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Radiation Oncology (London, England) Nov 2023Adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy and systemic therapy are part of the current evidence-based treatment protocols for early breast cancer, after breast-conserving... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
Adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy and systemic therapy are part of the current evidence-based treatment protocols for early breast cancer, after breast-conserving surgery. Numerous randomized trials have investigated the therapeutic effects of partial breast irradiation (PBI) compared to whole breast irradiation (WBI), limiting the treated breast tissue. These trials were designed to achieve equal control of the disease with possible reduction in adverse events, improvements in cosmesis and quality of life (QoL). In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the differences between PBI and WBI in side effects and QoL.
MATERIAL/METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review searching for randomized trials comparing WBI and PBI in early-stage breast cancer with publication dates after 2009. The meta-analysis was performed using the published event rates and the effect-sizes for available acute and late adverse events. Additionally, we evaluated cosmetic outcomes as well as general and breast-specific QoL using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were identified (n = 19,085 patients). PBI was associated with a lower prevalence in any grade 1 + acute toxicity and grade 2 + skin toxicity (OR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.09-0.18; p < 0.001); (OR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.07-0.41; p < 0.001). There was neither a significant difference in late adverse events between the two treatments, nor in any unfavorable cosmetic outcomes, rated by either medical professionals or patients. PBI-technique using EBRT with twice-daily fractionation schedules resulted in worse cosmesis rated by patients (n = 3215; OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.22-3.54; p = 0.007) compared to WBI. Maximum once-daily EBRT schedules (n = 2071; OR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.45-0.79; p < 0.001) and IORT (p = 0.042) resulted in better cosmetic results grade by medical professionals. Functional- and symptom-based QoL in the C30-scale was not different between PBI and WBI. Breast-specific QoL was superior after PBI in the subdomains of "systemic therapy side effects" as well as "breast-" and "arm symptoms".
CONCLUSION
The analysis of multiple randomized trials demonstrate a superiority of PBI in acute toxicity as well breast-specific quality of life, when compared with WBI. Overall, late toxicities and cosmetic results were similar. PBI-technique with a fractionation of twice-daily schedules resulted in worse cosmesis rated by patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy, Segmental
PubMed: 37919752
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02365-7 -
The British Journal of Surgery Jan 2024Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with remarkable advances in early diagnosis, systemic treatments, and surgical techniques. Robotic nipple-sparing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with remarkable advances in early diagnosis, systemic treatments, and surgical techniques. Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy has been trialled; however, the complication rates, surgical outcomes, and oncological safety of this approach remain obscure.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was conducted from conception until September 2022. Studies examining complications and operative variables where robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy was compared with conventional nipple-sparing mastectomy were included. Primary study outcomes were complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III complications, skin or nipple necrosis, seroma, haematoma, infection, implant loss, and wound dehiscence) and oncological safety (recurrence and positive margins). The secondary outcomes included operative variables, length of stay, cost-effectiveness, learning curve, and aesthetic outcome.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies of overall fair quality, involving 1674 patients, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Grade 3 complications were reduced in robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy without statistical significance (OR 0.60 (95 per cent c.i. 0.35 to 1.05)). Nipple necrosis was significantly reduced in robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (OR 0.54 (95 per cent c.i. 0.30 to 0.96); P = 0.03; I2 = 15 per cent). Operating time (mean difference +58.81 min (95 per cent c.i. +28.19 to +89.44 min); P = 0.0002) and length of stay (mean difference +1.23 days (95 per cent c.i. +0.64 to +1.81 days); P < 0.0001) were significantly increased in robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, whereas the opposite was true for blood loss (mean difference -53.18 ml (95 per cent c.i. -71.78 to -34.58 ml); P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Whilst still in its infancy, robotic breast surgery may become a viable option in breast surgery. Nonetheless, the oncological safety of this approach requires robust assessment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Nipples; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Necrosis; Mammaplasty; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37890072
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad336 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Oct 2023Breast-conserving therapy with oncoplastic reduction is a useful strategy for partial mastectomy defect reconstruction. The most recently published systematic review of...
BACKGROUND
Breast-conserving therapy with oncoplastic reduction is a useful strategy for partial mastectomy defect reconstruction. The most recently published systematic review of oncoplastic breast reduction outcomes from 2015 showed wound dehiscence in 4.3%, hematoma in 0.9%, infection in 2.8%, and nipple necrosis in 0.9% of patients. We performed a systematic review of oncoplastic breast reduction literature, comparing outcomes and complication rates reported over the past 8 years.
METHODS
Studies describing the use of oncoplastic breast reduction and discussion of postoperative complications were included. The primary outcome assessed was the postoperative complication rate; secondary outcomes analyzed were rates of margin expansion, completion mastectomy, and delays in adjuvant therapy due to complications.
