Breast conserving surgery using the round block technique combined with partial reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap

Breast conserving surgery using the round block technique combined with partial reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap. The breast, Feb 2013, Vol. 22(1), p.98-99.

Zaha, H. and Onomura, M.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612002263/abstract?rss=yes

The round block technique (RBT) is one of the frequently used volume displacement procedures in oncoplastic breast surgery. We report a useful technique which combines RBT with immediate partial breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap (LD flap) for breast-conserving surgery (BCS). 

Pre-operative factors indicating risk of multiple operations versus a single operation in women undergoing surgery for screen detected breast cancer

Pre-operative factors indicating risk of multiple operations versus a single operation in women undergoing surgery for screen detected breast cancer. The breast, Feb. 2013, Vol. 22(1), p.78-82.

O'Flynn, E.A.M., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001294/abstract?rss=yes

We aim to identify preoperative factors at diagnosis which could predict whether women undergoing wide local excision (WLE) would require further operations. 1593 screen-detected invasive and non-invasive breast cancers were reviewed. Age, presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive cancer size on mammography, mammographic sign, tumour type, grade and confidence of the radiologist in malignancy were compared.

Implication of breast cancer phenotype for patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis

Implication of breast cancer phenotype for patients with leptomeningeal carinomatosis. The breast, Feb. 2013, Vol. 22(1), p.19-23.

Torrejon, D., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS096097761200210X/abstract?rss=yes

We aimed to study the implications of breast cancer (BC) subtypes for the development and prognosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC).

Do primary mammary osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma exist?

Do primary mammary osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma exist? A review of a large multi-institutional series of malignant matrix-producing breast tumours. The breast, Feb. 2013, Vol. 22(1), p.13-18.

Rakha, E.A., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001968/abstract?rss=yes

The existing literature describing the clinicopathological features and behaviour of matrix-producing (MP) malignant breast tumours presents conflicting results. As a consequence it remains uncertain whether these tumours should be treated as sarcoma and managed by a specialist sarcoma team or treated using the same principles as conventional ductal carcinoma, a dilemma that prompted this study. Improved understanding of the clinicopathological characteristics of primary mammary MP-sarcomas, namely osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma, is required.

Efficacy of HER2-targeted therapy in metastatic breast cancer

Efficacy of HER2-targeted therapy in metastatic breast cancer. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The breast, Feb 2013, Vol. 22(1), p.1-12.

Nielsen, D.L., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001944/abstract?rss=yes

Therapies targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 are effective in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We review the efficacy of HER2-directed therapies, focussing on monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting HER2 that have been tested in phase II–III studies in MBC.

The use of dermal autograft as an adjunct to breast reconstruction with tissue expanders

The use of dermal autograft an an adjunct to breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dec. 2012, Vol. 130(6), p.1179-85.

Rinker, B.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2012/12000/The_Use_of_Dermal_Autograft_as_an_Adjunct_to.2.aspx

A cellular dermal matrices are commonly used in breast reconstruction but add cost to the procedure and have been associated with complications. Dermal autograft may represent a useful alternative to matrices.

A systematic review of antibiotic use and infection in breast reconstruction

A systematic review of antibiotic use and infection in breast reconstruction: What is the evidence? Plastic and  reconstructive surgery, Jan 2013, Vol. 131(1), p.1-13.

Phillips, B.T., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2013/01000/A_Systematic_Review_of_Antibiotic_Use_and.1.aspx

The literature reports overall complication rates in breast reconstruction to be as high as 60 percent. Infection rates can exceed 20 percent, much higher than anticipated in clean elective surgery. There is no consensus among surgeons regarding the necessary duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest only 24 hours. This systematic review examines antibiotic regimens and associated infection rates in breast reconstruction.

Evaluating sterile human acellular dermal matrix in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction

Evaluating sterile human acellular dermal matrix in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction: A multicenter, prospective, cohort study. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Jan. 2013, Vol. 131(1), p.9e-18e.

Venturi, M.L., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2013/01000/Evaluating_Sterile_Human_Acellular_Dermal_Matrix.5.aspx

Human acellular dermal matrices have gained increasing use in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction. However, some studies suggest that these grafts may be associated with a higher incidence of infection and seroma. To evaluate complication rates after matrix-based breast reconstruction, the authors conducted a prospective, multicenter, cohort study to evaluate a sterile human acellular dermal matrix in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction, specifically, to determine whether it offered a more favorable risk profile with respect to infection and seroma. A secondary purpose was to determine whether the sterilization process affects graft incorporation.

Comprehensive outcome and cost analysis of free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction

Comprehensive outcome and cost analysis of free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction: An experience with 1303 flaps.  Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Feb. 2013, Vol. 131(2), p.195-203.

Fischer, J., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2013/02000/Comprehensive_Outcome_and_Cost_Analysis_of_Free.4.aspx

Free tissue transfer is standard for postoncologic reconstruction, yet it entails a lengthy operation and significant recovery. The authors present their longitudinal experience of free tissue breast reconstructions with an emphasis on predictors of major surgical and medical complications.

Microsurgical breast reconstruction for nipple-sparing mastectomy

Microsurgical breast reconstruction for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Feb 2013, Vol. 131(2), p.139(e)-147(e).

Tanna, N., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2013/02000/Microsurgical_Breast_Reconstruction_for.3.aspx

Nipple-sparing mastectomy warrants thorough preoperative evaluation to effectively achieve risk reduction, high patient satisfaction, and improved aesthetic outcome. To the authors' knowledge, this review represents the largest series of microsurgical breast reconstructions following nipple-sparing mastectomies.

