Egg retrieval with cryopreservation does not delay breast cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a concern to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Advances in fertility technology have made it possible to bank fertilized embryos.

METHODS

Twenty-three women, ages 27 to 40 years, underwent stimulation/oocyte retrieval before the start of adjuvant therapies. Time intervals between retrieval and therapeutic procedures were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average stimulation to egg retrieval was 11.5 days (range 9-20 d). The average time interval from first evaluation to oocyte retrieval was 33.3 days (range 10-65 d). Overall, the mean time from definitive surgery to initiation of chemotherapy was 46.8 days (n = 20). For 6 patients referred by surgeons, the mean time from fertility consult to retrieval was 48.8 days (range 16-118 d), and from definitive surgery to initiation of chemotherapy was 45 days (range 15-93 d).

CONCLUSIONS

Egg retrieval cryopreservation can be integrated with breast cancer work-up and surgical procedures. Early referrals to a fertility specialist by surgeons will help patients' safeguard future childbearing.

Are Providers and Patients Following Hormonal Therapy Guidelines for Patients Over the Age of 70? The Influence of CALGB 9343

BACKGROUND

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 9343 clinical trial proved that omission of radiotherapy (RT) in patients 70 and older with T1cN0M0, estrogen receptor-positive tumors who undergo breast conservation therapy (BCT) and receive 5 years of endocrine therapy (ET) had no change in overall survival, distant disease-free survival, or breast preservation. We examined our institution's practice with this patient subset.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single-institution retrospective chart review was performed on patients 70 years and older with T1N0M0, estrogen receptor-positive tumors, and who underwent BCT between April 2010 and October 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients met inclusion criteria: 46% received RT and 73% received ET. The ET group had a mean age of 76.2 years, whereas the non-ET group had a mean age of 80.2 years (P = .00006). Race did not influence if patients received ET (P = .4). In patients who received ET, mean age at time of diagnosis for those that completed 5 years of therapy was 75.5 years, whereas those who stopped therapy early had a mean age of 77.6 years (P = .053). In patients who received ET but stopped early, reasons for cessation included side-effect profile (67%), death (22%), and noncompliance (11%). Of the 27% of patients that did not receive ET, 62% were not offered therapy, 24% refused, and 14% were lost to postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Increasing age showed significant association to not receive ET. Contraindication to ET and provider's assessment of minimal benefit are the most common reasons why patients are not prescribed ET. If patients are non-compliant with ET, RT should be reconsidered.

Metastases to the breast: alveolar soft part sarcoma in adolescents

Metastases to the breast comprise 0.5%-2% of breast neoplasms. This is a case report of an 18-year-old woman with an alveolar soft part sarcoma metastatic to the breast.

Comparison of gut microbiome composition in colonic biopsies, endoscopically-collected and at-home-collected stool samples

Aim

The goal of this study is to compare microbiome composition in three different sample types in women, namely stool brought from home vs. solid stool samples obtained at the time of an unprepped sigmoidoscopy vs. biopsies of the colonic mucosa at the time of an unprepped sigmoidoscopy, using alpha- and beta-diversity metrics following bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. The findings may have relevance to health and disease states in which bacterial metabolism has a significant impact on molecules/metabolites that are recirculated between the gut lumen and mucosa and systemic circulation, such as estrogens (as in breast cancer) or bile acids.

Methods

Concomitant at-home-collected stool, endoscopically-collected stool, and colonic biopsy samples were collected from 48 subjects (24 breast cancer, 24 control.) After 16S rRNA sequencing, an amplicon sequence variant (ASV) based approach was used to analyze the data. Alpha diversity metrics (Chao1, Pielou's Evenness, Faith PD, Shannon, and Simpson) and beta diversity metrics (Bray-Curtis, Weighted and Unweighted Unifrac) were calculated. LEfSe was used to analyze differences in the abundance of various taxa between sample types.

Results

Alpha and beta diversity metrics were significantly different between the three sample types. Biopsy samples were different than stool samples in all metrics. The highest variation in microbiome diversity was noted in the colonic biopsy samples. At-home and endoscopically-collected stool showed more similarities in count-based and weighted beta diversity metrics. There were significant differences in rare taxa and phylogenetically-diverse taxa between the two types of stool samples. Generally, there were higher levels of Proteobacteria in biopsy samples, with significantly more Actinobacteria and Firmicutes in stool (all p < 0.001, q-value < 0.05). Overall, there was a significantly higher relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae in stool samples (at-home collected and endoscopically-collected) and higher abundances of Tisserellaceae in biopsy samples (all p < 0.001, q-value < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data shows that different sampling methods can impact results when looking at the composition of the gut microbiome using ASV-based approaches.

