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Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) Apr 2016Several complex treatment decisions may be offered to women with early stage breast cancer, about a range of treatments from different modalities including surgery,... (Review)
Review
Several complex treatment decisions may be offered to women with early stage breast cancer, about a range of treatments from different modalities including surgery, radiotherapy, and endocrine and chemotherapy. Decision aids can facilitate shared decision-making and improve decision-related outcomes. We aimed to systematically identify, describe and appraise the literature on treatment decision aids for women with early breast cancer, synthesise the data and identify breast cancer decisions that lack a decision aid. A prospectively developed search strategy was applied to MEDLINE, the Cochrane databases, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and abstract databases from major conferences. Data were extracted into a pre-piloted form. Quality and risk of bias were measured using Qualsyst criteria. Results were synthesised into narrative format. Thirty-three eligible articles were identified, evaluating 23 individual treatment decision aids, comprising 13 randomised controlled trial reports, seven non-randomised comparative studies, eight single-arm pre-post studies and five cross-sectional studies. The decisions addressed by these decision aids were: breast conserving surgery versus mastectomy (+/- reconstruction); use of chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy; radiotherapy; and fertility preservation. Outcome measures were heterogeneous, precluding meta-analysis. Decisional conflict decreased, and knowledge and satisfaction increased, without any change in anxiety or depression, in most studies. No studies were identified that evaluated decision aids for neoadjuvant systemic therapy, or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Decision aids are available and improved decision-related outcomes for many breast cancer treatment decisions including surgery, radiotherapy, and endocrine and chemotherapy. Decision aids for neoadjuvant systemic therapy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy could not be found, and may be warranted.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision Making; Decision Support Techniques; Drug Therapy; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Fertility Preservation; Humans; Mastectomy; Mastectomy, Segmental; Radiotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 27017240
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2015.12.007 -
Clinical Cancer Research : An Official... Aug 2016To systematically investigate the effectiveness of prophylactic surgeries (PS) implemented in women carrying BRCA1/2 mutations. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To systematically investigate the effectiveness of prophylactic surgeries (PS) implemented in women carrying BRCA1/2 mutations.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
The PubMed database was searched till August 2014 and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fixed- or random-effects models were conducted according to study heterogeneity. We calculated the pooled relative risks (RR) for cancer risk or mortality along with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO) and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) were both associated with a decreased breast cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (RR, 0.552; 95% CI, 0.448-0.682; RR, 0.114; 95% CI, 0.041-0.317, respectively). Similar findings were observed in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers separately. Moreover, contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) significantly decreased contralateral breast cancer incidence in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (RR, 0.072; 95% CI, 0.035-0.148). Of note, PBSO was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers without breast cancer (HR, 0.349; 95% CI, 0.190-0.639) and those with breast cancer (HR, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.318-0.588). In addition, all-cause mortality was significantly lower for patients with CPM than those without (HR, 0.512; 95% CI, 0.368-0.714). However, BPM was not significantly associated with reduced all-cause mortality. Data were insufficient to obtain separate estimates of survival benefit with PS in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers.
CONCLUSIONS
BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who have been treated with PS have a substantially reduced breast cancer incidence and mortality. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3971-81. ©2016 AACR.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Genes, BRCA1; Genes, BRCA2; Heterozygote; Humans; Incidence; Mortality; Mutation; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovariectomy; Prophylactic Mastectomy; Prophylactic Surgical Procedures; Publication Bias; Risk
PubMed: 26979395
DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-15-1465 -
The Breast Journal 2016The gain by performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) during prophylactic mastectomy (PM) is debatable, and we performed a meta-analysis of existing literature to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The gain by performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) during prophylactic mastectomy (PM) is debatable, and we performed a meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate that the role of SLNB in subjects undergoing PM. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 11 relevant articles reporting on patients who underwent SLNB at the time of PM. Data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We included 14 studies comprising of 2,708 prophylactic mastectomies. Among 2,708 prophylactic mastectomies, the frequency of occult invasive cancer (51 cases) was 1.8% and the rate of positive SLNs (33 cases) was 1.2%. In 25 invasive cancers at the time of PM were found to have negative SLNs which avoided axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). In seven cases with positive SLNBs were found not to have invasive cancer at the time of PM and needed a subsequent ALND. Most of the patients with positive SLNs had locally advanced disease in the contralateral breast. SLNB may be suitable for patients with ipsilateral, locally advanced breast cancer and is not recommend for all patients undergoing PM.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Elective Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mastectomy; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 26748493
DOI: 10.1111/tbj.12549 -
Quality of Life Research : An... Jun 2016Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) is effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women with a well-defined family history of breast cancer or in women with... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) is effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women with a well-defined family history of breast cancer or in women with BRCA 1 or 2 mutations. Evaluating patient-reported outcomes following BPM are thus essential for evaluating success of BPM from patient's perspective. Our systematic review aimed to: (1) identify studies describing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients following BPM with or without reconstruction; (2) assess the effect of BPM with or without reconstruction on HRQOL; and (3) identify predictors of HRQOL post-BPM.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of literature using the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched.
