Impact of Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction on Health-Related Quality of Life in Women at High Risk for Breast Carcinoma: Results of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study

Disaggregating the Asian-American Breast Cancer Population: Disparities in Reconstruction Rates

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer (BC) incidence has been increasing among Asian-Americans (AsAms); recent data suggest these patients are less likely to undergo postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) compared to non-Asian women. Historically, AsAm BC patients are reported in aggregate, masking heterogeneity within this population. We aim to identify patterns of postmastectomy reconstruction among disaggregated AsAm BC patients at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for BC patients who underwent mastectomy between 2017 and 2021. Patient demographic and clinical information was collected including self-reported race/ethnicity and reconstruction at time of mastectomy. Self-identified Asian patients were disaggregated into East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and 'Asian Other.' We examined rates of reconstruction between the different races and the disaggregated Asian subgroups. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to examine patient factors associated with PMBR.

RESULTS

Six hundred and five patients met inclusion criteria. Forty seven percent of patients identified as Asian, 36% of which as East Asian. Forty four percent of all patients underwent PMBR. Southeast Asian and South Asian women were least likely to undergo reconstruction, while Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women were most likely to pursue PMBR (P = 0.020). On multivariable analysis, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black women were more likely to undergo reconstruction compared to Asian women. Other factors associated with reconstruction were coverage with private insurance and diagnosis of noninvasive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of PMBR are lower among AsAms than non-Asian patients and vary between Asian ethnic subgroups. Further investigation is needed to identify patterns of reconstruction among the disaggregated AsAm population to address disparities.

Costs of Cancer Prevention: Physical and Psychosocial Sequelae of Risk-Reducing Total Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Risk-reducing surgery for cancer prevention in solid tumors is a pressing clinical topic because of the increasing availability of germline genetic testing. We examined the short- and long-term outcomes of risk-reducing total gastrectomy (RRTG) and its lesser-known impacts on health-related quality of life (QOL) in individuals with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome.

METHODS

Individuals who underwent RRTG as part of a single-institution natural history study of hereditary gastric cancers were examined. Clinicopathologic details, acute and chronic operative morbidity, and health-related QOL were assessed. Validated questionnaires were used to determine QOL scores and psycho-social-spiritual measures of healing.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six individuals underwent RRTG because of a pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline CDH1 variant between October 2017 and December 2021. Most patients (87.3%; 110/126) had pT1aN0 gastric carcinoma with signet ring cell features on final pathology. Acute (<30 days) postoperative major morbidity was low (5.6%; 7/126) and nearly all patients (98.4%) lost weight after total gastrectomy. At 2 years after gastrectomy, 94% (64/68) of patients exhibited at least one chronic complication (ie, bile reflux, dysphagia, and micronutrient deficiency). Occupation change (23.5%), divorce (3%), and alcohol dependence (1.5%) were life-altering consequences attributed to total gastrectomy by some patients. In patients with a median follow-up of 24 months, QOL scores decreased at 1 month after gastrectomy and returned to baseline by 6-12 months.

CONCLUSION

RRTG is associated with life-changing adverse events that should be discussed when counseling patients with CDH1 variants about gastric cancer prevention. The risks of cancer-prevention surgery should not only be judged in the context of likelihood of death due to disease if left untreated, but also based on the real consequences of organ removal.

Patient-reported outcomes in bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with breast reconstruction: A narrative review

In women at high risk of developing breast cancer, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) 1 significantly reduces the risk; simultaneously, breast reconstruction preserves body integrity. Given the complex and personal nature of such surgical procedures, patient assessment of satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 2 is essential in evaluation of surgical outcomes. With this review, we aim to organize the current knowledge on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) 3 in bilateral prophylactic surgery. Literature search was conducted using the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science to address the following questions, which can help clinicians and women undergoing the procedures navigate their healthcare decision-making process: How does BPM with reconstruction influence cancer-related distress? How does the surgery impact patient satisfaction and HRQoL? How do preoperative PROs differ from postoperative outcomes? Does the type of BPM and the type of reconstruction impact patient satisfaction and HRQoL? Furthermore, we summarize available patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) 4 that can be administered to women undergoing BPM with reconstruction. In addition, we discuss possible future directions for PRO research in prophylactic breast surgery.

Systemic and Local Strategies for Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in the US. For women with moderate (15-20%) to average (12.5%) risk of breast cancer, there are few options available for risk reduction. For high-risk (>20%) women, such as BRCA mutation carriers, primary prevention strategies are limited to evidence-based surgical removal of breasts and/or ovaries and anti-estrogen treatment. Despite their effectiveness in risk reduction, not many high-risk individuals opt for surgical or hormonal interventions due to severe side effects and potentially life-changing outcomes as key deterrents. Thus, better communication about the benefits of existing strategies and the development of new strategies with minimal side effects are needed to offer women adequate risk-reducing interventions. We extensively review and discuss innovative investigational strategies for primary prevention. Most of these investigational strategies are at the pre-clinical stage, but some are already being evaluated in clinical trials and others are expected to lead to first-in-human clinical trials within 5 years. Likely, these strategies would be initially tested in high-risk individuals but may be applicable to lower-risk women, if shown to decrease risk at a similar rate to existing strategies, but with minimal side effects.

National long-term patient-reported outcomes following mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction: The Swedish Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study Part 2 (SweBRO 2)

BACKGROUND

The Swedish Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study (SweBRO) initiative is a nationwide study with the primary aim of assessing long-term outcomes after mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction (BR). The current part (SweBRO 2) is designed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with the hypothesis that BR has a positive impact on patient-reported HRQoL in the long-term.

METHODS

Women who underwent mastectomy in Sweden in 2000, 2005, or 2010 and were alive at the time of the survey were identified through the National Breast Cancer Registry. Eligible participants received formal invitation letters to take part in a survey evaluating their HRQoL at 5 , 10, or 15 years post-mastectomy. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires were employed.

RESULTS

Of 2904 respondents (50% of 5853 invited), 895 (31%) had received BR. Among them, 516 (58%) were reconstructed with implants and 281 (31%) with autologous tissue. Women with BR scored significantly better in the EORCT QLQ-C30 physical functioning domain (mean 90 versus 81 points), fatigue (mean 21 versus 25), and dyspnoea (mean 16 versus 22) compared to non-reconstructed women. The EORTC QLQ-BR23 revealed that women with BR experienced favourable sexual functioning compared with non-reconstructed women (mean 26 versus 14). The EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale score was similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

The current study underscores the benefits of BR for long-term well-being, for example, in terms of physical and sexual functioning. These underline the importance of informing women undergoing mastectomy about BR alternatives and its potential benefits in enhancing long-term well-being.

