Breast density legislation - Practical considerations

Breast density legislation - Practical considerations. NEJM, 2015, 372: 593-595.

Slanetz, P.J.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1413728?af=R&rss=currentIssue&

Ever since Nancy Cappello, a Connecticut woman who hadn't been told that her mammograms showed dense breast tissue, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2004 and advocated for a new state law, there's been a growing movement to educate women about breast density and the potential role of supplemental screening in early cancer detection. Cappello's state was the first to pass a law requiring physicians to offer supplemental whole-breast ultrasonography to women with dense breasts — defined as containing more than 50% fibroglandular tissue — and mandating that insurers cover the additional screening. Since then, the number of breast-density laws in the United States has grown rapidly: as of January 2015, a total of 21 states had adopted such legislation. Laws vary considerably among states, with some requiring only that physicians notify women with dense breasts of their status and others stipulating that supplemental screening be offered to such women. Most state laws, however, do not mandate insurance coverage of additional screening, though the lack of such coverage could increase income-based health disparities.

Atypical hyperplasia of the breast

Atypical hyperplasia of the breast - risk assessment and management options. NEJM 2015, 372: 78-89.
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Hartmann, L.C., et al.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr1407164?af=R&rss=currentIssue

Some benign breast lesions have a greatly increased risk of becoming invasive cancers. Atypical hyperplasia is a common high-risk benign lesion, and measures to prevent its progression to cancer are available but underutilized.

Understanding the factors that influence breast reconstruction decision making in Australian women

Understanding the factors that influence breast reconstruction decision making in Australian women. The Breast, Jan. 2015 [in press]

Somogyi, R.B., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(14)00218-5/abstract?rss=yes


Breast reconstruction is safe and improves quality of life. Despite this, many women do not undergo breast reconstruction and the reasons for this are poorly understood. This study aims to identify the factors that influence a woman's decision whether or not to have breast reconstruction and to better understand their attitudes toward reconstruction.

The breast reconstruction evaluation of acellular dermal matrix as a Sling Trial

The breast reconstruction evaluation of acellular dermal matrix as a Sling Trial: Design and methods of a prospective randomized trial. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Jan 2015, Vol. 135(1), p.20e-28e.

Agarwal, J.P., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2015/01000/The_Breast_Reconstruction_Evaluation_of_Acellular.8.aspx

Recent literature has focused on the advantages and disadvantages of using acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction. Many of the reported data are from low level-of-evidence studies, leaving many questions incompletely answered. The present randomized trial provides high-level data on the incidence and severity of complications in acellular dermal matrix breast reconstruction between two commonly used types of acellular dermal matrix.

Tamoxifen for prevention of breast cancer

Tamoxifen for prevention of breast cancer: Extended long-term follow-up of the IBIS-I breast cancer prevention trial. The Lancet Oncology, Jan. 2015, Vol. 16(1), p.67-75.

Cuzick, J., et al.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(14)71171-4/fulltext?rss=yes

Four previously published randomised clinical trials have shown that tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer in healthy women at increased risk of breast cancer in the first 10 years of follow-up. We report the long-term follow-up of the IBIS-I trial, in which the participants and investigators remain largely masked to treatment allocation.

Whole-breast irradiation with or without a boost for patients treated with breast-conserving surgery for early breast cancer

Whole-breast irradiation with or without a boost for patients treated with breast-conserving surgery for early breast cancer: 20-year follow-up of a randomised phase 3 trial. The Lancet Oncology, Jan 2015, Vol. 16(1), p.47-56.

Bartelink, H., et al.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(14)71156-8/fulltext?rss=yes

Since the introduction of breast-conserving treatment, various radiation doses after lumpectomy have been used. In a phase 3 randomised controlled trial, we investigated the effect of a radiation boost of 16 Gy on overall survival, local control, and fibrosis for patients with stage I and II breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving treatment compared with patients who received no boost. Here, we present the 20-year follow-up results.

Adjuvant Paclitaxel and Trastuzumab for node-negative, HER-2 positive breast cancer

Adjuvant Paclitaxel and Trustuzumab for node-negative, HER-2 positive breast cancer. NEJM, 2015; 372: 134-141.

Tolaney, S.M., et al.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1406281?af=R&rss=currentIssue

No single standard treatment exists for patients with small, node-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancers, because most of these patients have been ineligible for the pivotal trials of adjuvant trastuzumab.

