in obtaining ReRT-BT case information from their respective databases. Almost all the institutions encountered insufficient database system to extract details about the ReRT-BT cases. Responses from 33 institutions included the number of ReRT-BT cases; this increased from 90 in the period 2009-2013 (institution median = 0.5; 0-16) to 172 in the period 2014-2018 (institution median = 2; 0-26). Nine institutions had to perform ReRT-BT for more than one case per year. The major location for cancer treatment was the pelvis (94%), followed by the head and neck (5%) and others (1%). In six site-specific scenarios, barring uterine corpus cancer recurrence, more than 90% of radiation oncologists agreed to perform ReRT-BT, whereas other areas (head and neck, prostate, and rectal cancer) gained 16-37% agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

This decade saw an increase in the number of ReRT-BT cases in Japan and radiation oncologists' interest in ReRT-BT as a viable therapeutic option. However, scarce availability, immature education system, and insufficient database system are barriers to further consensus building.

Local staging of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence: mammography, ultrasound, or MRI?

BACKGROUND

Despite increasingly effective curative breast-conserving treatment (BCT) regimens for primary breast cancer, patients remain at risk for an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). With increasing interest for repeat BCT in selected patients with IBTR, a reliable assessment of the size of IBTR is important for surgical planning.

AIM

The primary aim of this study is to establish the performance in size estimation of XMG, US, and breast MRI in patients with IBTR. The secondary aim is to compare the detection of multifocality and contralateral lesions between XMG and MRI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The sizes of IBTR on mammography (XMG), ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 159 patients were compared to the sizes at final histopathology. The accuracy of the size estimates was addressed using Pearson's coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. Secondary outcomes were the detection of multifocality and contralateral lesions between XMG and MRI.

RESULTS

Both XMG and US significantly underestimated the tumor size by 3.5 and 4.8 mm, respectively, while MRI provided accurate tumor size estimation with a mean underestimation of 1.1 mm. The sensitivity for the detection of multifocality was significantly higher for MRI compared to XMG (25.5% vs. 5.5%). A contralateral malignancy was found in 4.4% of patients, and in 1.9%, it was detected by MRI only.

CONCLUSION

The addition of breast MRI to XMG and US in the preoperative workup of IBTR allows for more accurate size estimation. MRI provides a higher sensitivity for the detection of multifocality compared to XMG.

[Brachytherapy in France in 2020: State of the art and perspectives from the Groupe curiethérapie de la SFRO]

Because of its principle and its high proof level clinical results, brachytherapy represents a specific irradiation technique for the treatment of primary tumors as well as some local relapses in pre-irradiated area. After a glory period between the 80's and 90's, brachytherapy has progressively lost its attractiveness. In order to provide a practical solution to this deleterious situation, it is important that guardianships, health care payers, patient associations, specialist doctors and radiation oncologists understand the reasons leading to this harmful state as well as the risks concerned. A teaching judged insufficient, non-adapted value and an aging image of brachytherapy represent the three main reasons of this degradation and constitute the three most important challenges conditioning its maintain in the anticancer treatment arsenal. An adapted communication with radiation oncologists themselves but also with the other scientific societies remains crucial as well as with guardianship and patient associations. It is central that brachytherapy could be recognized in order to make it stronger and accessible for all the patients who could need it.

High-dose-rate Brachytherapy as Adjuvant Local rEirradiation for Salvage Treatment of Recurrent breAst cancer (BALESTRA): a retrospective mono-institutional study

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical results of catheter-based interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) as adjuvant treatment in previously irradiated recurrent breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2011 and September 2015, 31 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed recurrent breast cancer after conservative surgery and conventional whole breast radiotherapy, were retreated with a second conservative surgical resection and reirradiated with adjuvant interstitial HDR-BT. None of the brachytherapy implant was performed during the quadrantectomy procedure. A dose of 34 Gy in 10 fractions, 2 fractions per day, with a minimal interval of 6 hours was delivered.