Quality of life after risk-reducing surgery for breast and ovarian cancer prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the impact of risk-reducing surgery for breast cancer and ovarian cancer prevention on quality of life. We considered risk-reducing mastectomy, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, and risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy.

DATA SOURCES

We followed a prospective protocol (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42022319782) and searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from inception to February 2023.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We followed a PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design) framework. The population included women at increased risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. We focused on studies reporting quality of life outcomes (health-related quality of life, sexual function, menopause symptoms, body image, cancer-related distress or worry, anxiety, or depression) after risk-reducing surgery, including risk-reducing mastectomy for breast cancer and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy or risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We used the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) for study appraisal. Qualitative synthesis and fixed-effects meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included (risk-reducing mastectomy: 16 studies; risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: 19 studies; risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy: 2 studies). Health-related quality of life was unchanged or improved in 13 of 15 studies after risk-reducing mastectomy (N=986) and 10 of 16 studies after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (N=1617), despite short-term deficits (N=96 after risk-reducing mastectomy and N=459 after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy). Sexual function (using the Sexual Activity Questionnaire) was affected in 13 of 16 studies (N=1400) after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in terms of decreased sexual pleasure (-1.21 [-1.53 to -0.89]; N=3070) and increased sexual discomfort (1.12 [0.93-1.31]; N=1400). Hormone replacement therapy after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was associated with an increase (1.16 [0.17-2.15]; N=291) in sexual pleasure and a decrease (-1.20 [-1.75 to -0.65]; N=157) in sexual discomfort. Sexual function was affected in 4 of 13 studies (N=147) after risk-reducing mastectomy, but stable in 9 of 13 studies (N=799). Body image was unaffected in 7 of 13 studies (N=605) after risk-reducing mastectomy, whereas 6 of 13 studies (N=391) reported worsening. Increased menopause symptoms were reported in 12 of 13 studies (N=1759) after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy with a reduction (-1.96 [-2.81 to -1.10]; N=1745) in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Endocrine Symptoms. Cancer-related distress was unchanged or decreased in 5 of 5 studies after risk-reducing mastectomy (N=365) and 8 of 10 studies after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (N=1223). Risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy (2 studies, N=413) led to better sexual function and menopause-specific quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Risk-reducing surgery may be associated with quality of life outcomes. Risk-reducing mastectomy and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy reduce cancer-related distress, and do not affect health-related quality of life. Women and clinicians should be aware of body image problems after risk-reducing mastectomy, and of sexual dysfunction and menopause symptoms after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy may be a promising alternative to mitigate quality of life-related risks of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.

A prospective randomized clinical trial to assess antibiotic pocket irrigation on tissue expander breast reconstruction

Bacterial infection is the most common complication following staged post-mastectomy breast reconstruction initiated with a tissue expander (TE). To limit bacterial infection, antibiotic irrigation of the surgical site is commonly performed despite little high-quality data to support this practice. We performed a prospective randomized control trial to compare the impact of saline irrigation alone to a triple antibiotic irrigation regimen (1 g cefazolin, 80 mg gentamicin, and 50,000 units of bacitracin in 500 mL of saline) for breast implant surgery. The microbiome in breasts with cancer (n = 16) was compared to those without (n = 16), as all patients (n = 16) had unilateral cancers but bilateral mastectomies (n = 32). Biologic and prosthetic specimens procured both at the time of mastectomy and during TE removal months later were analyzed for longitudinal comparison. Outcomes included clinical infection, bacterial abundance, and relative microbiome composition. No patient in either group suffered a reconstructive failure or developed an infection. Triple antibiotic irrigation administered at the time of immediate TE reconstruction did not reduce bacterial abundance or impact microbial diversity relative to saline irrigation at the time of planned exchange. Implanted prosthetic material adopted the microbial composition of the surrounding host tissue. In cancer-naïve breasts, relative to saline, antibiotic irrigation increased bacterial abundance on periprosthetic capsules (P = 0.03) and acellular dermal matrices (P = 0.04) and altered the microbiota on both. These data show that, relative to saline only, the use of triple antibiotic irrigation in TE breast reconstruction does impact the bacterial abundance and diversity of certain biomaterials from cancer-naïve breasts. IMPORTANCE The lifetime risk of breast cancer is ~13% in women and is treated with a mastectomy in ~50% of cases. The majority are reconstructed, usually starting with a tissue expander to help restore the volume for a subsequent permanent breast implant or the women's own tissues. The biopsychosocial benefits of breast reconstruction, though, can be tempered by a high complication rate of at least 7% but over 30% in some women. Bacterial infection is the most common complication, and can lead to treatment delays, patient physical and emotional distress and escalating health care cost. To limit this risk, plastic surgeons have tried a variety of strategies to limit bacterial infection including irrigating the pocket created after removing the breast implant with antibiotic solutions, but good-quality data are scarce. Herein, we study the value of antibiotics in pocket irrigation using a robust randomized clinical trial design and molecular microbiology approaches.

A Scoping Review of the Application of BREAST-Q in Surgical Research

Background

Collection of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data can facilitate cost-effective, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. The BREAST-Q has become the gold standard tool to measure PRO data in breast surgery. The last review of its application indicated that it was underutilized. Considering the evolution in breast surgery, the purpose of this study was to perform a scoping review of BREAST-Q application since 2015 and identify emerging trends and potential persistent gaps to guide patient-centered practice and future research in breast surgery.

Methods

We performed an electronic literature review to identify publications published in English that used the BREAST-Q to assess patient outcomes. We excluded validation studies, review papers, conference abstracts, discussions, comments, and/or responses to previously published papers.

Results

We identified 270 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Specific data was extracted to examine the evolution of the BREAST-Q application and examine clinical trends and research gaps.

Discussion

Despite a significant increase in BREAST-Q studies, gaps in the understanding of the patient experience remain. The BREAST-Q is uniquely designed to measure quality of life and satisfaction with outcome and care. The prospective collection of center-specific data for every type of breast surgery will generate important information for the provision of patient-centered and evidence-based care.