Preoperative Antibiotics Do Not Reduce Postoperative Infections Following Needle-Localized Lumpectomy

Many surgeons routinely use a single preoperative prophylactic dose of an antibiotic prior to needle-localized lumpectomy, despite the lack of evidence that this practice reduces the rate of infection. The aim of this study is to determine if antibiotic administration reduces wound infection for needle-localized lumpectomy. A retrospective chart review of patients that underwent needle-localized lumpectomy from 2010 to 2012 was conducted. Data regarding patient demographics, comorbid conditions, medical history, operative details, and pathology were collected. Surgical infections requiring opening of the wound or treatment with antibiotics were documented if occurred during the first 3 months following surgery. Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analyses. Two hundred and twenty patients were identified. Thirty-six percent (80/220) of patients received preoperative prophylactic antibiotics. The antibiotic and the nonantibiotic group were similar in age, body mass index, tobacco use, history of radiation, history of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, duration of surgery, duration needle in place, and pathology. Two percent (4/220) of patients had wound infections. Two percent (3/140) of patients in the nonantibiotic group had infections, versus 1% (1/80) in the antibiotic group. In an analysis of patients that developed infections (n = 4) and patients that did not (n = 216), there was no statistically significant difference in patient demographic, duration of surgery, duration of time needle in place, or pathology. It is safe to omit the use of antibiotics prior to needle-localized lumpectomy and avoid the cost of the medication, patient adverse reactions, and increase in resistant organisms.

Efficacy of Targeted Axillary Dissection With Radar Reflector Localization Before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

For clinically node positive breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), targeted axillary dissection (TAD) can be used to stage the axilla. TAD removes the sentinel lymph node (SLN) and tagged positive nodes, which can be identified via radar reflector localization (RRL). As it can be challenging to localize a previously positive node after NAC, we evaluated RRL prior to NAC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of breast cancer patients with node positive disease treated with NAC who underwent TAD with RRL. We compared retrieval of radar reflector and clip, timing of localization, and, if a node was positive, whether the radar reflector node or SLN was positive.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients fulfilled inclusion criteria; 32 were placed pre-NAC (mean 187 d before surgery) and 47 were placed post-NAC (mean 7 d before surgery). For pre-NAC placement, 31 of 32 radar reflectors and 31 of 32 clips were retrieved. For post-NAC placement, 47 of 47 radar reflectors and 46 of 47 clips were retrieved. There was no significant difference in radar reflector or clip retrieval rates between pre-NAC and post-NAC groups (P = 0.41, P = 1, respectively). Thirty of 32 patients with pathologic complete response avoided an axillary lymph node dissection. Of 47 patients with a positive lymph node, 32 were both the SLN and radar reflector node, 11 were radar reflector alone, and four were the SLN.

CONCLUSIONS

RRL systems are an effective way to guide TAD, and RRL makers can be safely placed prior to NAC.

Hypercalcemia in Metaplastic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast

Patient: Female, 71

Final Diagnosis: Metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast

Symptoms: Altered mental status • necrotic breast mass

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Mastectomy

Specialty: Oncology

Impact of Inequities on Delay in Breast Cancer Management in Women Undergoing Second Opinions

BACKGROUND

Inequities in breast cancer treatment lead to delay in therapy, decreased survival and lower quality of life. This study aimed to examine demographics and clinical factors impacting time to treatment for second-opinion breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review to analyze patients presenting to one academic institution for second opinion of breast imaging, diagnosis, or breast-related treatment. Data from women with stage I-III breast cancer who received treatment at this institution were evaluated to determine the impact of patient demographics and clinical characteristics on time to first treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 1006 charts reviewed, 307 met inclusion criteria. Low-income patients averaged 58 days from diagnosis to surgery compared to 35 days for high-income patients (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.64, P<0.01). Black patients averaged 56 days from diagnosis to surgery compared to 42 days for White patients (IRR 1.37, P<0.01). Latina patients averaged 38 days from initial encounter to neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to 20 days for White patients (IRR 1.69, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with low-income, of Black race and Latina ethnicity experienced increased time to treatment. Additionally, time to mastectomy with and without reconstruction was longer than time to partial mastectomy. Further exploration is needed to determine why certain factors lead to treatment delay and how inequities can be eliminated.

