TUmor-volume to breast-volume RAtio for improving COSmetic results in breast cancer patients (TURACOS); a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic result following breast conserving surgery (BCS) for cancer influences quality of life and psychosocial functioning in breast cancer patients. A preoperative prediction of expected cosmetic result following BCS is not (yet) standard clinical practice and therefore the choice for either mastectomy or BCS is still subjective. Recently, we showed that tumour volume to breast volume ratio as well as tumour location in the breast are independent predictors of superior cosmetic result following BCS. Implementation of a prediction model including both factors, has not been studied in a prospective manner. This study aims to improve cosmetic outcome by implementation of a prediction model in the treatment decision making for breast cancer patients opting for BCS.

METHODS/DESIGN

Multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing standard preoperative work-up to a preoperative work-up with addition of the prediction model. Tumour volume to breast volume ratio and tumour location in the breast will be used to predict cosmetic outcome in invasive breast cancer patients opting for BCS. Three dimensional (3D)-ultrasonography will be used to measure the tumour volume to breast volume ratio needed for the prediction model. Sample size was estimated based on a 14% improvement in incidence of superior cosmetic result one year after BCS (71% in the control group versus 85% in the intervention group). Primarily cosmetic outcome will be evaluated by a 6-member independent panel. Secondary endpoints include; (1) patient reported outcome measured by BREAST-Q, EORTC-QLQ-C30/BR23 and EQ-5D-5 L (2) cosmetic outcome as assessed through the BCCT.core software, (3) radiation-induced reaction (4) surgical treatment performed, (5) pathological result and (6) cost-effectiveness. Follow-up data will be collected for 3 years after surgery or finishing radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

This randomized controlled trial examines the value of a preoperative prediction model for the treatment-decision making. It aims for a superior cosmetic result in breast cancer patients opting for BCS. We expect improvement of patients' quality of life and psychosocial functioning in a cost-effective way.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospectively registered, February 17th 2015, at 'Nederlands Trialregister - NTR4997 '.

The influence of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery for diverticulitis

Background

Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) has been shown to have no influence on the incidence of anastomotic leakage in overall colorectal surgery. The role of MBP in elective surgery in combination with an inflammatory component such as diverticulitis is yet unclear. This study evaluates the effects of MBP on anastomotic leakage and other septic complications in 190 patients who underwent elective surgery for colonic diverticulitis.

Methods

A subgroup analysis was performed in a prior multicenter (13 hospitals) randomized trial comparing clinical outcome of MBP versus no MBP in elective colorectal surgery. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of anastomotic leakage in patients operated on for diverticulitis, and secondary endpoints were septic complications and mortality.

Results

Out of a total of 1,354 patients, 190 underwent elective colorectal surgery (resection with primary anastomosis) for (recurrent or stenotic) diverticulitis. One hundred and three patients underwent MBP prior to surgery and 87 did not. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 7.8 % of patients treated with MBP and in 5.7 % of patients not treated with MBP (p = 0.79). There were no significant differences between the groups in septic complications and mortality.

Conclusion

Mechanical bowel preparation has no influence on the incidence of anastomotic leakage, or other septic complications, and may be safely omitted in case of elective colorectal surgery for diverticulitis.

Clinical experience of prophylactic mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction in women at hereditary risk of breast cancer (HB(O)C) or a proven BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ-line mutation

AIM

Women with a proven BRCA1 or BRCA2 germ-line mutation or with a 50% risk of carrying the mutation, have an increased risk of breast cancer. Regular surveillance, chemoprevention or prophylactic mastectomy (PM) are options to detect breast cancer at an early stage or to reduce the risk. We describe the management of women who have opted for PM, the postoperative complications of PM, especially in combination with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), and the oncological follow-up.

METHODS

The medical records of all women who underwent a PM from December 1993 to December 1999 have been reviewed with respect to management, patient characteristics, complications and oncological follow-up.

RESULTS

During the study period 112 women with a median age of 38.8 years opted for a PM: 76 were germline mutation carriers. After PM, 79 women without breast or ovarian cancer in their medical history, were free of disease after 2.5 years (median). Before PM, 29 women had been treated for breast cancer, 3.9 years (median) previously; 5 of these women had developed metastatic disease by the last consultation. Before PM, 2 patients had been treated for DCIS and 2 patients for ovarian cancer. Four DCIS were found; none of these women had evidence of disease 4.0 years (median) after PM. In 59 women laparoscopic prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) was performed; 36 simultaneously with PM and 23 separately. A total of 103 women (92%) opted for IBR. After PM, the complication rate for IBR was 21%: 11% within 6 weeks and 10% at long-term follow-up (median 3.5) after PM, including the removal of 10 prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with an increased risk of breast cancer due to a genetic predisposition should be adequately informed about the different treatment options in the setting of a multidisciplinary approach. PM can simultaneously be combined with PBO and IBR. IBR can facilitate the decision to undergo a PM. PM followed by IBR has an acceptable complication rate.

A prospective study on silicone breast implants and the silicone-related symptom complex

This cohort study prospectively evaluated the prevalence of the silicone-related symptom complex (SRSC) in relation to antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of silicone breast implants (SBI) 1 year after implantation. A total of 57 women undergoing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) and SBI between March 1995 and March 1997 at the University Hospital Rotterdam/Daniel den Hoed Cancer Centre, were prospectively evaluated. Just before and 1 year after IBR the sera of these women were tested for the presence of ANA and they were screened for the prevalence of SRSC-related symptoms by questionnaire. All prostheses were evaluated by MRI 1 month and 1 year after IBR. Just before operation 11% of the women had a Sjögren score of more than 2, whereas 30% had such a score 1 year after IBR ( P = 0.01). One year postoperatively women had significantly more RA/Raynaud-related complaints: 21% preoperatively versus 40% 1 year after IBR ( P = 0.03). Within the undefined complaints-related group 19% had a score of 2 or more preoperatively and 33% 1 year after IBR ( P = 0.09). There were no new cases of ANA positivity 1 year after IBR. The linguine sign was seen by MRI in three implants: one 1 month after IBR and two 1 year after IBR. There was no relation to changes in SRSC expression and these MRI findings. In conclusion, 1 year after SBI implantation women had more SRSC-related complaints, especially Sjögren's and RA/Raynaud's. Moreover there was no correlation between elevated SRSC expression and changes in the presence of ANA or changes in MRI of the SBI 1 year after IBR.