Physical well-being recovery trajectories by reconstruction modality in women undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction: Significant predictors and health-related quality of life outcomes

OBJECTIVES

We sought to identify trajectories of patient-reported outcomes, specifically physical well-being of the chest (PWBC), in patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction, and further assessed its significant predictors, and its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

We used data collected as part of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium study within a 2-year follow-up in 2012-2017, with 1422, 1218,1199, and 1417 repeated measures at assessment timepoints of 0,3,12, and 24 months, respectively. We performed latent class growth analysis (LCGA) in the implant group (IMPG) and autologous group (AUTOG) to identify longitudinal change trajectories, and then assessed its significant predictors, and its relationship with HRQOL by conducting multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the included 1424 patients, 843 were in IMPG, and 581 were in AUTOG. Both groups experienced reduced PWBC at follow-up. LCGA identified four distinct PWBC trajectories (χ2 = 1019.91, p<0.001): low vs medium high vs medium low vs high baseline PWBC that was restored vs. not-restored after 2 years. In 76.63%(n = 646) of patients in IMPG and 62.99% (n = 366) in AUTOG, PWBC was restored after two years. Patients in IMPG exhibited worse PWBC at 3 months post-surgery than that in AUTOG. Patients with low baseline PWBC that did not improve at 2-year follow up (n = 28, 4.82% for AUTOG) were characterized by radiation following reconstruction and non-white ethnicity. In IMPG, patients with medium low-restored trajectory were more likely to experience improved breast satisfaction, while patients developing high-restored trajectories were less likely to have worsened psychosocial well-being.

CONCLUSION

Although more women in IMPG experienced restored PWBC after 2 years, those in AUTOG exhibited a more favorable postoperative trajectory of change in PWBC. This finding can inform clinical treatment decisions, help manage patient expectations for recovery, and develop rehabilitation interventions contributing to enhancing the postoperative quality of life for breast cancer patients.

The development of a rural breast reconstruction service: patient reported outcomes and benefits

BACKGROUND

In 2021, breast cancer was one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. While a mastectomy remains a treatment of choice, only a small percentage of women have access to a breast reconstruction after. Women living in a rural area are less likely to have a breast reconstruction; compared to their metropolitan counterparts. This study analyses the impact of single breast reconstruction service on a Modified Monash 3 (MM3) region and informs consumers and providers of the importance of a breast reconstruction unit embedded in a rural health network. [Corrections added on 2 May 2023, after online publication. Expanded reference citations have been deleted from Abstract section.] METHODS: Following ethics approval, all 64 patients who had undergone a breast reconstruction with this service between 2017 and 2021 were contacted. Patient reported outcomes were recorded through phone interviews, using a standardized questionnaire. For each patient that presented to the rural centre, cost of travel and productivity loss were also calculated, and compared to the closest metropolitan centre.

RESULT

Ninety-seven percent of the 38 participants strongly valued having a breast reconstruction service within their community. Eighty percent of participants were satisfied with their result. Patients were estimated to save on average $8478, by attending the rural breast reconstruction service.

CONCLUSION

Access to a breast reconstruction is significantly impacted by geographical barriers. A rural breast reconstruction service can improve patient access and satisfaction, while also reducing the financial burden on patients.

Unique challenges of risk-reducing surgery for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome: a narrative review

The common use of genetic testing has reinvigorated discussions surrounding enhanced cancer surveillance, chemoprevention, and preventive surgery strategies due to increasing recognition of pathogenic germline genetic variants. Prophylactic surgery for hereditary cancer syndromes can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), characterized by high penetrance and an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, is causally linked to germline mutations in the CDH1 tumor suppressor gene. Risk-reducing total gastrectomy is currently recommended in patients with pathogenic and likely pathogenic CDH1 variants; however, the physical and psychosocial sequelae of complete stomach removal are substantial and need to be investigated further. In this review, we address the risks and benefits of prophylactic total gastrectomy for HDGC in the context of prophylactic surgery for other highly penetrant cancer syndromes.

Psychological factors and the uptake of preventative measures in BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers: results of a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Women carrying BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants are exposed to elevated risks of developing breast cancer (BC) and are faced by a complex decision-making process on preventative measures, i.e., risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), and intensified breast surveillance (IBS). In this prospective cohort study we investigated the effect of anxiety, personality factors and coping styles on the decision-making process on risk management options in women with pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2.

METHODS

Breast cancer unaffected and affected women with a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene were psychologically evaluated immediately before (T0), 6 to 8 weeks (T1) and 6 to 8 months (T2) after the disclosure of their genetic test results. Uptake of RRM and IBS was assessed at T2. Psychological data were gathered using questionnaires on risk perception, personality factors, coping styles, decisional conflict, depression and anxiety, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We performed tests on statistical significance and fitted a logistic regression based on significance level.

RESULTS

A total of 98 women were included in the analysis. Baseline anxiety levels in women opting for RRM were high but decreased over time, while they increased in women opting for intensified breast surveillance (IBS). Elevated levels of anxiety after genetic test result disclosure (T1) were associated with the decision to undergo RRM (p < 0.01; OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.05-1.42), while personal BC history and personality factors seemed to be less relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering psychosocial factors influencing the decision-making process of women with pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 may help improving their genetic and psychological counselling. When opting for IBS they may profit from additional medical and psychological counselling.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00027566 on January 13, 2022.

[Satisfaction after risk reducing mastectomy related to breast reconstruction surgery in patient with hereditary genetic mutation]

OBJECTIVES

Patients with very high risk of cancer mutation may decide to undergo prophylactic surgery in order to avoid heavy clinical and radiological monitoring. This is a promising and nonetheless risky surgery because it is a complicated procedure and highly mutilating. Our goal was to improve the practice of this prophylactic surgery, to do so we assessed a postoperative satisfaction survey to cancer-free patients who have undergone this procedure.

MATERIAL

Single-center, cross-sectional descriptive study. Assessment of the primary efficacy endpoint using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. These results were compared to a control group representative of our sample of patients, those data came from the scientific literature using a single-sample Student's test. Several multivariate analyzes were also carried out in order to study the influence of certain factors on the patient's satisfaction.

RESULTS

The averages obtained in the various questionnaires were 56.06/100 for "Satisfaction with breasts"; 66.94/100 for "Psychosocial well-being"; 50/100 for "Sexual well-being" and 59.22/100 for "Satisfaction with information". Postoperative satisfaction in our sample is comparable to the group control concerning the questionnaire "Satisfaction with breasts" (P=0.37) and "Psychosocial well-being" (P=0.18). Concerning the questionnaire "Sexual well-being" there is a significant statistical difference between our group and the control group (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

The post-operative satisfaction of our operated patients seems to be proportionally similar to the general population who have not undergone breast surgery except on the question of the quality of sexual life. The various analyzes of our study also allowed us to highlight the importance of preoperative information for postoperative well-being.

