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Alalawi Y, Alamrani SAS, Alruwaili OM, Alzahrani IF, Al Madshush AM. The Relationship Between Breast Density and Breast Cancer Surgical Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e57265. [PMID: 38686256 PMCID: PMC11057672 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the relationship between mammographic breast density and the surgical outcomes of breast cancer. PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Wiley Library were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process. Our results included ten studies with a total of 5017 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The follow-up duration ranged from 1 year to 15.1 years. Eight out of the twelve included studies reported that low mammographic breast density was significantly associated with no local recurrence, metachronous contralateral breast cancer, and fewer challenges in the preoperative and intraoperative phases. On the other hand, four studies reported that mammographic breast density is not linked to disease recurrence, survival, re-excision, or an incomplete clinical and pathological response. There is a significant association between low mammographic breast density and reduced challenges in the preoperative and intraoperative phases, as well as no local recurrence and fewer mastectomy cases. However, the link between mammographic breast density and disease recurrence, survival, re-excision, and incomplete clinical and pathological response is less clear, with some studies reporting no significant association. The findings suggest that mammographic breast density may play a role in certain aspects of breast cancer outcomes, but further research is needed to fully understand its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Alalawi
- Department of Surgery, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital in the North-Western Region, Tabuk, SAU
| | | | - Omar M Alruwaili
- Department of Surgery, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital in the North-Western Region, Tabuk, SAU
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Atakpa EC, Thorat MA, Cuzick J, Brentnall AR. Mammographic density, endocrine therapy and breast cancer risk: a prognostic and predictive biomarker review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 10:CD013091. [PMID: 34697802 PMCID: PMC8545623 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013091.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine therapy is effective at preventing or treating breast cancer. Some forms of endocrine therapy have been shown to reduce mammographic density. Reduced mammographic density for women receiving endocrine therapy could be used to estimate the chance of breast cancer returning or developing breast cancer in the first instance (a prognostic biomarker). In addition, changes in mammographic density might be able to predict how well a woman responds to endocrine therapy (a predictive biomarker). The role of breast density as a prognostic or predictive biomarker could help improve the management of breast cancer. OBJECTIVES To assess the evidence that a reduction in mammographic density following endocrine therapy for breast cancer prevention in women without previous breast cancer, or for treatment in women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, is a prognostic or predictive biomarker. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers on 3 August 2020 along with reference checking, bibliographic searching, and contact with study authors to obtain further data. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised, cohort and case-control studies of adult women with or without breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy. Endocrine therapy agents included were selective oestrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. We required breast density before start of endocrine therapy and at follow-up. We included studies published in English. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias using adapted Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. We did not perform a quantitative meta-analysis due to substantial heterogeneity across studies. MAIN RESULTS Eight studies met our inclusion criteria, of which seven provided data on outcomes listed in the protocol (5786 women). There was substantial heterogeneity across studies in design, sample size (349 to 1066 women), participant characteristics, follow-up (5 to 14 years), and endocrine therapy agent. There were five breast density measures and six density change definitions. All studies had at least one domain as at moderate or high risk of bias. Common concerns were whether the study sample reflected the review target population, and likely post hoc definitions of breast density change. Most studies on prognosis for women receiving endocrine therapy reported a reduced risk associated with breast density reduction. Across endpoints, settings, and agents, risk ratio point estimates (most likely value) were between 0.1 and 1.5, but with substantial uncertainty. There was greatest consistency in the direction and magnitude of the effect for tamoxifen (across endpoints and settings, risk ratio point estimates were between 0.3 and 0.7). The findings are summarised as follows. Prognostic biomarker findings: Treatment Breast cancer mortality Two studies of 823 women on tamoxifen (172 breast cancer deaths) reported risk ratio point estimates of ~0.4 and ~0.5 associated with a density reduction. The certainty of the evidence was low. Recurrence Two studies of 1956 women on tamoxifen reported risk ratio point estimates of ~0.4 and ~0.7 associated with a density reduction. There was risk of bias in methodology for design and analysis of the studies and considerable uncertainty over the size of the effect. One study of 175 women receiving an aromatase inhibitor reported a risk ratio point estimate of ~0.1 associated with a density reduction. There was considerable uncertainty about the effect size and a moderate or high risk of bias in all domains. One study of 284 women receiving exemestane or tamoxifen as part of a randomised controlled trial reported risk ratio point estimates of ~1.5 (loco-regional recurrence) and ~1.3 (distance recurrence) associated with a density reduction. There was risk of bias in reporting and study confounding, and uncertainty