Treating Positive Axillary Disease in Elderly Breast Cancer Patients: The Impact of Age on Radiation Therapy

Introduction

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in females, and 30% of these patients are over the age of 70 years. Studies have shown deviation from the standard treatment paradigms in the elderly, especially in regard to radiation treatment.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review on 118 patients over the age of 70 years diagnosed with breast cancer and pathologically proven axillary disease over an 8-year period at an urban academic hospital to examine which patient factors influenced radiotherapy.

Results

Increasing patient age was associated with a decrease in the probability of receiving radiotherapy, while HER2-negative patients were more likely to receive radiation. Neither race, number of coexisting medical conditions, or insurance status showed any influence on radiation treatment.

Conclusion

Patient age has a significant influence if elderly patients with axillary disease receive radiotherapy. Further investigation and validation are needed to understand why chronological age rather than biological age influences treatment modalities.

United States insurance coverage of immediate lymphatic reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (ILR) is a prophylactic microsurgical lymphovenous bypass technique developed to prevent breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). We investigated current coverage policies for ILR among the top insurance providers in the United States and compared it to our institutional experience with obtaining coverage for ILR.

METHODS

The study analyzed the publicly available ILR coverage statements for American insurers with the largest market share and enrollment per state to assess coverage status. Institutional ILR coverage was retrospectively analyzed using deidentified claims data and categorizing denials based on payer reason codes.

RESULTS

Of the 63 insurance companies queried, 42.9% did not have any publicly available policies regarding ILR coverage. Of the companies with a public policy, 75.0% deny coverage for ILR. In our institutional experience, $170,071.80 was charged for ILR and $166 118.99 (97.7%) was denied by insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Over half of America's major insurance providers currently deny coverage for ILR, which is consistent with our institutional experience. Randomized trials to evaluate the efficacy of ILR are underway and focus should be shifted towards sharing high level evidence to increase insurance coverage for BCRL prevention.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery and Postoperative Nausea and Length of Stay in Mastectomy Patients With Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is a mainstay of curative breast cancer treatment and is associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) negatively impacting the patient experience. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are a combination of evidence-based strategies applied to traditional perioperative practices with the goal to reduce postoperative complications. ERAS protocols have been traditionally underutilized in breast surgery. We investigated if the implementation of an ERAS protocol was associated with decreased rates of PONV as well as length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing mastectomy with breast reconstruction.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review case-control study in which we compared PONV and LOS between ERAS cases and non-ERAS controls. Our data set consisted of 138 ERAS cases and 96 non-ERAS controls. All patients were >18 y old and underwent mastectomy with immediate implant or tissue expander-based reconstruction between 2018 and 2020. The non-ERAS group consisted of procedure-matched controls that were treated prior to implementation of the ERAS protocol.

RESULTS

In univariate comparisons, patients who underwent the ERAS protocol had significantly decreased postoperative nausea (mean 37.5% of controls versus 18.1% of ERAS, P < 0.001) and shorter LOS (1.21 versus 1.49 d, P < 0.001). Using a multivariable regression to control for potential confounders, ERAS protocol was associated with less postoperative nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-0.5), LOS 1 d versus > 1 d (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.1-0.35), and less postoperative ondansetron use (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01-0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that implementation of the ERAS protocol in women undergoing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is associated with improved patient outcomes in postoperative nausea and LOS.

Trends of medicare reimbursement for breast cancer and reconstructive surgery

This study evaluated trends in Medicare reimbursement for commonly performed breast oncologic and reconstructive procedures. Average national relative value units (RVUs) for physician-based work, facilities, and malpractice were collected along with the corresponding conversion factors for each year. From 2010 to 2021, there was an overall average decrease of 15% in Medicare reimbursement for both breast oncology (-11%) and reconstructive procedures (-16%). Based on these findings, breast and reconstructive surgeons should advocate for reimbursement that better reflects the costs of their practice.