Satisfaction and Quality of Life of Healthy and Unilateral Diseased BRCA1/2 Pathogenic Variant Carriers after Risk-Reducing Mastectomy and Reconstruction Using the BREAST-Q Questionnaire

Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) is the most efficient form of breast cancer (BC) risk reduction in BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant (pV) carriers. However, this intervention in physical integrity is associated with significant morbidity. We assessed long-term perception of satisfaction and health-related quality of life (QoL) after bilateral RRM and reconstruction using the validated BREAST-Q. We searched the prospective database of the Center for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Cologne for previvors and survivors who underwent bilateral RRM from 1994 to 2015 and evaluated the results of their BREAST-Q scores. The study enrolled 43 previvors and 90 survivors after a mean follow-up of 46.3 ± 45.3 months after RRM. Satisfaction and QoL were independent of the technique of RRM or type of reconstruction but depended on the time of RRM. Compared to survivors, previvors had significantly higher mean satisfaction scores in their psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being (chest) in both modules. Among previvors and survivors, higher psychological well-being correlated with a higher satisfaction with information and higher satisfaction with outcome. As psychological well-being correlated with satisfaction with information and outcome, we developed decision aids to improve shared decision making and long-term satisfaction with the decision and the postoperative outcome.

Cost-utility analysis of risk-reducing strategies to prevent breast and ovarian cancer in BRCA-mutation carriers in Switzerland

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the most cost-effective of all prophylactic measures available in Switzerland for women not yet affected by breast and ovarian cancer who tested positive for a BRCA1/2 mutation.

METHODS

Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (PBM), salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO), combined PBM&PBSO and chemoprevention (CP) initiated at age 40 years were compared with intensified surveillance (IS). A Markov model with a life-long time horizon was developed from the perspective of the Swiss healthcare system using mainly literature-derived data to evaluate costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and survival. Costs and QALYs were discounted by 3% per year. Robustness of the results was tested with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

All prophylactic measures were found to be cost-saving with an increase in QALYs and life years (LYs) compared to IS. PBM&PBSO were found to be most cost-effective and dominated all other strategies in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Lifetime costs averaged to 141,293 EUR and 14.5 QALYs per woman with a BRCA1 mutation under IS, versus 76,639 EUR and 19.2 QALYs for PBM&PBSO. Corresponding results for IS per woman with a BRCA2 mutation were 102,245 EUR and 15.5 QALYs, versus 60,770 EUR and 19.9 QALYs for PBM&PBSO. The results were found to be robust in sensitivity analysis; no change in the dominant strategy for either BRCA-mutation was observed.

CONCLUSION

All more invasive strategies were found to increase life expectancy and quality of life of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and were cost-saving for the Swiss healthcare system compared to IS.

Surgical Outcome Measures in a Cohort of Patients at High Risk of Breast Cancer Treated by Bilateral Risk Reducing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Women with breast cancer related genetic pathogenic variants (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2) or with a strong family history carry lifetime risks of developing breast cancer of up to 80-90%. A significant proportion of these women proceed to bilateral risk reducing mastectomy (RRM). We aimed to document the surgical morbidity of RRM and establish whether a diagnosis of breast cancer at the time of surgery impacted on outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical details of 445 women identified as having >25% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer who underwent RRM and breast reconstruction were interrogated for surgical outcomes such as planned, unplanned and emergency procedures, complication rates, length of stay and longevity of breast reconstruction. These outcome measures were recorded in women diagnosed with breast cancer perioperatively (cancer group, CG) and those without malignancy (benign group, BG).

RESULTS

Median follow up was similar in both groups (BG, 70months; CG 73 months). Patients were older in the CG than BG (43y v 39y; p<0.001). Women in the CG required more planned procedures to complete reconstruction than those in the BG (4 v 2; p=0.002). Emergency procedures, unplanned surgical interventions (e.g. capsulectomy) and post reconstruction complication rates were similar between groups.One in five women overall required revisional surgery. Patients with autologous reconstructions had a revision rate of 1.24/1000 person years compared with 2.52 in the implant reconstruction group.

CONCLUSION

Women contemplating RRM can be reassured that this a safe and effective procedure but will likely take multiple interventions. This knowledge should be integral to obtaining informed consent.

[Techniques and complications of non-genetic risk reducing mastectomies: Guidelines of the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF)]

OBJECTIVE

Based on an updated review of the international literature covering the different surgical techniques and complications of risk reducing mastectomies (RRM) in non-genetic context, the Commission of Senology (CS) of the College National des Gynécologues Obstétriciens Français (CNGOF) aimed to establish recommendations on the techniques to be chosen and their implementation.

DESIGN

The CNGOF CS, composed of 24 experts, developed these recommendations. A policy of declaration and monitoring of links of interest was applied throughout the process of making the recommendations. Similarly, the development of these recommendations did not benefit from any funding from a company marketing a health product. The CS adhered to and followed the AGREE II (Advancing guideline development, reporting and evaluation in healthcare) criteria and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method to assess the quality of the evidence on which the recommendations were based. The potential drawbacks of making recommendations in the presence of poor quality or insufficient evidence were highlighted.

METHODS

The CS considered 6 questions in 4 thematic areas, focusing on oncologic safety, risk of complications, aesthetic satisfaction and psychological impact, and preoperative modalities.

RESULTS

The application of the GRADE method resulted in 7 recommendations, 6 with a high level of evidence (GRADE 1±) and 1 with a low level of evidence (GRADE 2±).

CONCLUSION

There was significant agreement among the CS members on recommendations for preferred surgical techniques and practical implementation.

A Systematic Literature Review of Health Utility Values in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Health utility values (HUVs) are important inputs to the cost-utility analysis of breast cancer interventions.

PURPOSE

Provide a catalog of breast cancer-related published HUVs across different stages of breast cancer and treatment interventions.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic searches of MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EconLit, and Cochrane databases (2005-2017).

STUDY SELECTION

Studies published in English that reported mean or median HUVs using direct or indirect methods of utility elicitation for breast cancer.

DATA EXTRACTION

Independent reviewers extracted data on a preestablished and piloted form; disagreements were resolved through discussion.