Breast imaging of the pregnant and lactating patient

Breast imaging of the pregnant and lactating patient: Physiologic changes and common benign entities. AJR, Feb. 2013, Vol. 200(2), p.329-336.

Vashi, R., et al.

http://www.ajronline.org/content/200/2/329.abstract

The purpose of this article is to review key clinical, histologic, and imaging features of expected physiologic changes within the breast and common benign breast disease in the pregnant and lactating patient.

Survival is better after lumpectomy than mastectomy in early breast cancer

Survival is better in lumpectomy than mastectomy in early breast cancer. BMJ, 2013, 346:1577.

Mayor, S.

http://www.bmj.com/highwire/filestream/627882/field_highwire_article_pdf/0/bmj.f577


Women with early stage breast cancer who are treated with lumpectomy and radiotherapy have significantly better survival than women who have a mastectomy, a retrospective study of US data has found. Researchers analyzed data in the California cancer registry from all 112 154 women in the state who had been given a diagnosis of early stage, invasive breast cancer between 1990 and 2004 and who were treated with either lumpectomy and radiotherapy or mastectomy and were followed to December 2009. 

Ten years of tamoxifen ups cancer survival rates

Ten years of tamoxifen ups cancer survival rates. Dec. 2012, NHS Choices [online]

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/12December/Pages/Ten-years-of-tamoxifen-ups-cancer-survival-rates.aspx

Tamoxifen is commonly offered alongside other breast cancer treatments and it is usually recommended that treatment with the drug continues for five years after other treatments have ended. This is because research has found that a long-term course of tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning (recurrence) and can also help prevent breast cancer deaths. The researchers thought that extended treatment for 10 years may offer further benefits. They did in fact find that cancer recurrence was lower in women receiving 10 years of treatment compared with women getting the standard five years of treatment.

"SIEF" - Simultaneous implant exchange with fat

"SIEF" - Simultaneous implant exchange with fat: A new option in revision breast implant surgery. Plastic & reconstructive surgery, Dec. 2012, Vol. 130(6), p.1187-96.

Del Vecchio, D.A.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2012/12000/_SIEF__Simultaneous_Implant_Exchange_with_Fat___A.4.aspx

A technique of implant exchange is reported using recipient-site preexpansion followed by autologous fat transplantation to the breast in 12 consecutive patients with breast implants who desired implant removal. 

Reduced incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema following mastectomy and breast reconstruction versus mastectomy alone

Reduced incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema following mastectomy and breast reconstruction versus mastectomy alone.  Plastic & reconstructive surgery, Dec. 2012, Vol. 130(6), p.1169-78.

Card, A., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2012/12000/Reduced_Incidence_of_Breast_Cancer_Related.1.aspx

As breast cancer survivorship has increased, so has an awareness of the morbidities associated with its treatment. The incidence of breast cancer–related lymphedema has been reported to be 8 to 30 percent in all breast cancer survivors.

Effects of three decades of screening mammography on breast-cancer incidence

Effects of three decades of screening mammography.  New england journal of medicine, Nov. 2012, 367:p.1998-2005.

Bleyer, A. & Welch, HG.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1206809

To reduce mortality, screening must detect life-threatening disease at an earlier, more curable stage. Effective cancer-screening programs therefore both increase the incidence of cancer detected at an early stage and decrease the incidence of cancer presenting at a late stage.

Menarche, menopause and breast cancer risk: individual patient meta-analysis

Menarche, menopause and breast cancer risk: individual patient meta-analysis, including 118964 women with breast cancer from 117 epidemiological studies.  The lancet oncology, Nov. 2012, Vol. 13(11), p.1141-1151.

Collaborative group on hormonal factors in breast cancer.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(12)70425-4/abstract?rss=yes

Menarche and menopause mark the onset and cessation, respectively, of ovarian activity associated with reproduction, and affect breast cancer risk. Our aim was to assess the strengths of their effects and determine whether they depend on characteristics of the tumours or the affected women.

Menarche, menopause and breast cancer risk

Menarche, menopause and breast cancer risk. The lancet oncology, Nov. 2012, Vol. 13(11), p.1071-72.

Britt, K.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(12)70456-4/fulltext?rss=yes

The longer a woman is exposed to cycling reproductive hormones the higher her risk of breast cancer. If she has an early menarche or a late menopause, or both, her risk of breast cancer is increased. Additionally, women who bear children (parous) have a decreased risk of breast cancer compared those without children (nulliparous),purportedly because of the break in reproductive cycling. An understanding of how these reproductive behaviours mediate breast cancer risk will help to establish whether the cumulative length of cycling itself increases breast cancer risk, or whether exposure to the mitogenic effects of oestrogen is more important. 

Genetic link to male breast cancer

Genetic link to male breast cancer. The lancet oncology, Dec. 2012, Vol. 13(11), p.e465.

Burki, T.K.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(12)70438-2/fulltext?_eventId=login&rss=yes

Changes in RAD51B can increase the risk of men developing breast cancer by 50%, according to the results of a new study. Changes elsewhere on the gene have previously been reported to increase the risk of female breast cancer, but this is the first time that this particular single nucleotide polymorphism, occurring in 15% of the population, has been highlighted.

A formula for implant volume choice in breast reconstruction after nipple sparing mastectomy

A formula for implant volume choice in breast reconstruction after nipple sparing mastectomy. The breast, Dec. 2012, Vol. 21(6), p.781-82.

Georgiou, C.A., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001932/abstract?rss=yes

Implant choice after Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) is a problematic perioperative issue. In this retrospective study, the authors searched for a correlation between mastectomy weight and implant volume choice after NSM.