RESULTS
The initial search resulted in 1082 studies; 22 of these studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Post-BPM, patients are satisfied with the outcomes and report high psychosocial well-being and positive body image. Sexual well-being and somatosensory function are most negatively affected. Vulnerability, psychological distress and preoperative cancer distress are significant negative predictors of quality of life and body image post-BPM.
CONCLUSION
There is a paucity of high-quality data on outcomes of different HRQOL domains post-BPM. Future studies should strive to use validated and breast-specific PRO instruments for measuring HRQOL. This will facilitate shared decision-making by enabling surgeons to provide evidence-based answers to women contemplating BPM.
Topics: Adult; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammaplasty; Middle Aged; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Patient Satisfaction; Prophylactic Mastectomy; Quality of Life; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 26577764
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-015-1181-6 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Dec 2014There are many known breast cancer risk factors, but traditionally the list has not included breast size. The aim of this study was to synthesize the literature on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There are many known breast cancer risk factors, but traditionally the list has not included breast size. The aim of this study was to synthesize the literature on breast size as a risk factor for breast carcinoma by examining studies addressing this question both directly and indirectly.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed searching MEDLINE from 1950 to November 2010, and updated again in February 2014. Literature was sought to assess the relationship between the following variables and breast cancer: 1) breast size; 2) breast reduction; 3) breast augmentation; and 4) prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy. Findings were summarized and the levels of evidence were assessed.
RESULTS
50 papers were included in the systematic review. Increasing breast size appears to be a risk factor for breast cancer, but studies are limited by their retrospective nature, imperfect size measurement techniques and confounding variables. The evidence is stronger for risk reduction with breast reduction, including prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy at the extreme. Generally the breast augmentation population has a lower risk of breast cancer than the general population, but it is unclear whether or not this is related to the bias of small breasts in this patient population and the presence of other confounders.
CONCLUSIONS
There is direct and indirect evidence that breast size is an important factor in the risk of developing breast cancer. Plastic surgeons are in a unique position to observe this effect. Well-designed prospective studies are required to further assess this risk factor.
Topics: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy, Subcutaneous; Organ Size; Risk Factors
PubMed: 25456291
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.10.001 -
Annals of Surgery Dec 2014To examine whether contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is associated with improved survival, incidence of contralateral breast cancer (CBC), and recurrence in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is associated with improved survival, incidence of contralateral breast cancer (CBC), and recurrence in patients with unilateral breast cancer (UBC).
BACKGROUND
Despite conflicting data, CPM rates continue to increase. Here we present the first meta-analysis to assess post-CPM outcomes in women with UBC.
METHODS
We searched 5 databases and retrieved papers' bibliographies for relevant studies published through March 2012. Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on the basis of tests of study heterogeneity. We examined potential confounding via stratification and meta-regression. We report pooled relative risks (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at 2-tailed P < 0.05 significance.