DATA ANALYSIS

Mixed-effects meta-regression using restricted maximum likelihood modeling was conducted for intervention type, stage of breast cancer, and typical clinical and treatment trajectory of breast cancer patients to assess the effect of study characteristics (i.e., sample size, utility elicitation method, and respondent type) on HUVs.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seventy-nine studies were included in the review. Most articles (n = 52, 66%) derived HUVs using the EQ-5D. Patients with advanced-stage breast cancer (range, 0.08 to 0.82) reported lower HUVs as compared with patients with early-stage breast cancer (range, 0.58 to 0.99). The meta-regression analysis found that undergoing chemotherapy and surgery and radiation, being diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer, and recurrent cancer were associated with lower HUVs. The members of the general public reported lower HUVs as compared with patients.

LIMITATIONS

There was considerable heterogeneity in the study population, health states assessed, and utility elicitation methods.

CONCLUSION

This review provides a catalog of published HUVs related to breast cancer. The substantial heterogeneity in the health utility studies makes it challenging for researchers to choose which HUVs to use in cost-utility analyses for breast cancer interventions.

Patient reported outcomes after risk-reducing surgery in patients at increased risk of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe the quality of life of women at an increased risk of ovarian cancer undergoing risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO).

METHODS

Patients evaluated in our gynecologic oncology ambulatory practice between January 2018-December 2019 for an increased risk of ovarian cancer were included. Patients received the EORTC QLQ-C30 and PROMIS emotional and instrumental support questionnaires along with a disease-specific measure (PROM). First and last and pre- and post-surgical PROM responses in each group were compared as were PROMs between at-risk patients and patients with other ovarian diseases.

RESULTS

195 patients with an increased risk of ovarian cancer were identified, 155 completed PROMs (79.5%). BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations were noted in 52.8%. Also included were 469 patients with benign ovarian disease and 455 with ovarian neoplasms. Seventy-two at-risk patients (46.5%) had surgery and 36 had both pre- and post-operative PROMs. Post-operatively, these patients reported significantly less tension (p = 0.011) and health-related worry (p = 0.021) but also decreased levels of health (p = 0.018) and quality of life <7d (0.001), less interest in sex (p = 0.014) and feeling less physically attractive (p = 0.046). No differences in body image or physical/sexual health were noted in at-risk patients who did not have surgery. When compared to patients with ovarian neoplasms, at-risk patients reported lower levels of disease-related life interference and treatment burden, less worry, and better overall health.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, RRBSO is associated with decreased health-related worry and tension, increased sexual dysfunction and poorer short-term quality of life. Patients with ovarian neoplasms suffer to a greater extent than at-risk patients and report higher levels of treatment burden and disease-related anxiety.

Body Image in BRCA-Positive Young Women Following Bilateral Risk-Reducing Mastectomy: A Review of the Literature

Background/Significance: The presence of a breast cancer (BRCA) gene mutation increases a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy is a proactive treatment option which lowers that risk. However, breast removal can create a change in physical appearance. It is unclear if BRCA-positive women undergoing this surgery in young adulthood, a life stage where intimate relationships, families, and careers are being established, have the same experience with body image as women in later stages of life.

Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to assess how bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy impacts body image in young BRCA-positive women less than 40 years of age, with no history of breast cancer.

Methods: Database searches were performed, yielding 402 results. Studies were considered if participants had an increased lifetime breast cancer risk/BRCA-positive diagnosis and history of bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy, body image was evaluated, and mean age was less than 40 years. A total of three qualitative studies and three quantitative studies were identified as relevant for this review.

Results: A dearth of information exists on body image in young women following bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy. It was found in this review that some women experienced a decline in body image following surgery, while in others body image was maintained or improved.

Conclusion: Understanding factors that impact body image following this risk-reducing surgery will allow clinicians to support this unique population. Open and informative discussion should be encouraged with young women considering, or who have undergone, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy.

Psychological implications of risk-reducing mastectomies in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers

Risk-reducing surgeries decrease the risk of developing breast cancer by 95%. But this type of surgery can be life-changing. This systematic review analyzed anxiety/depressive symptomatology, body image and quality of life on BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with or without a previous oncological history who have undergone risk-reducing mastectomy. PRISMA method was used to conduct this review. The initial search identified 234 studies. However, only 7 achieved the inclusion criteria. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of anxious symptomatology. One study found that depressive symptomatology had increased significantly in women without previous oncological history at the long-term follow-up measure. Women who underwent bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and implant-based breast reconstruction tended to be satisfied with their body image/cosmetic outcome. No differences were reported at long-term follow-ups, independently of the surgery performed.

Patient reported outcome measures in a cohort of patients at high risk of breast cancer treated by bilateral risk reducing mastectomy and breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Many women with increased lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, due to pathogenic gene variants or family history, choose to undergo bilateral risk reducing mastectomies (BRRM). Patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) are an increasingly important part of informed consent but are little studied in women undergoing BRRM.

METHODS

We used a validated PROMS tool for breast reconstruction (BREAST-Q) in 297 women who had BRRM and breast reconstruction, 81% of whom had no malignancy (Benign Group, BG) and 19% in whom a perioperative breast cancer was diagnosed (Cancer Group, CG). 128 women also completed a Hospital Anxiety & Depression Score (HADS) questionnaire to test if preoperative HADS score could predict PROMS outcomes.

RESULTS

Women in the CG had lower PROMS scores for satisfaction with their breasts, nipple reconstruction and sexual wellbeing. Both groups reported equal satisfaction with BRRM outcome and psychosocial well-being. Physical well-being PROMS of the abdomen and chest were high in women in both groups as were scores for satisfaction with the care they received. The CG group reported suboptimal quality of patient information. A higher presurgical HADS anxiety score predicted less favourable postoperative psychosocial well-being despite similar levels of satisfaction with aesthetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

We show a high degree of patient reported satisfaction by woman undergoing BRRM and reconstruction. There was a negative association with a cancer diagnosis on quality of life PROMS and higher preoperative anxiety levels negatively affected postoperative psychosocial well-being. These important findings should be part of the informed consent process during preoperative counselling.

Psychological implications of risk-reducing mastectomies in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers

Risk-reducing surgeries decrease the risk of developing breast cancer by 95%. But this type of surgery can be life-changing. This systematic review analyzed anxiety/depressive symptomatology, body image and quality of life on BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with or without a previous oncological history who have undergone risk-reducing mastectomy. PRISMA method was used to conduct this review. The initial search identified 234 studies. However, only 7 achieved the inclusion criteria. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of anxious symptomatology. One study found that depressive symptomatology had increased significantly in women without previous oncological history at the long-term follow-up measure. Women who underwent bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and implant-based breast reconstruction tended to be satisfied with their body image/cosmetic outcome. No differences were reported at long-term follow-ups, independently of the surgery performed.

