Distance of Biopsy-Confirmed High-Risk Breast Lesion from Concurrently Identified Breast Malignancy Associated with Risk of Carcinoma at the High-Risk Lesion Site.

High-risk breast lesions including incidental intraductal papilloma without atypia (IPA), lobular hyperplasia (LCIS or ALH), flat epithelial atypia (FEA) and complex sclerosing lesion (CSL) are not routinely excised due to low upgrade rates to carcinoma. We aim to identify features of these lesions predictive of upgrade when identified concurrently with invasive disease. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed for patients who underwent multi-site lumpectomies with invasive disease at one site and a high-risk lesion at another site between 2006 and 2021. A multinomial logistic regression was performed. Results: Sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Four patients (6.2%) had an upgrade to in situ disease (DCIS) and one (1.5%) to invasive carcinoma. Three upgraded high-risk lesions were ipsilateral to the concurrent carcinoma and two were contralateral. In the multivariate model, a high-risk lesion within 5 cm of an ipsilateral malignancy was associated with increased risk of upgrade. The 3.8% upgrade rate for high-risk lesions located greater than 5 cm from ipsilateral malignancy or in the contralateral breast suggests that omission of excisional biopsy may be considered. Excisional biopsy of lesions within 5 cm of ipsilateral malignancy is recommended given the 25% upgrade risk in our series.

Factors Influencing Implementation of the Commission on Cancer's Breast Synoptic Operative Report (Alliance A20_Pilot9).

BACKGROUND: The technical aspects of cancer surgery have a significant impact on patient outcomes. To monitor surgical quality, in 2020, the Commission on Cancer (CoC) revised its accreditation standards for cancer surgery and introduced the synoptic operative reports (SORs). The standardization of SORs holds promise, but successful implementation requires strategies to address key implementation barriers. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing breast SOR within diverse CoC-accredited programs. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 health care professionals across diverse CoC-accredited sites. The study used two comprehensive implementation frameworks to guide data collection and analysis. RESULTS: Successful SOR implementation was impeded by disrupted workflows, surgeon resistance to change, low prioritization of resources, and poor flow of information despite CoC's positive reputation. Participants often lacked understanding of the requirements and timeline for breast SOR and were heavily influenced by prior experiences with templates and SOR champion relationships. The perceived lack of monetary benefits (to obtaining CoC accreditation) together with the significant information technology (IT) resource requirements tempered some of the enthusiasm. Additionally, resource constraints and the redirection of personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic were noted as hurdles. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon behavior and workflow change, IT and personnel resources, and communication and networking strategies influenced SOR implementation. During early implementation and the implementation planning phase, the primary focus was on achieving buy-in and initiating successful roll-out rather than effective use or sustainment. These findings have implications for enhancing standardization of surgical cancer care and guidance of future strategies to optimize implementation of CoC accreditation standards.

Is Choosing Wisely Wise for Lobular Carcinoma in Patients Over 70 Years of Age? A National Cancer Database Analysis of Sentinel Node Practice Patterns.

BACKGROUND: Controversy continues in the treatment of breast cancer in women over 70 years of age. In 2016, the Society of Surgical Oncology recommended against routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNBx) as part of the 'Choosing Wisely Campaign'. This study examines the oncologic safety of avoidance of routine SLNBx in patients over 70 years of age with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). METHODS: The National Cancer Database was used to identify women with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ILC diagnosed between 2012 and 2020. Clinical and pathological staging, axillary staging, surgery type, and lymph node positivity between patients with IDC or ILC were compared. RESULTS: Among women with T1 tumors, 85,949 (79.6%) patients with IDC and 12,761 (81.5%) patients with ILC underwent SLNBx (p < 0.001). Among patients who underwent SLNBx, those with IDC were more likely to have positive nodes (n = 7535, 8.8%) than those with ILC (n = 1041, 8.2%; p = 0.02). During the time interval of interest, for both IDC and ILC patients, the rate of axillary lymph node dissection decreased and rates of SLNBx or no axillary staging increased. On multivariate analysis, ILC histology was associated with use of SLNBx, but without nodal positivity. CONCLUSION: A trend de-escalation of axillary staging was identified in this study, however the majority of patients meeting the 'Choosing Wisely' criteria are still undergoing SLNBx. No increased risk of nodal positivity was identified among patients with ILC, suggesting that surgeons can continue to choose wisely and limit the use of SLNBx in women over 70 years of age with T1 ILC tumors.