RESULTS
Of 93 studies reviewed, 14 were included in meta-analyses. Compared with nonrecipients, CPM recipients had higher rates of overall survival [OS; RR = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.11)] and lower rates of breast cancer-specific mortality [BCM; RR = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.85)] but saw no absolute reduction in risk of metachronous CBC (MCBC). Among patients with elevated familial/genetic risk (FGR, ie, BRCA carrier status and/or family history of breast cancer), both relative and absolute risks of MCBC were significantly decreased among CPM recipients [RR = 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.09); RD = -24.0% (95% CI: -35.6%, -12.4%)], but there was no improvement in OS or BCM.
CONCLUSIONS
CPM is associated with decreased MCBC incidence but not improved survival among patients with elevated FGR. The superior outcomes observed when comparing CPM recipients with nonrecipients in the general population are likely not attributable to a CPM-derived decrease in MCBC incidence. UBC patients without known FGR should not be advised to undergo CPM.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Mastectomy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Risk Factors
PubMed: 24950272
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000000769 -
Psycho-oncology Sep 2014To explore men's experiences of their partner's altered physique and body image as a result of mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgeries. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To explore men's experiences of their partner's altered physique and body image as a result of mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgeries.
DESIGN
A systematic review of qualitative and mixed-methods studies.
DATA SOURCES
Ovid, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, SCOPUS and ASSIA ProQuest databases were searched using 1) truncations of breast cancer, hereditary breast cancer and BRCA 2) words relating to partner relationships; spouse, husband, partner, men and couple 3) breast cancer surgeries; mastectomy, prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction and 4) body image.
REVIEW METHOD
Methodological rigour was quality assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 756 citations were retrieved. Seventeen articles remained following the removal of duplicates, papers unrelated to breast cancer, male breast cancer, papers that excluded men's experiences of their partner's breast cancer and altered body image. Thematic analysis was applied and produced five themes: experiences of the altered body, communication, impact on relationship, information giving and recommendations.
CONCLUSION
Men indicated that perceptions of their partner's altered physique and body image, following mastectomy, was secondary to their health. Some men were distressed by their partner's bodily alterations leading to highly complex and emotive coping mechanisms. Men found talking to their partner about physique and body image challenging. Closed communication, however, often led to conflict and poor psychological well-being in both partners. To help prepare for the changes to their partner's body, men desired tailored information. Effective information giving contributes to effective coping strategies helping men to better support their partner affected or at risk from breast cancer, leading to enhanced psychological and emotional well-being in couples.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Communication; Humans; Male; Mastectomy; Sexual Partners; Spouses; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 24800690
DOI: 10.1002/pon.3556 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... May 2012Breast surgical site infections (SSIs) are major sources of postoperative morbidity and mortality, and it's established that surveillance of risk factors is effective in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Breast surgical site infections (SSIs) are major sources of postoperative morbidity and mortality, and it's established that surveillance of risk factors is effective in reducing hospital-acquired infections. However, studies about risk factors for breast SSIs were still under controversy because of limited data, contradictory results and lack of uniformity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched the electronic database of PubMed for case-control studies about risk factors for breast SSIs, and a meta-analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Eight studies including 681 cases and 2064 controls were eligible, and data was combined if the risk factor was studied by at least two studies. Of the 20 possible risk factors involved, 14 were proved significant for SSIs as follows: increased age, hypertension, higher body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) 3 or 4, previous breast biopsy or operation, preoperative chemoradiation, conservation therapy versus other surgical approaches, hematoma, seroma, more intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drain, longer drainage time and second drainage tube placed. However, other factors like smoking habit, immediate reconstruction, axillary lymph node dissection, preoperative chemotherapy, corticosteroid usage and prophylactic antibiotic didn't show statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis provided a list of predictable or preventable factors that could be taken measures to reduce the rate of breast SSIs and excluded some negligible factors. This could be useful for developing effective prevention and treatment policies for patients with SSIs and improving the overall quality of life.
Topics: Age Factors; Biopsy; Blood Loss, Surgical; Body Mass Index; Breast Neoplasms; Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; Diabetes Complications; Hematoma; Humans; Hypertension; Incidence; Mastectomy, Segmental; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Odds Ratio; Reoperation; Risk Factors; Seroma; Suction; Surgical Wound Infection
PubMed: 22421530
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2012.02.179 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2010Recent progress in understanding the genetic basis of breast cancer has increased interest in prophylactic mastectomy (PM) as a method of preventing breast cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recent progress in understanding the genetic basis of breast cancer has increased interest in prophylactic mastectomy (PM) as a method of preventing breast cancer.
