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Myung Y, Yun J, Beom J, Hayashi A, Lee WW, Song YS, Park JKH. Evaluating the Surgical Outcome of Lymphovenous Anastomosis in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Using Tc-99m Phytate Lymphoscintigraphy: Preliminary Results. Lymphat Res Biol 2024; 22:124-130. [PMID: 38265788 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2023.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remains a significant postcancer treatment challenge with no definitive cure. Recent supermicrosurgical treatments, such as lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), have shown promise but lack established objective indicators for outcome evaluation. We investigated the utility of Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) lymphoscintigraphy, an imaging technique providing objective information on lymphatic fluid flow, for assessing LVA surgical outcomes. Methods and Results: A retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing LVA for BCRL was conducted. Lymphoscintigraphy images pre- and 1-year postsurgery were compared to determine changes in lymphatic fluid flow of 18 patients based on newly defined parameters "uptake ratio" and "washout rates." Statistically significant reduction in the uptake ratio was observed in the forearm at 30 and 60 minutes postinjection phases. In addition, the forearm showed higher washout rate, indicating an improved lymphatic function in the forearm. Conclusion: Tc-99m lymphoscintigraphy can provide valuable objective data for evaluating LVA surgical outcomes in BCRL patients. However, site-specific differences in outcomes highlight the need for individualized surgical planning. Further large-scale studies are necessary to validate these preliminary findings and develop a standardized approach for LVA assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Myung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Junseo Yun
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jaewon Beom
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | | | - Won Woo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yoo Sung Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Joseph Kyu-Hyung Park
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
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Engin A. Obesity-Associated Breast Cancer: Analysis of Risk Factors and Current Clinical Evaluation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1460:767-819. [PMID: 39287872 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-63657-8_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Several studies show that a significantly stronger association is obvious between increased body mass index (BMI) and higher breast cancer incidence. Additionally, obese and postmenopausal women are at higher risk of all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality compared with non-obese women with breast cancer. In this context, increased levels of estrogens, excessive aromatization activity of the adipose tissue, overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, adipocyte-derived adipokines, hypercholesterolemia, and excessive oxidative stress contribute to the development of breast cancer in obese women. Genetic evaluation is an integral part of diagnosis and treatment for patients with breast cancer. Despite trimodality therapy, the four-year cumulative incidence of regional recurrence is significantly higher. Axillary lymph nodes as well as primary lesions have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance for the management of breast cancer. In clinical setting, because of the obese population primary lesions and enlarged lymph nodes could be less palpable, the diagnosis may be challenging due to misinterpretation of physical findings. Thereby, a nomogram has been created as the "Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System" (BI-RADS) to increase agreement and decision-making consistency between mammography and ultrasonography (USG) experts. Additionally, the "breast density classification system," "artificial intelligence risk scores," ligand-targeted receptor probes," "digital breast tomosynthesis," "diffusion-weighted imaging," "18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography," and "dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)" are important techniques for the earlier detection of breast cancers and to reduce false-positive results. A high concordance between estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status evaluated in preoperative percutaneous core needle biopsy and surgical specimens is demonstrated. Breast cancer surgery has become increasingly conservative; however, mastectomy may be combined with any axillary procedures, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and/or axillary lymph node dissection whenever is required. As a rule, SLNB-guided axillary dissection in breast cancer patients who have clinically axillary lymph node-positive to node-negative conversion following neoadjuvant chemotherapy is recommended, because lymphedema is the most debilitating complication after any axillary surgery. There is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment of occult breast cancer, which is much discussed today. Similarly, the current trend in metastatic breast cancer is that the main palliative treatment option is systemic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atilla Engin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey.
- Mustafa Kemal Mah. 2137. Sok. 8/14, 06520, Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey.
