Results of shared learning of a new radiofrequency identification localization device-a UK iBRA-NET breast cancer localisation study.

INTRODUCTION: Localisation methods for surgical excision of impalpable breast lesions have advanced in recent years, with increasing utilization of new wire-free technologies. The Hologic LOCalizer™ radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag is one such device; however, as is the case when new technologies are first introduced, little is known about clinical experiences, potential complications, and learning used to overcome perioperative challenges when changing from guidewires to RFID tags. This study reports shared learning experiences of clinicians using the LOCalizer™ as part of the national iBRA-NET localisation study. METHODS: This mixed-methods study captured shared-learning themes relating to LOCalizer™ usage as part of a multicentre prospective registry study, which collected data on each LOCalizer™ placement. Prospective, anonymized clinical and demographic data were collected and managed using a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database. Shared learning was captured prospectively as part of the registry study between January 2021 and July 2022, combined with a virtual qualitative webinar-style focus group. Learning events were then coded, grouped by theme, and suggestions for practice were produced. RESULTS: Twenty-four UK breast units submitted data on 1188 patient records pertaining to RFID-guided localisation between January 2021 and July 2022, of which 59 (5.0%) included a shared-learning event. The virtual webinar was attended by 108 healthcare professionals, including oncoplastic breast surgeons and breast radiologists. Shared-learning themes were categorized into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative events. CONCLUSIONS: By sharing learning outcomes associated with localisation techniques in this paper, the aim is to shorten the learning curve and potential for adverse events for users new to the LOCalizer™ technique.

Wire- and magnetic-seed-guided localization of impalpable breast lesions: iBRA-NET localisation study.

BACKGROUND: Wire localization is historically the most common method for guiding excision of non-palpable breast lesions, but there are limitations to the technique. Newer technologies such as magnetic seeds may allow some of these challenges to be overcome. The aim was to compare safety and effectiveness of wire and magnetic seed localization techniques. METHODS: Women undergoing standard wire or magnetic seed localization for non-palpable lesions between August 2018 and August 2020 were recruited prospectively to this IDEAL stage 2a/2b platform cohort study. The primary outcome was effectiveness defined as accurate localization and removal of the index lesion. Secondary endpoints included safety, specimen weight and reoperation rate for positive margins. RESULTS: Data were accrued from 2300 patients in 35 units; 2116 having unifocal, unilateral breast lesion localization. Identification of the index lesion in magnetic-seed-guided (946 patients) and wire-guided excisions (1170 patients) was 99.8 versus 99.1 per cent (P = 0.048). There was no difference in overall complication rate. For a subset of patients having a single lumpectomy only for lesions less than 50 mm (1746 patients), there was no difference in median closest margin (2 mm versus 2 mm, P = 0.342), re-excision rate (12 versus 13 per cent, P = 0.574) and specimen weight in relation to lesion size (0.15 g/mm2versus 0.138 g/mm2, P = 0.453). CONCLUSION: Magnetic seed localization demonstrated similar safety and effectiveness to those of wire localization. This study has established a robust platform for the comparative evaluation of new localization devices.

Impalpable breast lesion localisation, a logistical challenge: results of the UK iBRA-NET national practice questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Breast conserving surgery of impalpable breast lesions requires safe and effective localisation techniques. Wire localisation has traditionally been used, but has limitations. Newer techniques are now being introduced to mitigate this. The iBRA-NET group aims to robustly evaluate these new techniques in well-designed prospective studies. We report the first phase of this evaluation, a survey to establish current practice and service provision of breast localisation techniques in the UK. METHODS: A national practice questionnaire was designed using 'SurveyMonkey®' and was circulated to UK breast surgeons via the Association of Breast Surgery and the Mammary Fold. The questionnaire was live from 6th October 2018 to 6th April 2019. Only one response per unit was requested to reflect the unit's practice. RESULTS: Complete responses were received from 98 breast units across the UK. Wires were the mostly commonly used localisation technique (n = 82) with fewer units using Magseed® (n = 9), Radioguided Occult Lesion Localisation (n = 5) and Radioiodine Seed Localisation (n = 2). There was significant variation in practice and logistics involved. Frequent delays and theatre overruns were reported in 39 and 16 units, respectively. The median satisfaction score of the current technique was 7 out of 10. The main perceived limitation of existing localisation methods was logistics affecting theatre scheduling and the main barrier to introducing a new technique was cost. CONCLUSION: Wires are currently the most commonly used localisation technique but are associated with significant logistical issues. Newer techniques may offer a better solution but will need robust evaluation before they are adopted to ensure safety and efficacy.

Results of shared learning of a new magnetic seed localisation device - A UK iBRA-NET breast cancer localisation study.