RESULTS

At the time of the implant, the median age of patients was 59.7 years (range, 39.3-74.9 years). The median time from first treatment until BT for local recurrence was 11.9 years (range, 2.5-27.8 years). The median interval between salvage surgery and BT was 3.6 months (range, 1-8.2 months). No acute epidermitis or soft tissue side effects higher than grade 2 were recorded, with good cosmetic results in all patients. Most of the patients presented grade 1-2 late side effects. Only one patient developed grade 3 liponecrosis. After a median follow-up of 73.7 months (range, 28.8-102.4 months), the overall survival and cancer specific survival were 87.1% and 90.3%, respectively; 5-year local control and 5-year progression-free survival rate were 90.3% and 83.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary analysis showed that HDR-BT is a feasible treatment for partial breast reirradiation offering very low complications rate and fast procedure. Higher patients' cohort is warranted in order to define the role of this treatment modality in the breast conservative management of local recurrence.

Breast-conserving surgery with intraoperative radiotherapy in recurrent breast cancer: the patient's perspective

Purpose

When ipsilateral breast-tumor recurrence (IBTR) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) occurs, the cure of a potentially life-threatening disease is the main goal. If, however, this is diagnosed early, prognosis is still good and patient-reported outcomes become more important. Despite the fact that many patients would prefer a further BCS, international breast cancer guidelines still recommend mastectomy, mainly because previous radiation implies limited options. Our comparative study evaluates the long-term quality-of-life and outcome in patients with IBTR who received BCS plus intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) versus mastectomy.

Methods

Patients with IBTR were retrospectively divided into three groups according to the local treatment: group 1 (n = 26) was treated with BCS + IORT; group 2 (n = 35) received a standard mastectomy; group 3 (n = 52) had a mastectomy with subsequent reconstruction. Outcomes were analyzed after a mean follow-up of 5 years after IBTR. Quality-of-life was evaluated by the validated questionnaire BREAST-Q in 50 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Results

Quality-of-life scores varied within the groups, ranging from 51.4 to 91.3 (out of 100 points). We observed satisfactory scores in all items, with no statistical difference within the groups. Disease-free survival of all groups did not statistically differ, and overall mortality was very low (0.9%). The postinterventional complication rate was lower after BCS (19.2% versus 34.3% after mastectomy and 30.8% after mastectomy with reconstruction).

Conclusion

For patients with previous surgery and radiation who demand a second BCS in the recurrent situation, this surgical technique can be offered in combination with IORT. Our long-term results imply oncological safety, lower complication rate, and good patient satisfaction.

Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: A New Standard of Care?

Background

Breast-conserving therapy including lumpectomy and adjuvant whole breast irradiation (WBI) has become the standard therapy for early-stage breast cancer (EBC). Without WBI, the recurrence rate is significantly increased. However, when selecting patients at a low a priori risk of local recurrence only a small breast-cancer-specific mortality benefit, but no overall survival improvement, was detected for WBI. As most recurrences occur close to the lumpectomy cavity, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivered exclusively to a limited volume of tissue around the initial lumpectomy site, has gained increased attention and is now discussed as an alternative to WBI for selected EBC patients.

Summary

Numerous techniques for APBI (interstitial brachytherapy, external beam-based APBI, intraoperative radiotherapy, MR-guided radiotherapy) allow treatment delivery in a shorter period of time, and radiation oncologists expect to further reduce side effects by using these new techniques, with improvements in cosmetics and quality of life. In this review, we aim to describe the existing evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of different APBI techniques used in modern radiotherapy.

Key Messages

APBI has provided outcomes similar to WBI combined with potentially reduced toxicity. While appropriate patient selection persists to be crucial for acceptable recurrence rates, the precise definition of patients suitable for APBI remains a matter of discussion. As long-term data are often still lacking, special attention should be paid to late side effects and long-term outcomes. Decision-making on appropriate treatment techniques should take into account not only local control rates, but also the impact on the patient's quality of life.