A Local and Abscopal Effect Observed with Liposomal Encapsulation of Intratumorally Injected Oncolytic Adenoviral Therapy.

This study evaluated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic serotype 5 adenovirus TAV255 in CAR-deficient tumors. In vitro experiments were performed with cell lines that expressed different levels of CAR (HEK293, A549, CT26, 4T1, and MCF-7). Low CAR cells, such as CT26, were poorly transduced by Ad in vitro unless the adenovirus was encapsulated in liposomes. However, the CT26 tumor in an immune-competent mouse model responded to the unencapsulated TAV255; 33% of the tumors were induced into complete remission, and mice with complete remission rejected the rechallenge with cancer cell injection. Encapsulation of TAV255 improves its therapeutic efficacy by transducing more CT26 cells, as expected from in vitro results. In a bilateral tumor model, nonencapsulated TAV255 reduced the growth rate of the locally treated tumors but had no effect on the growth rate of the distant tumor site. Conversely, encapsulated TAV255-infected CT26 induced a delayed growth rate of both the primary injected tumor and the distant tumor, consistent with a robust immune response. In vivo, intratumorally injected unencapsulated adenoviruses infect CAR-negative cells with only limited efficiency. However, unencapsulated adenoviruses robustly inhibit the growth of CAR-deficient tumors, an effect that constitutes an 'in situ vaccination' by stimulating cytotoxic T cells.

The Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap: Expanding Breast-Conserving Therapy With a Modified Oncoplastic Approach.

BACKGROUND: Historically, breast-conserving surgery may not be pursued when the oncologic deformity is too significant and/or not tolerant of radiotherapy. Reconstruction using recruitment of upper abdominal wall tissue based on the intercostal artery perforating vessels can expand breast conservation therapy indications for cases that would otherwise require mastectomy. This report aims to describe the expanded use of the intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) as well as detail its ease of adoption. METHODS: All patients who underwent ICAP flaps for reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects at a single institution were included. Demographic data, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Intercostal artery perforator flap outcomes are compared with standard alloplastic reconstruction after mastectomy. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients received ICAP flaps compared with 27 unilateral tissue expanders (TE). Six cases included nipple-areolar reconstruction, and 6 included skin resurfacing. The average defect size was 217.7 (30.3-557.9) cm 3 . Plastic-specific operative time was significantly longer in the ICAP cohort ( P < 0.01) with no difference in total operative time ( P > 0.05). Length of stay was significantly longer, and major postoperative complications were significantly more common in TE patients ( P < 0.01, P > 0.05). Seven TE patients required outpatient opiate refills (26%) versus 1 ICAP patient (4%) ( P = 0.02). One ICAP patient required additional surgery. Patients reported satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. Average follow-up in the ICAP cohort was 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Lumpectomy reconstruction using ICAP flaps can effectively expand breast conservation therapy indications in resection of breast skin, nipple-areola, or large volume defects. This technique is adoptable and of limited complexity. Enhancing breast-conserving surgery may improve outcomes compared with mastectomy reconstruction. Intercostal artery perforator patients may require fewer opioids, shorter hospital stays, and lower operative burden.

Localizing Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients Post Neoadjuvant Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple trials demonstrated the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Those trials reported > 10% false-negative rate; however, a subset analysis of the Z1071 trial demonstrated that removing the clipped positive lymph node (LN) during SLNB reduces the false-negative rate to 6.8% post neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study examines the factors that might contribute to the ability to identify the clipped nodes post neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast cancer patients with biopsy-proven metastatic axillary LN who underwent NAT, converted to N0, had preoperative localization, and then SLNB between 2018 and 2020 at a single institution were identified. A retrospective chart review was performed. Demographic and preoperative variables were compared between localization and nonlocalization groups. RESULTS: Eighty patients who met inclusion criteria were included. A total of 39 patients were localized after NAT completion (49%). Only half of the patients with ultrasound-detectable marker clips were able to be localized. Minimal LN abnormality was seen in imaging after NAT completion in 39 patients and is significantly associated with localization; 26 (67%) were localized (Odds Ratio 4.31, P = 0.002, 95% Confidence Interval 1.69-10.98). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that radiologically abnormal LNs on preoperative imaging after NAT completion are more likely to be localized. Nodes that ultimately normalize by imaging criteria remain a significant challenge to localize, and thus localization before starting NAT is suggested. A better technology is needed for LN localization after prolonged NAT for best accuracy and avoids repeated procedures.