RESULTS
Nine articles met inclusion criteria, resulting in 1715 oncoplastic breast reduction patients. The mean rate of hematoma was 3%, nipple necrosis was 2%, dehiscence was 4%, infection was 3%, and seroma was 2%. The need for re-excision of margins occurred in 8% of patients, and completion mastectomy in 2%. Finally, delay in adjuvant treatment due to a postoperative complication occurred in 4% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Oncoplastic breast reduction is an excellent option for many patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy; however, postoperative complications can delay adjuvant radiation therapy. Results of this systematic literature review over the past 8 years showed a slight increase in complication rate compared to the most recent systematic review from 2015. With increased popularity and surgeon familiarity, oncoplastic breast reduction remains a viable option for reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects despite a slight increase in complication rate.
PubMed: 37850204
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005355 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2023Nowadays, the ultimate goal of microsurgical breast reconstruction is not merely the effective transfer of vascularized tissue but the achievement of a natural,... (Review)
Review
Nowadays, the ultimate goal of microsurgical breast reconstruction is not merely the effective transfer of vascularized tissue but the achievement of a natural, symmetric appearance. The aim of this present study was to systematically summarize the published evidence on abdominal-based free flap inset for breast reconstruction in order to provide principles and classification that could guide the surgeon in choosing the most appropriate inset technique based on patient and flap characteristics. A comprehensive review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, looking for articles on the insetting technique for free flap breast reconstruction. After screening 306 publications, 24 papers (published from 1994 to 2020) were included in the study. We identified four main breast anatomical features on which the papers reviewed focused when describing their insetting technique: breast width, breast ptosis, breast projection, and upper pole fullness. Patient body type, type of mastectomy, and reported complications are also discussed. Flap shaping and inset during breast reconstruction are fundamental steps in any reconstructive procedure. Despite the low evidence in the current literature, this systematic review provides a framework to guide the surgeon's decision-making and optimize the aesthetic outcomes of abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction.
PubMed: 37834779
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196135 -
Cancers Sep 2023Breast augmentation is considered safe, but rare cases of breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) have been reported. This study aimed to... (Review)
Review
Breast augmentation is considered safe, but rare cases of breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) have been reported. This study aimed to systematically review published cases of BIA-SCC, providing valuable clinical data. The review included 14 articles and 18 cases of BIA-SCC. An increasing trend in reported BIA-SCC cases was observed, with four cases in the 1990s and 14 cases since 2010. The mean age of affected patients was 56 years, and symptoms typically appeared around 21 years after breast augmentation. Silicone implants used in cosmetic procedures were most commonly associated with BIA-SCC. Implant removal was necessary in all cases, and some patients required a mastectomy. Treatment approaches varied, with the selective use of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The estimated 6-month mortality rate was 11.1%, while the 12-month mortality rate was 23.8%. The estimated 6-month mortality rate should be cautiously interpreted due to the limited sample size. It appears lower than the rate reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, without clear reasons for this discrepancy. This study highlights the importance of enhanced monitoring and information sharing to improve detection and management of BIA-SCC. Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance during the long-term follow-up of breast augmentation patients.
PubMed: 37760485
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184516 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jan 2024Breast reconstruction (BR) is routinely offered to restore symmetry after mastectomy for breast cancer. Not all women, however, may want reconstructive surgery. A... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Breast reconstruction (BR) is routinely offered to restore symmetry after mastectomy for breast cancer. Not all women, however, may want reconstructive surgery. A contralateral mastectomy (CM) to achieve "flat symmetry" can be an excellent alternative, but surgeons are often reluctant to offer this procedure. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding the outcomes of CM as the first step to developing guidelines in this area.
METHODS
PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched to identify primary research studies, published in English between 1 January 2000 and 30 August 2022, evaluating clinical or patient-reported outcomes for women who underwent a CM without reconstruction after a mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer. Simple descriptive statistics summarized quantitative data, and content analysis was used for qualitative data.
RESULTS
The study included 15 studies (13 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 1 mixed-methods) evaluating outcomes for at least 1954 women who underwent a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction (BM) after unilateral breast cancer. The risk of surgical complications after BM was higher than after unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction (UM) but significantly less than after BR. Satisfaction with the decision for BM was high in all the studies. Key themes relating to flat denial, stigma, and gender-based assumptions were identified.
CONCLUSION
Women electing to undergo BM reported high levels of satisfaction with their decision and complication rates similar to those for UM. Further study is needed to comprehensively explore the outcomes for women seeking BM, but these data should give surgeons confidence to offer the procedure as an alternative option for symmetry after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer.
REGISTRATION
This systematic review was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022353689).
Topics: Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Breast Neoplasms; Unilateral Breast Neoplasms; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy, Simple
PubMed: 37749407
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14294-6 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Nov 2023Animal-derived acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are increasingly being used in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. However, the indications and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Animal-derived acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are increasingly being used in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. However, the indications and complication profile associated with this type of reconstruction remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the available literature on the use of animal-derived ADM in prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction.
METHODS
Three different literature databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Embase were screened using the following keywords: "immediate" AND "pre-pectoral" OR "prepectoral" AND "ADM breast reconstruction." Animal-derived ADM used (porcine - Braxon® and non-Braxon® - and bovine - Surgimend®) anthropometric information, clinical data, and complications profile were considered.