Assessment of Breast Cancer Surgery in Manitoba: A Descriptive Study

BACKGROUND

Variation in breast cancer surgical practice patterns can lead to poor clinical outcomes. It is important to measure and reduce variation to ensure all women diagnosed with breast cancer receive equitable, high-quality care. A population-based assessment of the variation in breast cancer surgery treatment and quality has never been conducted in Manitoba. The objective of this study was to assess the variation in surgical treatment patterns, quality of care, and post-operative outcomes for women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

METHODS

This descriptive study used data from the Manitoba Cancer Registry, Hospital Discharge Abstracts Database, Medical Claims, Manitoba Health Insurance Registry, and Statistics Canada. The study included women in Manitoba aged 20+ and diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014.

RESULTS

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for node-negative disease ranged from 11.8% to 33.3%, timeliness (surgery within 30 days of consult) ranged from 33.3% to 60.2%, and re-excision ranged from 14.7% to 24.6% between health authorities. Women who underwent breast-conserving surgery had the shortest median length of stay and women who underwent mastectomy with immediate reconstruction had the longest median length of stay. In-hospital post-operative complications were higher among women who received mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (9.9%).

CONCLUSION

Variation in surgical treatment, quality, and outcomes exist in Manitoba. The findings from this study can be used to inform cancer service delivery planning, quality improvement efforts, and policy development. Influencing data-driven change at the health system level is paramount to ensuring Manitobans receive the highest quality of care.

Quality of Life After Bilateral Risk-Reducing Mastectomy and Simultaneous Reconstruction Using Pre-Pectoral Silicone Implants

PURPOSE

Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 95% in women with increased exposure. Although survival is increased, mastectomies can adversely affect a patient physically, psychologically, and psychosexually. High health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is often achieved after simultaneous breast reconstruction (BR) following BRRM; however, data on the pre- and postoperative results of HRQoL are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the quality of life, esthetic outcome, and patient well-being after BRRM and simultaneous implant-based BR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of the 35 patients who underwent skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy between May 2012 and December 2017 at a university hospital, only 22 completed the evaluation. Baseline data and data on previous operations and operation techniques were retrieved from the patient's charts. BREAST-Q and short form-36 health survey (SF-36) questionnaires were used to evaluate patient satisfaction and HRQoL.

RESULTS

SF-36 analysis showed a significantly higher score for pain (p=0.043) in our population than in the general female population. Comparing the pre- and postoperative BREAST-Q results, a significant decrease in the physical well-being of the chest (p=0.0179) and a slight improvement in breast satisfaction were observed (p=0.3266). All patients were well-satisfied with the postoperative outcome, reconstruction, and perioperative surgeon care.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral mastectomy with simultaneous BR using pre-pectoral implants is associated with an HRQoL similar to that of the healthy population. Although bilateral mastectomy may have an immense effect on the psychological, physical, and social aspects, immediate BR preserves the outer appearance and improves self-esteem.

Breast Reconstruction Practices and Barriers in West Africa: A Survey of Surgeons

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Access to breast reconstruction is limited in low-income countries. Identifying current barriers that plague both providers and patients can inform future interventions focused on improving access to care. The goal of this study was to delineate perceptions of breast reconstruction among providers in West Africa and define current barriers to care.

Methods:

Surveys were administered to surgeons attending the annual meeting of the West African College of Surgeons in 2018. Surgeons were surveyed regarding their practices and perceptions of breast reconstruction. Information on barriers to breast reconstruction focused on patient- and surgeon-related factors was also obtained. A univariate analysis was performed to assess association of demographic and practice information with perceptions of reconstruction barriers.

Results:

Thirty-eight surgeons completed the questionnaires; 10 of the respondents were plastic surgeons (27%). The survey response rate was 40%. Factors that a majority of surgeons believed to limit access to reconstruction included limited experience (72.9%), resources (76.3%), and a lack of referrals for reconstruction (75%). In total, 76.5% of surgeons had performed <10 breast reconstruction cases in the past year. Two patient factors highlighted by most surgeons (>80%) were a lack of knowledge and concerns about cost.

Conclusions:

Perspectives from surgeons in the West African College of Surgeons suggest that barriers in access, patient awareness, surgeon technical expertise, and cost limit the delivery of breast reconstructive services to women in the region. Implementation of interventions focused on these specific metrics may serve as valuable first steps in the movement to increase access to breast reconstruction.

A Novel Method of Implant Coverage for Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction after Previous Augmentation: A Case Report

Background

Breast augmentation is the most common -cosmetic surgical procedure in the USA, with nearly 300,000 women undergoing surgery annually. National incidence rates predict that among women undergoing breast augmentation each year, approximately 35,000 will eventually be diagnosed with breast cancer, in particular individual BRCA1/2 germline mutant carriers.

Case Report

Our case introduces a novel method of implant coverage after immediate post-mastectomy reconstruction in augmented patients. A novel "capsular flap" (flap of the pre-existing old capsule) is isolated and refolded to cover the outer lower portion of the implant.

Conclusion

Tailored surgical approaches can be offered to those patients previously augmented and requiring mastectomy after breast cancer diagnosis.

Quality of Life after Bilateral and Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy with Implant Reconstruction

Background

Prophylactic mastectomy is an effective approach to breast cancer risk reduction in patients at high risk. Further studies using standardized measures for quality of life are needed to better understand the effect of prophylactic mastectomy on individual patients and, thereby, allow for better patient counseling and selection.

Methods

In this prospective study patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy were asked to complete the BREAST-Q questionnaire before and 1 year after surgery. All patients underwent bilateral mastectomy with implant-based breast reconstruction. Patient- and surgery-related information was collected in a database.

Results

In total, 48 patients underwent bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy. Of these, 29 (60.4%) suffered from breast cancer. A 2-stage reconstruction with intermediate expander implantation was conducted in 19 (39.6%) patients. All patients completed the BREAST-Q questionnaire. The domain "psychosocial well-being" was significantly improved from a mean score of 74.98 preoperatively to a postoperative score of 81.56 (p = 0.021). In contrast, the domain "physical well-being" dropped -8.38 points on average to a postoperative score of 74.96 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, patients with the lowest preoperative score in the domain "satisfaction with breast" showed the greatest increase after surgery (50.31 vs. 67.25, p < 0.001). On the contrary, patients with the highest preoperative values experienced the strongest decrease in satisfaction (91.60 vs. 75.27, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Implant-based prophylactic mastectomy leads to good quality-of-life results in patients at high risk for breast cancer. Especially, patients with a low preoperative satisfaction with their breasts have a significantly higher chance of experiencing substantial improvements in their quality of life.