Leveraging the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board for Dissemination of Evidence-Based Recommendations on the Staging and Treatment of Gastric Cancer: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Compliance with evidence-based treatment guidelines for gastric cancer across the United States is poor. This pilot study aimed to create and evaluate a change package for disseminating information on the staging and treatment of gastric cancer during multidisciplinary tumor boards and for identifying barriers to implementation. METHODS: The change package included a 10-min video, a brief knowledge assessment, and a discussion guide. Commission on Cancer-accredited sites that perform gastrectomy were invited to participate. Participants completed the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) scale (range, 12-60) and scales to measure the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness (score range, 4-20). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to further define inner and outer setting barriers. RESULTS: Seven centers participated in the study. A total of 74 participants completed the pre-video knowledge assessment, and 55 participants completed the post-video assessment. The recommendations found to be most controversial were separate staging laparoscopy and modified D2 lymphadenectomy. Sum scores were calculated for acceptability (mean, 17.43 ± 2.51) appropriateness (mean, 16.86 ± 3.24), and feasibility (mean, 16.14 ± 3.07) of the change package. The ORIC scores (mean, 46.57 ± 8.22) correlated with responses to the open-ended questions. The key barriers identified were patient volume, skills in the procedures, and attitudes and beliefs. CONCLUSIONS: The change package was moderately to highly feasible, appropriate, and acceptable. The activity identified specific recommendations for gastric cancer care that are considered controversial and local barriers to implementation. Future efforts could focus on building skills and knowledge as well as the more difficult issue of attitudes and beliefs.

Development of Adenovirus Containing Liposomes Produced by Extrusion vs. Homogenization: A Comparison for Scale-Up Purposes.

Adenovirus (Ad) is a widely studied viral vector for cancer therapy as it can be engineered to cause selective lysis of cancer cells. However, Ad delivery is limited in treating cancers that do not have coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptors (CAR). To overcome this challenge, Ad-encapsulated liposomes were developed that enhance the delivery of Ads and increase therapeutic efficacy. Cationic empty liposomes were manufactured first, to which an anionic Ad were added, which resulted in encapsulated Ad liposomes through charge interaction. Optimization of the liposome formula was carried out with series of formulation variables experiments using an extrusion process, which is ideal for laboratory-scale small batches. Later, the optimized formulation was manufactured with a homogenization technique-A high shear rotor-stator blending, that is ideal for large-scale manufacturing and is in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Comparative in vitro transduction, physicochemical characterization, long-term storage stability at different temperature conditions, and in vivo animal studies were performed. Ad encapsulated liposomes transduced CAR deficient cells 100-fold more efficiently than the unencapsulated Ad (p ≤ 0.0001) in vitro, and 4-fold higher in tumors injected in nude mice in vivo. Both extrusion and homogenization performed similarly-with equivalent in vitro and in vivo transduction efficiencies, physicochemical characterization, and long-term storage stability. Thus, two Ad encapsulated liposomes preparation methods used herein, i.e., extrusion vs. homogenization were equivalent in terms of enhanced Ad performance and long-term storage stability; this will, hopefully, facilitate translation to the clinic.

Full Remission of CAR-Deficient Tumors by DOTAP-Folate Liposome Encapsulation of Adenovirus.

Adenovirus (Ad)-based vectors have shown considerable promise for gene therapy. However, Ad requires the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) to enter cells efficiently and low CAR expression is found in many human cancers, which hinder adenoviral gene therapies. Here, cationic 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP)-folate liposomes (Df) encapsulating replication-deficient Ad were synthesized, which showed improved transfection efficiency in various CAR-deficient cell lines, including epithelial and hematopoietic cell types. When encapsulating replication-competent oncolytic Ad (TAV255) in DOTAP-folate liposome (TAV255-Df), the adenoviral structural protein, hexon, was readily produced in CAR-deficient cells, and the tumor cell killing ability was 5× higher than that of the non-encapsulated Ad. In CAR-deficient CT26 colon carcinoma murine models, replication-competent TAV255-Df treatment of subcutaneous tumors by intratumoral injection resulted in 67% full tumor remission, prolonged survival, and anti-cancer immunity when mice were rechallenged with cancer cells with no further treatment. The preclinical data shows that DOTAP-folate liposomes could significantly enhance the transfection efficiency of Ad in CAR-deficient cells and, therefore, could be a feasible strategy for applications in cancer treatment.