OBJECTIVES
(i) To determine whether prophylactic mastectomy reduces death rates from any cause in women who have never had breast cancer and in women who have a history of breast cancer in one breast, and (ii) to examine the effect of prophylactic mastectomy on other endpoints, including breast cancer incidence, breast cancer mortality, disease-free survival, physical morbidity, and psychosocial outcomes.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2002), MEDLINE and Cancerlit (1966 to June 2006), EMBASE (1974 to June 2006), and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) search portal (until June 2006). Studies in English were included.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Participants included women at risk for breast cancer in at least one breast. Interventions included all types of mastectomy performed for the purpose of preventing breast cancer.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two authors independently abstracted data. Data were summarized descriptively; quantitative meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity of study designs and insufficient reporting. Data were analyzed separately for bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).
MAIN RESULTS
All 39 included studies were observational studies with some methodological limitations; randomized trials were absent. The studies presented data on 7,384 women with a wide range of risk factors for breast cancer who underwent PM.BPM studies on the incidence of breast cancer and/or disease-specific mortality reported reductions after BPM particularly for those with BRCA1/2 mutations. For CPM, studies consistently reported reductions in incidence of contralateral breast cancer but were inconsistent about improvements in disease-specific survival. Only one study attempted to control for multiple differences between intervention groups and this study showed no overall survival advantage for CPM at 15 years. Another study showed significantly improved survival following CPM but after adjusting for bilateral prophylactic oophorectomy, the CPM effect on all-cause mortality was no longer significant.Sixteen studies assessed psychosocial measures; most reported high levels of satisfaction with the decision to have PM but more variable satisfaction with cosmetic results. Worry over breast cancer was significantly reduced after BPM when compared both to baseline worry levels and to the groups who opted for surveillance rather than BPM.Case series reporting on adverse events from PM with or without reconstruction reported rates of unanticipated re-operations from 4% in those without reconstruction to 49% in patients with reconstruction.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Sixteen studies have been published since the last version of the review, without altering our conclusions. While published observational studies demonstrated that BPM was effective in reducing both the incidence of, and death from, breast cancer, more rigorous prospective studies (ideally randomized trials) are needed. BPM should be considered only among those at very high risk of disease. There is insufficient evidence that CPM improves survival and studies that control for multiple confounding variables are needed.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Mastectomy; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 21069671
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002748.pub3 -
International Journal of Cancer Jul 2007A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the outcomes of preventive interventions (prophylactic surgery, intensive cancer screening, and... (Review)
Review
A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the outcomes of preventive interventions (prophylactic surgery, intensive cancer screening, and chemoprevention) in women who carry mutations in BRCA1/2 genes, in terms of reducing breast and gynaecological cancer incidence and/or mortality. A search for relevant articles published between 1996 and 2005 (inclusive) was run on Medline, Embase and other databases. From the 749 journal articles retrieved from this search strategy, 18 studies were eligible for this review (2 systematic reviews, 10 cohort studies and 6 case-control studies). The critical appraisal of the studies was performed by two independent reviewers with a list of ad hoc selected criteria. The synthesis of results was qualitative. Mastectomy and prophylactic gynaecological surgery (oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy) reduced breast and gynaecological cancer incidence in carriers of BRCA mutations, by comparison to surveillance. However, all the studies presented flaws in internal and external validity, none of these preventive interventions is risk-free, and protection against breast and gynaecological cancer, as well as other cancers linked to BRCA mutations, is incomplete. No studies comparing surveillance programmes of varying intensity were found. Exposure to drugs (tamoxifen, and oral contraceptives) in women carrying BRCA mutations was assessed through a limited number of papers. All of these were case-control studies with prevalent cases and presented major methodological flaws.
Topics: BRCA1 Protein; BRCA2 Protein; Breast Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Genetic Testing; Humans; Mutation; Ovarian Neoplasms
PubMed: 17471565
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22817