Novel Approach to Residents Training in Breast Surgery Using Human Donors

INTRODUCTION

Given the high incidence rate of breast cancer and shortage of fellowship trained specialists, general surgeons are frequently responsible for these patients. Residents have less operative exposure to breast surgery due to duty hour restrictions and decreased resident autonomy. We created a curriculum using human donors designed to teach junior residents to perform breast lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsies.

METHODS

All eighteen junior surgery residents were invited. We chose fresh human donors to represent tissue planes more accurately. We inserted Savi Scout reflectors (Merit Oncology, Inc) in each breast for tumor localization. An olive pit plus 1 mL of methylene blue was inserted in the axilla for SLN identification. In session 1, attendings discussed proper technique and residents performed the procedures and received feedback. In session 2 after 2 mo, residents performed the same operation without any guidance. They were graded on technique during both sessions and filled out a postsession survey to gauge confidence.

RESULTS

Seven PGY1 and six PGY2 residents participated. Half of the respondents strongly felt this session improved their understanding of lumpectomies, sentinel lymph node biopsies, and axillary anatomy. Most felt strongly that their skills improved and these skills were transferable to the operating room. In attending evaluations, PGY1 residents significantly improved in all aspects of the procedures; PGY2 residents showed nonstatistical significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Residents find these sessions helpful in learning anatomy, improving confidence and efficiency, and facilitating skill acquisition that is transferable to the operating room. We believe this approach should be considered in general surgery training programs.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer in a Patient With Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is associated with many different cancers, including early onset breast cancer. Due to an increased risk of radiation-induced malignancy, radiation therapy is often avoided in this patient population. This case study evaluates a 38-year-old female with a history of juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the ovary and malignant phyllodes tumor of right breast, who subsequently developed bilateral invasive ductal carcinoma and was treated with bilateral mastectomies. Studies show that in a high-risk patient, post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) should not be ruled out due to a history of LFS, as the benefit of PMRT may outweigh the risk of a radiation-induced malignancy.

Abstract P2-14-19: Targeted Axillary Lymph Node Dissections Using Radar Reflector Localization Can Reduce Unnecessary Axillary Lymph Node Dissections in Node Positive Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Background Targeted axillary dissection (TAD) is a surgical strategy that involves staging the axilla through sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) combined with the removal of a biopsy-proven positive lymph node identified by a clip. TAD reduces the false negative rate of SLNB alone in patients with clinically detected nodal metastasis who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) while avoiding axillary lymph node dissections (ALND). Radar reflector-localization (RRL) can be used to identify previously positive nodes and safely and effectively guide dissection. Methods We performed an institutional retrospective chart review of breast cancer patients with clinical stage T1-3 and N1-3 disease treated with NAC from 2015 to 2020 who had a biopsy proven positive node and underwent TAD using RRL. The primary outcome was the retrieval of clipped node as documented by gross visualization or specimen radiography. Secondary outcomes included pathologic complete response rates and completion axillary lymph node dissections (cALND). Results 79 patients were identified who fulfilled inclusion criteria. 32 (40.5%) had RRL markers placed prior to chemotherapy (mean 187 days prior to surgery) and 47 (59.5%) had RRL markers placed following the completion of chemotherapy (mean 7 days prior to surgery). The clipped node was retrieved in 77 patients (97.5%). 32 of the 34 ypN0 (i+) patients avoided an ALND; 1 patient had a cALND for failure to localize the RRL and 1 patient had a cALND for a false-positive on frozen section. There was no significant difference in clip recovery rates in the pre vs post NAC RRL groups (p=1.00). Conclusion RRL systems are an effective way to guide TAD with a high success rate in identifying and removing previously biopsied nodes. These markers can be placed prior to NAC without migration or deactivation. This strategy allows surgeons to avoid unnecessary cALND.

Citation Format: Lilia Lunt, Alison Coogan, Andrea Madrigrano, Cristina O’Donoghue. Targeted Axillary Lymph Node Dissections Using Radar Reflector Localization Can Reduce Unnecessary Axillary Lymph Node Dissections in Node Positive Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-19.