Analysis of risk factors for complications in expander/implant breast reconstruction by stage of reconstruction

Analysis of risk factors for complications in expander/implant breast reconstruction by stage of reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nov 2014, Vol. 134(5), p.692e-699e

Hirsch, E.M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2014/11000/Analysis_of_Risk_Factors_for_Complications_in.7.aspx

Expander/implant breast reconstruction is a common approach to breast reconstruction. Although several studies evaluate risk factors for complications during the overall reconstructive process, no studies currently evaluate risk factors by stage of reconstruction. This information is important, as it can help guide physician and patient decision making.

Postmastectomy radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Postmastectomy radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer - author's reply. The Lancet, Nov 2014, Vol. 384(9957), p.1846-47

Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group 

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62240-6/fulltext?rss=yes#bib1

Our meta-analysis of individual patient data from trials in women given mastectomy and axillary clearance to at least level ll showed that radiotherapy reduced mortality from breast cancer by 20% in women with one to three positive lymph nodes (rate ratio [RR], irradiated vs not, 0·80, 95% CI 0·67—0·95; 2p=0·01) and by 13% in women with at least four positive lymph nodes (RR 0·87, 95% CI 0·77—0·99; 2p=0·04). Little reason of how radiotherapy works exists to think that this treatment for breast cancer has any appreciable abscopal effect and so, as Ismail Jatoi suggests, these results showed that a proportion of the deaths avoided by radiotherapy would have arisen from cells localised within the areas targeted by radiotherapy (ie, the chest wall and, for most trials, the regional lymph nodes).

Fertility advice

Breast cancer women 'not offered fertility advice'.  BBC News, Nov 2014

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30129324

Most young women diagnosed with breast cancer do not receive fertility advice, despite the fact their treatment could leave them unable to have children.

Chemotherapy can stop the ovaries working for a while or may bring on an early menopause.

Charity Breast Cancer Care, which surveyed 170 women under 45, wants all younger women to be referred to a fertility expert at diagnosis.

Treatment patterns and duration in post-menopausal women with HR+/HER2

Treatment patterns and duration in post-menopausal women with HR+/HER2 - metastatic breast cancer in the US: a retrospective chart review in community oncology practices.Current Medical Research and Opinion, Nov. 2014.

Macalalad, A.R., et al.

http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007995.2014.980885

Clinical guidelines prefer endocrine therapy (ET) as initial treatment for post-menopausal women with hormone receptor positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Chemotherapy (CT) should be reserved for patients who develop symptomatic visceral disease or have no clinical benefit after three sequential ET regimens. It is unclear if real-world clinical practice reflects these guidelines.

Breast reconstruction using free posterior medial thigh perforator flaps

Breast reconstruction using free posterior medial thigh perforator flaps: Intraoperative anatomical study and clinical results. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nov 2014, Vol. 134(5), p.880-91.

Satake, T., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2014/11000/Breast_Reconstruction_Using_Free_Posterior_Medial.5.aspx

The free posterior medial thigh perforator flap is a fasciocutaneous flap on the posterior and medial thigh, based on perforators from the deep femoral vessels. In this study, the authors evaluated the anatomical basis of posterior and medial thigh perforators from the deep femoral vessels.

The impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy on two-stage implant breast reconstruction

The impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy on two-stage implant breast reconstruction: An analysis of long-term surgical outcomes, aesthetic results and satisfaction over 13 years. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, October 2014, Vol. 134(4), p.588-95.

Cordeiro, P.G., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2014/10000/The_Impact_of_Postmastectomy_Radiotherapy_on.4.aspx

Postmastectomy radiation therapy is increasingly indicated in patients with node-positive breast cancer. The authors prospectively evaluated long-term outcomes in patients with two-stage implant-based reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation therapy to the permanent implant.

Invisible risks, emotional choices

Invisible risks, emotional choices: Mammography and medical decision making. NEJM, 2014; 371: 1549-52.

Rosenbaum, L.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms1409003?af=R&rss=currentIssue

Putting it all together: Managing pain in autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction

Putting it all together: Managing pain in autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, October 2014, Vol. 134 (4S-2), p. 120S-125S.