Small Molecular Leads Differentially Active Against HER2 Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Background:

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer type in women globally. It is characterized by distinct subtypes depending on different gene expression patterns. Oncogene HER2 is expressed on the surface of cell and is responsible for cell growth regulation. Increase in HER2 receptor protein due to gene amplification, results in aggressive growth, and high metastasis in cancer cells.

Methods:

The current study evaluates and compares the anti-breast cancer effect of commercially available compounds against HER2 overexpressing BT-474, and triple negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

Results:

Preliminary in vitro cell viability assays on these cell lines identified 6 lead molecules active against breast cancer. Convallatoxin (4), a steroidal lactone glycoside, showed the most potent activity with IC50 values of 0.63 ± 0.56, and 0.69 ± 0.59 µM against BT-474 and MDA-MB-231, respectively, whereas 4-[4-(Trifluoromethyl)-phenoxy] phenol (3) a phenol derivative, and Reserpine (5) an indole alkaloid selectively inhibited the growth of BT-474, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, respectively.

Conclusion:

These results exhibited the potential of small molecules in the treatment of HER2 amplified and triple negative breast cancers in vitro.

Interventions to improve psychosocial well-being in female BRCA-mutation carriers following risk-reducing surgery

BACKGROUND

Women who carry a pathogenic mutation in either a BRCA1 DNA repair associated or BRCA2 DNA repair associated (BRCA1 or BRCA2) gene have a high lifetime risk of developing breast and tubo-ovarian cancer. To manage this risk women may choose to undergo risk-reducing surgery to remove breast tissue, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Surgery should increase survival, but can impact women's lives adversely at the psychological and psychosexual levels. Interventions to facilitate psychological adjustment and improve quality of life post risk-reducing surgery are needed.

OBJECTIVES

To examine psychosocial interventions in female BRCA carriers who have undergone risk-reducing surgery and to evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions on psychological adjustment and quality of life.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and Embase via Ovid, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science up to April 2019 and Scopus up to January 2018. We also handsearched abstracts of scientific meetings and other relevant publications.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCT), non-randomised studies (NRS), prospective and retrospective cohort studies and interventional studies using baseline and postintervention analyses in female BRCA carriers who have undergone risk-reducing surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed eligibility studies for inclusion in the review. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We screened 4956 records from the searches, selecting 34 unique studies for full-text scrutiny, of which two met the inclusion criteria: one RCT and one NRS. The included studies assessed 113 female BRCA carriers who had risk-reducing surgery, but there was attrition, and outcome data were not available for all participants at final study assessments. We assessed the RCT as at a high risk of bias whilst the NRS did not have a control group. Our GRADE assessment of the studies was very low-certainty due to the paucity of data and methodological shortcomings of the studies. The primary outcome of quality of life was only measured in the RCT and that was specific to the menopause. Both studies reported on psychological distress and sexual function. Neither study measured body image, perhaps because this is most often associated with risk-reducing mastectomy rather than oophorectomy.The RCT (66 participants recruited with 48 followed to 12 months) assessed the short- and long-term effects of an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training programme on quality of life, sexual functioning, and sexual distress in female BRCA carriers (n = 34) in a specialised family cancer clinic in the Netherlands compared to female BRCA carriers (n = 32) who received usual care. Measurements on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) showed some improvement at 3 and 12 months compared to the usual care group. At 3 months the mean MENQOL scores were 3.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0 to 3.9) and 3.8 (95% CI 3.3 to 4.2) for the MBSR and usual care groups respectively, whilst at 12 months the corresponding values were 3.6 (95% CI 3.1 to 4.0) and 3.9 (95% CI 3.5 to 4.4) (1 study; 48 participants followed up at 12 months). However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the very low-certainty of the evidence, where a lower score is better. Other outcome measures on the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale showed no significant differences between the two groups. Our GRADE assessment of the evidence was very low-certainty due to the lack of blinding of participants and personnel, attrition bias and self-selection (as only one-third of eligible women chose to participate in the study) and serious imprecision due to the small sample size and wide 95% CI.The NRS comprised 37 female BRCA carriers selected from three Boston-area hospitals who had undergone a novel sexual health intervention following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) without a history of tubo-ovarian cancer. The intervention consisted of targeted sexual-health education, body awareness and relaxation training, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy strategies, followed by two sessions of tailored telephone counselling. This was a single-arm study without a control group. Our GRADE assessment of the evidence was very low-certainty, and as there was no comparison group in the included study, we could not estimate a relative effect. The study reported change in psychosexual adjustment from baseline to postintervention (median 2.3 months) using measures of Female Sexual Function Index (n = 34), which yielded change with a mean of 3.91, standard deviation (SD) 9.12, P = 0.018 (1 study, 34 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The Brief Symptom Inventory, Global Severity Index yielded a mean change of 3.92, SD 5.94, P < 0.001. The Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale yielded change with a mean of 12.14, SD 20.56, P < 0.001. The Sexual Knowledge Scale reported mean change of 1.08, SD 1.50, P < 0.001 (n = 36). Participant satisfaction was measured by questionnaire, and 100% participants reported that they enjoyed taking part in the psychoeducation group and felt "certain" or "very certain" that they had learned new skills to help them cope with the sexual side effects of RRSO.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effect of psychosocial interventions on quality of life and emotional well-being in female BRCA carriers who undergo risk-reducing surgery is uncertain given the very low methodological quality in the two studies included in the review. The absence of such interventions highlights the need for partnership between researchers and clinicians in this specific area to take forward the patient-reported outcomes and develop interventions to address the psychosocial issues related to risk-reducing surgery in female BRCA carriers, particularly in this new era of genomics, where testing may become more mainstream and many more women are identified as gene carriers.

Oncological Safety of Lipofilling in Healthy BRCA Carriers After Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: A Case Series

OBJECTIVE

The germline breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation confers a lifetime high risk for breast cancer (BC) and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is the procedure which allows the highest risk reduction rate. Among other techniques, lipofilling (LF) can be used for breast reconstruction of these patients. However, there are some oncological safety concerns on the subject. The purpose of this study was to assess the oncological risk of LF in BRCA healthy patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single institution case series was built including BRCA I/II mutated patients with no previous history of BC, who underwent bilateral prophylactic mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction with exclusive LF or combined with implants or latissimus dorsi flap. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, clinical information, reconstruction techniques used, and fat grafting details.