Abstract P1-20-08: Breast surgery ERAS program: Trends since implementation on post-operative pain and discharge narcotic prescribing at our institution

Introduction: Recently, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been gaining popularity within surgical sub-specialties. Key ERAS concepts include the standardization of perioperative care such as pre-operative counseling, protocolization of analgesia and anesthesia regimens as well as early mobilization, among others. This approach aims to achieve cost savings through decreased length of stay, reduced opioid complications, and overall improved outcomes. In concordance with this trend, many institutions are now implementing ERAS protocols for breast surgery, especially with cases of mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction. Our institution implemented a Breast Surgery ERAS program in February of 2018, consisting of standardized peri-operative analgesia/anesthesia, most significantly including a pre-operative pectoral block performed by anesthesia. We hypothesize that the use of the pre-operative pectoral block in the ERAS cohort will result in improved post-operative pain scores from the Non-ERAS cohort; additionally, we expect that the percentage of patients requiring opioid prescriptions at discharge for pain control will be decreased in the ERAS cohort.

Methods: The EMR was queried for patients who underwent breast surgery with immediate reconstruction. The experimental group consisted of ERAS patients from February 6, 2018 to February 1, 2019 with an n = 107. The control group consisted of non-ERAS patients from April 19, 2016 to January 30, 2018 with an n=117. Chart review was performed for discharge medications, as well as pain scores recorded from time immediately post-operative, to just prior to discharge. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with a comparison of difference in means and Fischer exact test.

Results: The ERAS cohort was noted to have a statistically significant decrease in the mean immediate post-operative pain scores (ERAS 2.04, Non-ERAS 4.04; p-value &lt; 0.0001). There was no difference with comparison of the means of last pain scores recorded prior to discharge between the ERAS and Non-ERAS groups (ERAS 3.36, Non-ERAS 3.63, p-value 0.34). There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of patients discharged with opioid prescriptions in the ERAS group compared to the Non-ERAS group (ERAS 58.9% v 87.2% Non-ERAS; p-value &lt;0.0001). The ERAS cohort LOS was also statistically significantly less than the Non-ERAS (ERAS 1.28 days, Non-ERAS 1.61 days; p-value = 0.0002).

Discussion: Our ERAS protocol utilizes multi-modal pain control methods beginning pre-operatively, including the addition of a pectoral block placed by anesthesia, which we expect contributed highly to the lower mean immediate post-operative pain scores expressed by the ERAS cohort. This is important in the context of our nation’s current opioid epidemic, where decreasing discharge opioid prescriptions is imperative for reducing the risk for development of addictive behaviors, as well as the risk for opioid side effects such as nausea, constipation, and altered mental status. With the implementation of our Breast Surgery ERAS program, we have demonstrated clear progress towards this goal with the hope for continued improvement.

Citation Format: Ashley A Woodfin, Emily Ramirez, Alison Coogan, Nehl Mehta, Anuja K Antony, Deana Shenaq, Keith C Hood, Cristina O'Donoghue, Claudia Perez, Rosalinda Alvarado, Andrea Madrigrano. Breast surgery ERAS program: Trends since implementation on post-operative pain and discharge narcotic prescribing at our institution [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-20-08.

Are patients with triple-negative breast cancer screened for BRCA mutations according to NCCN guidelines?

7

Background: Ten to 25 percent of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined as tumors negative for estrogen, progesterone, and Her2-neu receptors. TNBC is more aggressive than receptor positive cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends BRCA genetic testing for women less than age 60 when diagnosed with TNBC. Methods: The Commission on Cancer registry tumor database was queried for TNBC from 2006 to 2013. Patient demographics were analyzed. Data regarding pathologic details and BRCA testing was collected. Analyses using the Fisher's exact test were conducted. Results: TNBC tumors were identified in the database (n = 173). Sixty-one percent (105/173) of patients were less than 60 years of age, therefore BRCA testing was indicated. Fifteen patients were BRCA positive. Eighty-three percent (87/105) of patients underwent BRCA testing. Seventeen percent (18/105) of patients did not receive BRCA testing that should have under the current guidelines. Patients that did not undergo recommended BRCA testing were more likely to be greater than or equal to 55 years of age (p = 0.002), African-American (p = 0.001), have Medicaid listed as a primary payer (p = 0.021), and have American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) stage 3 disease (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Risk factors for not completing BRCA testing include older age, African-American race, Medicaid insurance status, and stage 3 disease. Health provider awareness of this opportunity for improvement is important to decrease these health disparities. [Table: see text]