National Cancer Database trends in surgical resection of the breast primary for stage IV breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Survival benefit after resection of the breast primary for women with metastatic breast cancer reported in retrospective studies has not been uniformly confirmed by randomized controlled trials. To assess the need for dissemination of trial results by the ACS Cancer Research Program Dissemination and Implementation (ACS CRP D&I) committee, we analyzed trends and predictors of surgery and other therapies for stage IV breast cancer. METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried to identify women diagnosed with clinical stage IV breast cancer of ductal, lobular, or metaplastic histology between 2004 and 2017. Trends in utilization of breast surgery and other treatments and possible predictors of breast surgery were examined in univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: We identified 87,331 cases meeting inclusion criteria. Rates of surgical resection rose until 2009, peaking at 37%, then declined to a rate of 18% in 2017. The largest decline was seen in the hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2 negative (HER2-) subgroup with up to 70% of patients undergoing surgery in 2007, down to 15% in 2017. In 2004, the rate of systemic therapy alone was slightly more common than locoregional therapy (surgery and/or radiation) with or without systemic therapy (48% vs 37%). However, by 2017, systemic therapy alone was by far more common (69% vs 20%). CONCLUSION: Rates of surgical resection of the breast primary for stage IV breast cancer have been on the decline in recent years, suggesting that providers at Commission on Cancer accredited hospitals are becoming more selective about who will be offered surgical resection.

Breast cancer-The catalyst of contemporary trials design.

Surgical trials in breast cancer have catalyzed contemporary trial design for solid organ cancers and are a prime example of surgeons taking the lead in clinical trial design. Surgeons have lead trials that have improved patient outcomes and quality of life without sacrificing oncologic safety. We have evolved from radical mastectomy to breast conservation and sentinel node biopsy. Contemporary trial design in breast cancer now focus on personalizing care based on tumor genomics.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Breast Cancer, Version 4.2021.

The NCCN Guidelines for Breast Cancer include up-to-date guidelines for clinical management of patients with carcinoma in situ, invasive breast cancer, Paget disease, phyllodes tumor, inflammatory breast cancer, male breast cancer, and breast cancer during pregnancy. These guidelines are developed by a multidisciplinary panel of representatives from NCCN Member Institutions with breast cancer-focused expertise in the fields of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, reconstructive surgery, and patient advocacy. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the most recent updates to recommendations for adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with nonmetastatic, early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

Identification of CD105+ Extracellular Vesicles as a Candidate Biomarker for Metastatic Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular vehicles (EVs) released by malignant tumor cells can mediate the immune response and promote metastasis through intercellular communication. EV analysis is an emerging cancer surveillance tool with advantages over traditional liquid biopsy methods. The aim of this pilot study is to identify actionable EV signatures in metastatic breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under an IRB-approved protocol for the analysis of patient plasma, samples were collected from women with newly diagnosed or progressive metastatic breast cancer and from women without cancer. Enriched EVs were analyzed via a bead-based multiplex assay designed to detect 37 distinct tumor-relevant epitopes. The mean fluorescent intensity of EV epitopes meeting a minimum threshold of detectability was compared between groups via independent samples t-test. Subgroup analysis was conducted for metastatic breast cancer patients who were positive for estrogen and/or progesterone receptors and negative for HER2. Other variables potentially affecting CD105 levels were also analyzed. RESULTS: CD105 was found to have a significantly higher mean fluorescent intensity in participants with metastatic breast cancer compared to control participants (P = 0.04). ER/PR+ subgroup analysis revealed a similar pattern compared to control participants (P = 0.01). Other analyzed variables were not found to have a significant correlation with CD105 levels. CONCLUSIONS: CD105 EV levels were significantly higher in samples from participants with breast cancer compared to controls. Given that CD105 is known to mediate angiogenesis and promote metastasis, EV-associated CD105 in plasma represents a potential biomarker for diagnosis, surveillance and therapeutic targeting in patients with metastatic breast cancer.