RESULTS

From September 1999 till November 2017, we identified 18 BRCA carriers with no history of BC who had undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, followed by breast reconstruction with LF. A total of 36 LF procedures were performed following an implant or latissimus dorsi flap, or as an exclusive fat grafting breast reconstruction. The average number of LF sessions was 1.4 with a mean volume of 108.8cc per breast. Median follow-up was 33.0 months after mastectomy and 24.5 months after the last LF intervention; no patients were diagnosed with BC during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Germline BRCA mutation is a high-risk plight for BC. However, despite the limited follow-up, no BC was detected.

Rural-Urban Differences in Breast Reconstruction Utilization Following Oncologic Resection

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction (BR) is the reconstructive surgical technique that focuses on restoring normal form and function to the breast following oncologic resection. The goal of this study was to determine if BR disparities exist among rural female patients in Kentucky.

METHODS

A retrospective (2006-2015), population-based cohort study was conducted on breast cancer patients (stages I-III) treated with mastectomy with or without BR. We used 2013 Beale codes to stratify patients according to geographic status. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association of BR along the rural-urban continuum. A multivariate logistic regression model controlling for patient, disease, and treatment factors was used to predict BR. The likelihood of BR was reported in odds ratios (OR) using a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Overall, 10,032 patients met study criteria. Of those, 2,159 (21.5%) underwent BR. The rate of BR among urban, near-metro, and rural patients was 31.1%, 20.4%, and 13.4%, respectively (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that women from near metro (OR 0.54, CI: 0.47-0.61; P < .001) and rural areas (OR 0.36, CI: 0.31-0.41; P < .001) were less likely to undergo BR than women from urban areas.

CONCLUSION

Although BR benefits are well documented, women from rural Kentucky undergo BR at lower rates and are less likely to receive BR than their urban counterparts. Efforts should seek to promote equitable access to BR for all patients, including those from rural areas.

Factors Leading to Decreased Rates of Immediate Postmastectomy Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to determine if there was a difference in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) rates between our public hospital and private cancer center, which share a common faculty with a consistent management philosophy in multidisciplinary care. We investigated the factors affecting postmastectomy reconstruction and IBR rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified women with clinical stage I-II breast cancer who underwent mastectomy at our public hospital, Los Angeles County Medical Center, and our private cancer center, Keck Hospital of USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study predictors of IBR and any breast reconstruction.

RESULTS

Of 293 mastectomy patients, the rate of any breast reconstruction at the private cancer (56.6%) center was higher than that at the public hospital (36.2%). IBR rates for the private cancer center (93.6%) and for patients with private insurance were higher than for the public hospital (40.8%) and likewise for those without insurance (86.7% versus 45.5%). In a multivariate analysis, the odds of IBR at our private cancer center were 22.96 times higher than that at our public hospital. Age >50 y and radiotherapy were independent predictive factors associated with less likelihood of any breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients at the public hospital had a much lower rate of breast reconstruction than the private cancer center patients, even after controlling for stage and the team of treating physicians. Our results showed that older age and radiotherapy affect rates of breast reconstruction, as do hospital system and insurance status.

Sexuality, a topic that surgeons should discuss with women before risk-reducing mastectomy and breast reconstruction

While sexual health is an important aspect of quality of life, sexual issues usually go unaddressed during patient-provider communication. Breast cancer treatments and specifically breast surgery impact women's sexual well-being. However, women do not receive adequate information on this subject. Women who underwent prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction invariably reported that they had underestimated the impact of mastectomy and reconstruction on their sexuality, and expressed a need for information and creating realistic expectations pertaining to sexuality. Therefore, we urge breast surgeons to take the lead in addressing sexuality along with other health-related quality-of-life outcomes during pre-operative consultation.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in women at high risk of developing breast cancer

Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a valuable addition to the options available for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the high-risk genes, BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 and the associated guidelines with regard to risk-reducing surgery. We consider other genetic risks and high-risk lesions. We discuss the literature on bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer risk-reduction, and the results of nipple-sparing mastectomy in particular. Finally, we report on patient satisfaction with these procedures and the impact that nipple-sparing mastectomy may have on women at high-risk of breast cancer.

The Functional Impact of Breast Reconstruction: An Overview and Update

As rates of bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction rise, the aesthetic and psychosocial benefits of breast reconstruction are increasingly well understood. However, an understanding of functional outcome and its optimization is still lacking. This endpoint is critical to maximizing postoperative quality of life. All reconstructive modalities have possible functional consequences. Studies demonstrate that implant-based reconstruction impacts subjective movement, but patients’ day-to-day function may not be objectively hindered despite self-reported disability. For latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction, patients also report some dysfunction at the donor site, but this does not seem to result in significant, long-lasting limitation of daily activity. Athletic and other vigorous activities are most affected. For abdominal free flaps, patient perception of postoperative disability is generally not significant, despite the varying degrees of objective disadvantage that have been identified depending on the extent of rectus muscle sacrifice. With these functional repercussions in mind, a broader perspective on the attempt to ensure minimal functional decline after breast surgery should focus not only on surgical technique but also on postoperative rehabilitation. Early directed physical therapy may be an instrumental element in facilitating return to baseline function. With the patient’s optimal quality of life as an overarching objective, a multifaceted approach to functional preservation may be the answer to this continued challenge. This review will examine these issues in depth in an effort to better understand postoperative functional outcomes with a focus on the younger, active breast reconstruction patient.

Quality-of-life implications of risk-reducing cancer surgery

Background

Modern advances in genetic sequencing techniques have allowed for increased availability of genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. Consequently, more people are being identified as mutation carriers and becoming aware of their increased risk of malignancy. Testing is commonplace for many inheritable cancer syndromes, and with that comes the knowledge of being a gene carrier for some patients. With increased risk of malignancy, many guidelines recommend that gene carriers partake in risk reduction strategies, including risk-reducing surgery for some syndromes. This review explores the quality-of-life consequences of genetic testing and risk-reducing surgery.

Methods

A narrative review of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed, focusing on the health-related quality-of-life implications of surgery for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.

Results

Risk-reducing surgery almost uniformly decreases cancer anxiety and affects patients' quality of life.

Conclusion

Although the overwhelming quality-of-life implications of surgery are neutral to positive, risk-reducing surgery is irreversible and can be associated with short- and long-term side-effects.