RESULTS
A total of 340 articles were initially identified, of which only 45 articles (5089 patients and 6598 reconstructed breasts) satisfied our inclusion criteria. The most widely used ADM was Braxon® in the context of conservative mastectomies. In most studies, a subcutaneous layer > 1 cm and lack of previous radiotherapy were considered prerequisites for this type of reconstruction. An increased risk of complications was found in smokers, patients who underwent radiation treatment, patients with high breast volumes, and patients with cancers requiring axillary dissection. Data related to the role of diabetes, high body mass index, and breast implant size on surgical outcomes were instead inconcludent. Age was not directly proportional to the complications.
CONCLUSION
The complications associated with different animal-derived ADMs are generally comparable. The profile of patients required for eligibility for this type of reconstruction appears to have been identified and is in line with current recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cattle; Swine; Female; Mastectomy; Acellular Dermis; Breast Neoplasms; Mammaplasty; Breast Implantation; Breast Implants; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37716255
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.08.020 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Nov 2023Most breast reconstructions are implant-based and can be performed either in a one-stage, direct-to-implant or in a two-stage, expander-implant-based reconstruction. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most breast reconstructions are implant-based and can be performed either in a one-stage, direct-to-implant or in a two-stage, expander-implant-based reconstruction. The objective of this systematic review is to compare the safety and patient satisfaction of the two reconstruction approaches.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted on 27 September 2022 using various databases. Studies comparing one-stage and two-stage implant reconstructions and reporting the following outcomes were included: patient satisfaction, aesthetics, complications, and/or costs. Reviews, case reports, or series with less than 20 patients and letters or comments were excluded. Comparisons were made between the one-stage reconstruction with and without acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction groups. The data extracted from all articles were analysed using random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Of the 1381 records identified, a total of 33 articles were included, representing 21529 patients. There were no significant differences between the one-stage and two-stage groups, except for the costs. The one-stage operation without ADM had lower costs than the two-stage operation without ADM, although the use of an ADM substantially increased the price of the operation to more than a two-stage reconstruction.
DISCUSSION
Equal patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcomes, and complication rates with lower costs justify one-stage breast reconstruction in carefully selected patients. This review shows that there is no evidence-based superior surgical approach. Future research should focus on the costs of the ADM versus an additional stage and patient-reported outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Implants; Breast Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Mastectomy; Mammaplasty; Acellular Dermis; Breast Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37716248
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.08.021 -
The Oncologist Jan 2024Breast surgery in cases of de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is associated with improved outcomes in retrospective studies, although the results of randomized... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Breast surgery in cases of de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is associated with improved outcomes in retrospective studies, although the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting. We aimed to investigate whether surgery in this context prolongs patient survival.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify RCTs comparing surgery of primary breast cancer to no surgery in patients with de novo MBC. Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline (OVID), and Web of Science were searched with latest update in July 2023, while conference proceedings were manually searched. Data concerning patient and tumor characteristics, as well as outcomes, were extracted. A meta-analysis with random effects models was performed considering heterogeneity between trials.
RESULTS
Overall, 3255 entries were identified and 5 RCTs fulfilled all inclusion criteria, which had enrolled 1381 patients. The overall estimation in the intention-to-treat population showed no benefit for patients who had surgical excision of the primary breast tumor (HR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76-1.14). No subgroups in terms of receptor status or patterns of metastasis seemed to benefit from surgery, except for younger/premenopausal patients (HR = 0.74, 95% CI, 0.58-0.94). Breast surgery was associated with improved local progression-free survival (HR = 0.37, 95% CI, 0.19-0.74).
CONCLUSION
Surgery of the primary tumor in patients with de novo MBC does not prolong survival, except possibly in younger/premenopausal patients. Breast surgery should be offered within the context of well-designed clinical trials examining the issue.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy; Breast; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37700450
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad266 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023The expansion of robotic surgery has led to developments in robotic-assisted breast reconstruction techniques. Specifically, robotic flap harvest is being evaluated to... (Review)
Review
The expansion of robotic surgery has led to developments in robotic-assisted breast reconstruction techniques. Specifically, robotic flap harvest is being evaluated to help maximize operative reliability and reduce donor site morbidity without compromising flap success. Many publications are feasibility studies or technical descriptions; few cohort analyses exist. This systematic review aims to characterize trends in robotic autologous breast reconstruction and provide a summative analysis of their results. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science to evaluate robot use in breast reconstruction. Studies dated from 2006 to 2022 were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Full-text, peer-reviewed, English-language, and human subject studies were included. Non-breast reconstruction articles, commentary, expert opinion, editor's letter, and duplicate studies were excluded. A total of 17 full-text articles were analyzed. The two robotic breast procedures identified were the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap. Results showed comparable complication rates and increased operative times compared to NSQIP data on their corresponding open techniques. Additional findings reported in studies included patient reported outcomes, incision lengths, and downward trends in operative time with consecutive procedures. The available data in the literature confirms that robotic surgery is a promising alternative to traditional open methods of breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
PubMed: 37568353
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154951