Second conservative treatment for second ipsilateral breast tumor event: A systematic review of the different re-irradiation techniques

AIM

To address the different partial breast re-irradiation techniques available in the context of second conservative treatment (SCT), as an alternative to salvage mastectomy, for 2nd ipsilateral breast tumor event (IBTE) and summarize their respective oncological and toxicity outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search was made based on MeSH/PubMed, including papers from 1995 to 2019. Each article was described according to the main irradiation technique, fractionation, oncological results and grade 3 toxicities related to the salvage conservative treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles were identified, reporting the outcomes of over 1 000 patients. MIB Brachytherapy was the most used re-irradiation technique in case of SCT, with a median 3rdIBTE-FS rate of 88% and summed up grade 3 toxicities of 6%. As for IORT, the average rate of 3rdIBTE-FS was about Finally, external beam partial re-irradiation was recently tested in this indication with encouraging results in terms of tolerance.

CONCLUSION

When presenting a 2ndIBTE, a SCT can safely be proposed to carefully selected and well-informed patients, as an alternative to salvage mastectomy. MIB appears to be the first intention and most robust choice. IORT, external beam radiotherapy and balloon brachytherapy are interesting alternatives but have only been tested in small series. Further investigations are required and their use should be limited to clinical trial only.

Effectiveness of Breast-Conserving Surgery and 3-Dimensional Conformal Partial Breast Reirradiation for Recurrence of Breast Cancer in the Ipsilateral Breast: The NRG Oncology/RTOG 1014 Phase 2 Clinical Trial

Importance

Mastectomy is standard for recurrence of breast cancer after breast conservation therapy with whole breast irradiation. The emergence of partial breast irradiation led to consideration of its application for reirradiation after a second lumpectomy for treatment of recurrence of breast cancer in the ipsilateral breast.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness and adverse effects of partial breast reirradiation after a second lumpectomy and whether the treatment is an acceptable alternative to mastectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The NRG Oncology/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1014 trial is a phase 2, single-arm, prospective clinical trial of 3-dimensional, conformal, external beam partial breast reirradiation after a second lumpectomy for recurrence of breast cancer in the ipsilateral breast after previous whole breast irradiation. The study opened on June 4, 2010, and closed June 18, 2013. Median follow-up was 5.5 years. This analysis used all data received at NRG Oncology through November 18, 2018. Eligible patients experienced a recurrence of breast tumor that was less than 3 cm and unifocal in the ipsilateral breast more than 1 year after breast-conserving therapy with whole breast irradiation and who had undergone excision with negative margins.

Interventions

Adjuvant partial breast reirradiation, 1.5 Gy twice daily for 30 treatments during 15 days (45 Gy), using a 3-dimensional conformal technique.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes of the present study were the predefined secondary study objectives of recurrence of breast cancer in the ipsilateral breast, late adverse events (>1 year after treatment), mastectomy incidence, distant metastasis-free survival, overall survival, and circulating tumor cell incidence.

Results

A total of 65 women were enrolled, with 58 evaluable for analysis (mean [SD] age, 65.12 [9.95] years; 48 [83%] white). Of the recurrences of breast cancer in the ipsilateral breast, 23 (40%) were noninvasive and 35 (60%) were invasive. In all 58 patients, 53 (91%) had tumors 2 cm or smaller. All tumors were clinically node negative. A total of 44 patients (76%) tested positive for estrogen receptor, 33 (57%) for progesterone receptor, and 10 (17%) for ERBB2 (formerly HER2 or HER2/neu) overexpression. Four patients had breast cancer recurrence, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 5% (95% CI, 1%-13%). Seven patients underwent ipsilateral mastectomies for a 5-year cumulative incidence of 10% (95% CI, 4%-20%). Both distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 95% (95% CI, 85%-98%). Four patients (7%) had grade 3 and none had grade 4 or higher late treatment adverse events.

Conclusions and Relevance

For patients experiencing recurrence of breast cancer in the ipsilateral breast after lumpectomy and whole breast irradiation, a second breast conservation was achievable in 90%, with a low risk of re-recurrence of cancer in the ipsilateral breast using adjuvant partial breast reirradiation. This finding suggests that this treatment approach is an effective alternative to mastectomy.