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Park JKH, Choi N, Beom J, Lim JY, Kang Y, Nam SY, Myung Y. Utilization of Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography for Selection of Effective Surgical Method in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1656. [PMID: 37763775 PMCID: PMC10537151 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: When considering surgery for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), it is crucial to determine which surgery will be most effective for the patient and establish the indications for each surgery. Our study retrospectively compared the results of preoperative noncontrast MR lymphangiography (NMRL) performed on the lymphedematous limb of patients before surgery, with the aim of analyzing whether preoperative NMRL can be used as a criterion for determining the type of surgery. Materials and Methods: From January 2020 to June 2022, a total of 138 patients with lymphedema underwent surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. All patients underwent preoperative NMRL imaging and were classified into stages 1-3 based on the MRI severity index using the authors' previous reference. Three types of surgery, LVA, LVA + liposuction, and LVA + VLNT, were conducted on all patients. The effectiveness of the surgery was evaluated one year postoperatively using the interlimb volume difference before and after surgery, the fluid volume of the edematous limb measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy, and the subjective satisfaction of the patients through the Lymph Q questionnaire. Results: In this study, out of a total of 138 patients, 26 (19%) were MRI stage 1, 62 (45%) were stage 2, and 50 (36%) were stage 3. Of the 83 patients who underwent LVA surgery, the greatest decrease in interlimb volume difference was observed in stage 2 patients, and subjective satisfaction was also the most effective in stage 2. In the case of LVA + liposuction patients, a significant volume decrease and a high satisfaction were observed in stage 3 patients. In the case of LVA + VLNT patients, there was no difference in volume decrease according to the stage, but a greater decrease in body fluid volume was observed as the MRI severity index score increased through BIA. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that NMRL imaging is a useful modality for determining the most effective surgical method and predicting the surgical outcome in patients with lymphedema. This highlights the importance of using NMRL in the treatment planning of lymphedema patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kyu-hyung Park
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea; (J.K.-h.P.)
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea; (J.K.-h.P.)
| | - Jaewon Beom
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yusuhn Kang
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Young Nam
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea; (J.K.-h.P.)
| | - Yujin Myung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 07061, Republic of Korea; (J.K.-h.P.)
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Myung Y, Park JKH, Beom J, Lim JY, Park YS, Ahn SH, Kang E, Shin HC, Kim EK, Nam SY, Heo CY, Jeong JH. Outcome Analysis of Combined Surgical Approaches in Advanced-stage Upper Extremity Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5237. [PMID: 37691707 PMCID: PMC10484372 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to discuss several surgical approaches for advanced-stage breast cancer-related lymphedema and compared their treatment outcomes. Methods The patients who underwent surgery with International Society of Lymphology stage III lymphedema were included in this study. The three surgical methods used here were (1) suction-assisted lipectomy with lymphovenous anastomosis, (2) autologous breast reconstruction with muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap combined with inguinal lymph node transfer, and (3) vascularized lymph node transfer with free omental flap. Analysis of the postoperative outcomes in the patients was based on the difference in volume between patients pre- and postoperatively, LYMPH-Q questionnaire, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results Eighty-seven patients with stage IIb or higher disease underwent surgery. 38 patients underwent suction-assisted lipectomy + lymphovenous anastomosis, 23 underwent autologous breast reconstruction with vascularized lymph node transfer + lymphovenous anastomosis, and 26 underwent right gastroepiploic omental vascularized lymph node transfer with lymphovenous anastomosis. The LYMPH-Q questionnaire, which evaluates patients' subjective satisfaction, showed that the autologous breast reconstruction group showed the greatest improvement, whereas in bioimpedance analysis, the omental flap group demonstrated the greatest postoperative improvement compared with preoperative values. However, suction-assisted lipectomy was considered the most effective surgical method for reducing limb volume in patients with high-stage lymphedema accompanied by fibrosis and volume increase. Conclusions We observed slightly different clinical effects for each surgical method; however, all surgical methods demonstrated a reduction in the degree of edema and an increase in patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Myung
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph Kyu-hyung Park
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Beom
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Suk Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Kang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Chul Shin
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyu Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Young Nam
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Yeong Heo
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Jeong
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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