Wilson, A.J., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2014/10002/Putting_It_All_Together___Managing_Pain_in.19.aspx

Appropriate pain management in breast reconstruction improves outcomes and patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to review the current methodology and paradigms in pain management following breast reconstruction. Methods: A review of the scientific literature was performed. The protocols used at our institution were further examined and contrasted in the context of this published literature. Results: Pain following breast reconstruction is multifactorial and patient specific. Pain can originate from the mastectomy alone, from the donor site, or from tissue expansion. Counseling a patient is of upmost importance. The armamentarium to address pain includes narcotic analgesics, nonnarcotic analgesics, local anesthesia, and other nontraditional regimens. Each of these methods has an evidence-based efficacy and patient selection factors for application. Conclusions: The data contained herein provide a review of perioperative pain management following autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction.

Patient activated controlled expansion for breast reconstruction using controlled carbon dioxide inflation

Patient activated controlled expansion for breast reconstruction using controlled carbon dioxide inflation: Confirmation of a feasibility study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, October 2014, Vol. 134(4), p.503e-511e.

Connell, T.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2014/10000/Patient_Activated_Controlled_Expansion_for_Breast.2.aspx

Women with breast cancer or those at high risk of developing breast cancer because of familial history of the disease or genetic mutations are frequently indicated for therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy. Prosthetic reconstruction of the breast with placement of tissue expanders followed by implants offers favorable aesthetic and psychological results while adding only minimal additional surgical intervention. This study describes the confirmatory phase of an earlier feasibility trial that involved seven women who successfully underwent patient-activated controlled expansion for breast reconstruction with 10 AeroForm patient-controlled tissue expanders.

Methods: A prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-surgeon confirmatory study in Perth, Australia, evaluated outcomes of two-stage breast reconstruction using the investigational device. Each subject administered a preset 10-cc dose of carbon dioxide gas using a remote dosage controller, three times each day, with a 3-hour lockout between doses until full expansion was achieved.

Results: Thirty-three women with breast cancer, family history, or predisposition because of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation underwent pedicled latissimus dorsi flap procedures with placement of 61 carbon dioxide–based tissue expanders. The mean number of days for subjects to achieve desired expansion was 17 ± 5. Operating the dosage controller was described by the surgeon as very easy in 94 percent of the cases and by 97 percent of the subjects. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: This study confirms that the AeroForm breast tissue expander has demonstrated the ability to provide, relative to saline expanders, a needle-free, patient-controlled, convenient, and time-saving method of tissue expansion.

Skirt size ups breast cancer risk

Skirt size ups breast cancer risk [UK study].  Health news from NHS Choices

http://feedly.com/#subscription%2Ffeed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FNhsChoicesBehindTheHeadlines%3Fformat%3Dxml

The study was carried out by researchers from the Universities of London and Manchester, and was funded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK and the National Institute of Health Research, as well as the Eve Appeal.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal BMJ Open. As the name suggests, this is an open-access journal, so the study can be read for free online.

The paper was widely covered in the UK media. Coverage was fair, if uncritical.

Several headlines gave the impression that going up a single skirt size would raise breast cancer risk by 33%. Such a rise in risk would only be expected if a person went up a dress size every decade from their mid-twenties to when they were over 50 years old – the youngest age of the women recruited to the study.

Several media sources included useful comments from independent experts.

Current status of hormone therapy in patients with hormone receptor positive advanced breast cancer

Current status of hormone therapy in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+) advanced breast cancer. The Breast, October 2014 [in press]

Dalmau, E., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(14)00171-4/abstract?rss=yes

The natural history of HR+ breast cancer tends to be different from hormone receptor-negative disease in terms of time to recurrence, site of recurrence and overall aggressiveness of the disease.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with prior breast irradiation

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with prior breast irradiation: Are patients at higher risk for reconstructive complications? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Aug 2014, Vol. 134(2), p.202e-206e.

Alperovich, M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2014/08000/Nipple_Sparing_Mastectomy_in_Patients_with_Prior.6.aspx

Reconstruction in the setting of prior breast irradiation is conventionally considered a higher-risk procedure. Limited data exist regarding nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, a higher-risk procedure in higher-risk patients.

Individual risk of surgical site infection

Individual risk of surgical site infection: An application of the breast reconstruction risk assessment score. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Sept 2014, Vol. 134(3), p.351e-362e.

Kim, J.Y.S., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2014/09000/Individualized_Risk_of_Surgical_Site_Infection__.1.aspx

Risk factors for surgical-site infection following breast reconstruction have been thoroughly investigated at a population level. However, traditional population-based measures may not always capture the nuances of individual patients. The authors aimed to develop a validated breast reconstruction risk assessment calculator for surgical-site infection that informs risk at an individual level.