over the size of the effects. The certainty of the evidence for all recurrence endpoints was very low. Incidence of a secondary primary breast cancer Two studies of 451 women on exemestane, tamoxifen, or unknown endocrine therapy reported risk ratio point estimates of ~0.5 and ~0.6 associated with a density reduction. There was risk of bias in reporting and study confounding, and uncertainty over the effect size. The certainty of the evidence was very low. We were unable to find data regarding the remaining nine outcomes prespecified in the review protocol. Prevention Incidence of invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) One study of 507 women without breast cancer who were receiving preventive tamoxifen as part of a randomised controlled trial (51 subsequent breast cancers) reported a risk ratio point estimate of ~0.3 associated with a density reduction. The certainty of the evidence was low. Predictive biomarker findings: One study of a subset of 1065 women from a randomised controlled trial assessed how much the effect of endocrine therapy could be explained by breast density declines in those receiving endocrine therapy. This study evaluated the prevention of invasive breast cancer and DCIS. We found some evidence to support the hypothesis, with a risk ratio interaction point estimate ~0.5. However, the 95% confidence interval included unity, and data were based on 51 women with subsequent breast cancer in the tamoxifen group. The certainty of the evidence was low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is low-/very low-certainty evidence to support the hypothesis that breast density change following endocrine therapy is a prognostic biomarker for treatment or prevention. Studies suggested a potentially large effect size with tamoxifen, but the evidence was limited. There was less evidence that breast density change following tamoxifen preventive therapy is a predictive biomarker than prognostic biomarker. Evidence for breast density change as a prognostic treatment biomarker was stronger for tamoxifen than aromatase inhibitors. There were no studies reporting mammographic density change following endocrine therapy as a predictive biomarker in the treatment setting, nor aromatase inhibitor therapy as a prognostic or predictive biomarker in the preventive setting. Further research is warranted to assess mammographic density as a biomarker for all classes of endocrine therapy and review endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Atakpa
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mangesh A Thorat
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Breast Services, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jack Cuzick
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Adam R Brentnall
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Kanbayti IH, Rae WID, McEntee MF, Ekpo EU. Mammographic density changes following BC treatment. Clin Imaging 2021; 76:88-97. [PMID: 33578136 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.01.002] [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] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammographic density (MD) reduction is associated with lower risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence and may be used as a marker of treatment outcome; however, trends in MD following BC therapies and the factors associated with such trends are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate MD changes following BC treatment and the factors associated with these changes. METHODS A total of 226 BC-affected patients who received BC treatments were examined. MD was assessed by the Laboratory for individualized Radiodensity Assessment (LIBRA) software. A Wilcoxon ranked signed test was used to investigate the differences in MD before and after treatment and median independent test to assess the associated factors. RESULTS Significant differences in MD between baseline and follow-up mammograms were observed for all MD measures: percent density (p ≤ 0.005), dense area (p ≤ 0.004), and nondense area (p ≤ 0.02). After adjustment, these differences were more pronounced among younger at BC diagnosis (p ≤ 0.001), premenopausal (p ≤ 0.003), and obese women (p ≤ 0.05). Changes in MD were evident regardless of the treatment regimen. MD reduction was observed among patients with high baseline MD (p < 0.001), younger at BC diagnosis (p ≤ 0.04), premenopausal (p < 0.001), and normal body mass index (p = 0.04). Patients who experienced an increase in nondense area had high percent density at baseline (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION Two different MD changes were observed over time: MD increase and decrease. Baseline MD, menopausal status, age at BC diagnosis, and body mass index influenced these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahem H Kanbayti
- Diagnostic Radiography Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia; Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - William I D Rae
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark F McEntee
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Department of Medicine Roinn na Sláinte, UG 12 Áras Watson, Brookfield Health Sciences |T12 AK54, Ireland
| | - Ernest U Ekpo
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Orange Radiology, Laboratories and Research Centre, Calabar, Nigeria
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Kanbayti IH, Rae WID, McEntee MF, Ekpo EU. Are mammographic density phenotypes associated with breast cancer treatment response and clinical outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast 2019; 47:62-76. [PMID: 31352313 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammographic density (MD) increases breast cancer (BC) risk, however, its association with patient outcomes is unclear. We examined the association of baseline MD (BMD), and MD reduction (MDR) following BC treatment with patient outcomes. Six databases (CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase) were used to identify relevant articles. The PRISMA strategy was used to extract relevant details. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the "Quality In Prognosis Studies" (QUIPS) tool. A Meta-analysis and pooled risk estimates were performed. Results showed that BMD is associated with contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk (HR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-3.0, p = 0.0007), recurrence (HR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.0-4.0, p = 0.04), and mortality (HR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.9, p = 0.003). No association was found between BMD and prognosis (HR = 3.2; 95%CI: 0.9-11.2, p = 0.06). Data on risk estimates (95%CI) from BMD for survival [RR: 1.75; 0.99-3.1 to 2.4; 1.4-4.1], ipsilateral BC [HR: 1; 0.6-1.6 to 3; 1.2-7.5], and treatment response (OR, 1.8; 0.98-3.3) are limited. MDR showed no association with mortality (HR = 0.5; 95%CI: 0.2-1.2, p = 0.13). MDR is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence [HR/RR: 0.35; 0.17-0.68 to 1.33; 0.67-2.65)], however data on MDR and outcomes such as mortality [HR/RR: 0.5; 0.27-0.93 to 0.59; 0.22-0.88], and CBC risk [RR/HR: 0.53; 0.24-0.84 to 1.3; 0.6-2.7] are limited. Evidence, although sparse, demonstrates that high BMD is associated with an increased risk of recurrence, CBC, and mortality. Conversely, MDR is associated with a reduced risk of BC recurrence, CBC, and BC-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahem H Kanbayti
- Diagnostic Radiography Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia; Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - William I D Rae
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark F McEntee
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; Department of Medicine Roinn na Sláinte, UG 12 Áras Watson, Brookfield Health Sciences, T12 AK54, Ireland
| | - Ernest U Ekpo
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; Orange Radiology, Laboratories and Research Centre, Calabar, Nigeria
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Sindi R, Sá Dos Reis C, Bennett C, Stevenson G, Sun Z. Quantitative Measurements of Breast Density Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050745. [PMID: 31137728 PMCID: PMC6571752 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast density, a measure of dense fibroglandular tissue relative to non-dense fatty tissue, is confirmed as an independent risk factor of breast cancer. Although there has been an increasing interest in the quantitative assessment of breast density, no research has investigated the optimal technical approach of breast MRI in this aspect. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the current studies on quantitative assessment of breast density using MRI and to determine the most appropriate technical/operational protocol. Databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) were searched systematically for eligible studies. Single arm meta-analysis was conducted to determine quantitative values of MRI in breast density assessments. Combined means with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effect model. In addition, subgroup meta-analyses were performed with stratification by breast density segmentation/measurement method. Furthermore, alternative groupings based on statistical similarities were identified via a cluster analysis employing study means and standard deviations in a Nearest Neighbor/Single Linkage. A total of 38 studies matched the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Twenty-one of these studies were judged to be eligible for meta-analysis. The results indicated, generally, high levels of heterogeneity between study means within groups and high levels of heterogeneity between study variances within groups. The studies in two main clusters identified by the cluster analysis were also subjected to meta-analyses. The review confirmed high levels of heterogeneity within the breast density studies, considered to be due mainly to the applications of MR breast-imaging protocols and the use of breast density segmentation/measurement methods. Further research should be performed to determine the most appropriate protocol and method for quantifying breast density using MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rooa Sindi
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | - Cláudia Sá Dos Reis
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Av. de Beaumont 21, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
- CISP-Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Colleen Bennett
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | | | - Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
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Mammographic density changes following discontinuation of tamoxifen in premenopausal women with oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:3176-3184. [PMID: 29626240 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the changes in mammographic density after tamoxifen discontinuation in premenopausal women with oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers and the underlying factors METHODS: A total of 213 consecutive premenopausal women with breast cancer who received tamoxifen treatment after curative surgery and underwent three mammograms (baseline, after tamoxifen treatment, after tamoxifen discontinuation) were included. Changes in mammographic density after tamoxifen discontinuation were assessed qualitatively (decrease, no change, or increase) by two readers and measured quantitatively by semi-automated software. The association between % density change and clinicopathological factors was evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS After tamoxifen discontinuation, a mammographic density increase was observed in 31.9% (68/213, reader 1) to 22.1% (47/213, reader 2) by qualitative assessment, with a mean density increase of 1.8% by quantitative assessment compared to density before tamoxifen discontinuation. In multivariate analysis, younger age (≤ 39 years) and greater % density decline after tamoxifen treatment (≥ 17.0%) were independent factors associated with density change after tamoxifen discontinuation (p < .001 and p = .003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Tamoxifen discontinuation was associated with mammographic density change with a mean density increase of 1.8%, which was associated with younger age and greater density change after tamoxifen treatment. KEY POINTS • Increased mammographic density after tamoxifen discontinuation can occur in premenopausal women. • Mean density increase after tamoxifen discontinuation was 1.8%. • Density increase is associated with age and density decrease after tamoxifen.
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Vinnicombe SJ. Breast density: why all the fuss? Clin Radiol 2017; 73:334-357. [PMID: 29273225 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The term "breast density" or mammographic density (MD) denotes those components of breast parenchyma visualised at mammography that are denser than adipose tissue. MD is composed of a mixture of epithelial and stromal components, notably collagen, in variable proportions. MD is most commonly assessed in clinical practice with the time-honoured method of visual estimation of area-based percent density (PMD) on a mammogram, with categorisation into quartiles. The computerised semi-automated thresholding method, Cumulus, also yielding area-based percent density, is widely used for research purposes; however, the advent of fully automated volumetric methods developed as a consequence of the widespread use of digital mammography (DM) and yielding both absolute and percent dense volumes, has resulted in an explosion of interest in MD recently. Broadly, the importance of MD is twofold: firstly, the presence of marked MD significantly reduces mammographic sensitivity for breast cancer, even with state-of-the-art DM. Recognition of this led to the formation of a powerful lobby group ('Are You Dense') in the US, as a consequence of which 32 states have legislated for mandatory disclosure of MD to women undergoing mammography. Secondly, it is now widely accepted that MD is in itself a risk factor for breast cancer, with a four-to sixfold increased relative risk in women with PMD in the highest quintile compared to those with PMD in the lowest quintile. Consequently, major research efforts are underway to assess whether use of MD could provide a major step forward towards risk-adapted, personalised breast cancer prevention, imaging, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Vinnicombe
- Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Level 7, Mailbox 4, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
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Abstract
Purpose Obesity and breast density are both associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and are potentially modifiable. Weight loss surgery (WLS) causes a significant reduction in the amount of body fat and a decrease in breast cancer risk. The effect of WLS on breast density and its components has not been documented. Here, we analyze the impact of WLS on volumetric breast density (VBD) and on each of its components (fibroglandular volume and breast volume) by using three-dimensional methods. Materials and Methods Fibroglandular volume, breast volume, and their ratio, the VBD, were calculated from mammograms before and after WLS by using Volpara™ automated software. Results For the 80 women included, average body mass index decreased from 46.0 ± 7.22 to 33.7 ± 7.06 kg/m2. Mammograms were performed on average 11.6 ± 9.4 months before and 10.1 ± 7 months after WLS. There was a significant reduction in average breast volume (39.4 % decrease) and average fibroglandular volume (15.5 % decrease), and thus, the average VBD increased from 5.15 to 7.87 % (p < 1 × 10−9) after WLS. When stratified by menopausal status and diabetic status, VBD increased significantly in all groups but only perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and non-diabetics experienced a significant reduction in fibroglandular volume. Conclusions Breast volume and fibroglandular volume decreased, and VBD increased following WLS, with the most significant change observed in postmenopausal women and non-diabetics. Further studies are warranted to determine how physical and biological alterations in breast density components after WLS may impact breast cancer risk.
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Engmann NJ, Scott CG, Jensen MR, Ma L, Brandt KR, Mahmoudzadeh AP, Malkov S, Whaley DH, Hruska CB, Wu FF, Winham SJ, Miglioretti DL, Norman AD, Heine JJ, Shepherd J, Pankratz VS, Vachon CM, Kerlikowske K. Longitudinal Changes in Volumetric Breast Density with Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017; 26:930-937. [PMID: 28148596 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-16-0882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reductions in breast density with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors may be an intermediate marker of treatment response. We compare changes in volumetric breast density among breast cancer cases using tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AI) to untreated women without breast cancer.Methods: Breast cancer cases with a digital mammogram prior to diagnosis and after initiation of tamoxifen (n = 366) or AI (n = 403) and a sample of controls (n = 2170) were identified from the Mayo Clinic Mammography Practice and San Francisco Mammography Registry. Volumetric percent density (VPD) and dense breast volume (DV) were measured using Volpara (Matakina Technology) and Quantra (Hologic) software. Linear regression estimated the effect of treatment on annualized changes in density.Results: Premenopausal women using tamoxifen experienced annualized declines in VPD of 1.17% to 1.70% compared with 0.30% to 0.56% for controls and declines in DV of 7.43 to 15.13 cm3 compared with 0.28 to 0.63 cm3 in controls, for Volpara and Quantra, respectively. The greatest reductions were observed among women with ≥10% baseline density. Postmenopausal AI users had greater declines in VPD than controls (Volpara P = 0.02; Quantra P = 0.03), and reductions were greatest among women with ≥10% baseline density. Declines in VPD among postmenopausal women using tamoxifen were only statistically greater than controls when measured with Quantra.Conclusions: Automated software can detect volumetric breast density changes among women on tamoxifen and AI.Impact: If declines in volumetric density predict breast cancer outcomes, these measures may be used as interim prognostic indicators. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 930-7. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lin Ma
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - Serghei Malkov
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Diana L Miglioretti
- University of California, Davis, Davis, California.,Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - John Shepherd
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - V Shane Pankratz
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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