INTRODUCTION: Shared learning is imperative in the assessment and safe implementation of new healthcare interventions. Magnetic seeds (Magseed®) potentially offer logistical benefit over wire localisation for non-palpable breast lesions but few data exist on outcomes comparing these techniques. A national registration study (iBRA-NET) was conducted to collate device outcomes. In order to share learning, thematic analysis was conducted to ascertain early clinical experiences of Magseed® and wire guided localisation and explore how learning events may be applied to improve clinical outcomes. METHODS: A qualitative study of 27 oncoplastic surgeons, radiologists and physicians was conducted in January 2020 to ascertain the feasibility and challenges associated with Magseed® versus wire breast localisation surgery. Four focus groups were asked to discuss experiences, concerns and shared learning outcomes which were tabulated and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified comparing Magseed® and wire localisation of breast lesions relating to preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative learning outcomes. Percutaneous Magseed® detection, instrument interference and potential seed or wire dislodgement were the most common issues identified. Clinician experience suggested Magseed® index lesion identification was non-inferior to wire placement and improved the patient pathway in terms of scheduling and multi-site insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective shared learning suggested Magseed® offered additional non-clinical benefits over wire localisation, improving the efficiency of the patient pathway. Recommendations for improving breast localisation technique, appropriate patient selection and clinical practice through shared learning are discussed that may aid other surgeons in the adoption of this relatively new technique.

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma with breast metastases.

Malignant lesions of the vermiform appendix make up a rare subset of colorectal cancer. While colorectal cancer frequently metastasises to the liver, lung, regional lymph nodes and peritoneum, metastasis to the breast is extremely rare. Here, we describe the case of an 84-year-old woman who had the incidental finding of appendiceal adenocarcinoma following emergency laparoscopic appendectomy. She declined further operative or adjuvant treatment for her disease. She represented 1 year later with metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma disease to her left breast. A simple mastectomy for symptomatic treatment was performed. In this report, we describe the first case of appendiceal adenocarcinoma metastases to the breast. Due to its rarity, there is a paucity of evidence related to the management of this condition. The limited evidence is reviewed and discussed.

A prospective cohort study of the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland.

INTRODUCTION: In order to minimise the risk of breast cancer patients for COVID-19 infection related morbidity and mortality prioritisation of care has utmost importance since the onset of the pandemic. However, COVID-19 related risk in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery has not been studied yet. We evaluated the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland region. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients having breast cancer surgery was carried out in a geographical region during the first eight weeks of the hospital lockdown and outcomes were compared to the regional cancer registry data of pre-COVID-19 patients of the same units (n = 1415). RESULTS: 188 operations were carried out in 179 patients. Tumour size was significantly larger in patients undergoing surgery during hospital lockdown than before (cT3-4: 16.8% vs. 7.4%; p < 0.001; pT2 - pT4: 45.5% vs. 35.6%; p = 0.002). ER negative and HER-2 positive rate was significantly higher during lockdown (ER negative: 41.3% vs. 17%, p < 0.001; HER-2 positive: 23.4% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.004). While breast conservation rate was lower during lockdown (58.6% vs. 65%; p < 0.001), level II oncoplastic conservation was significantly higher in order to reduce mastectomy rate (22.8% vs. 5.6%; p < 0.001). No immediate reconstruction was offered during lockdown. 51.2% had co-morbidity, and 7.8% developed postoperative complications in lockdown. There was no peri-operative COVID-19 infection related morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION: breast cancer can be safely provided during COVID-19 pandemic in selected patients.

A Novel Mixed-Methods Platform Study Protocol for Investigating New Surgical Devices, with Embedded Shared Learning: Ibra-net Breast Lesion Localisation Study.

INTRODUCTION: New medical devices must have adequate research, such that outcomes are known, enabling patients to be consented with knowledge of the safety and efficacy of the device to be implanted. Device trials are challenging due to the learning curve and iterative assessment of best practice. This study is designed to pilot a national collaborative approach to medical device introduction by breast surgeons in the UK, using breast localisation devices as an exemplar. The aim is to develop an effective and transferable surgical device platform protocol design, with embedded shared learning. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The iBRA-net localisation study is a UK based prospective, multi-centre platform study, comparing the safety and efficacy of novel localisation devices with wire-guided breast lesion localisation for wide local excision, using Magseed® as the pilot intervention group. Centres performing breast lesion localisation for wide local excision or excision biopsy will be eligible to participate if using one of the included devices. Further intervention arms will be added as new devices are CE marked. Outcomes will be collected via an online database. The primary outcome measure will be identification of the index lesion. Participating surgeons will be asked to record shared learning events via online questionnaires and focus group interviews to inform future study arms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study will aim to collect data on 950 procedures for each intervention (Magseed® and wire localisation) from UK breast centres over an 18-month period. Shared learning will be prospectively evaluated via thematic analysis to refine breast localisation technique and to promote early identification of potential pitfalls and problems. Results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer reviewed journals. REGISTRATION: This is a UK national audit registered with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. HIGHLIGHTS: This protocol outlines a novel methodology for a collaborative national platform study to collate safety and efficacy data on new medical devices. Improved registration and audit of new medical devices is a major theme of the Cumberlege report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review.We outline a protocol for a UK based multi-centre prospective audit to investigate the safety and efficacy of new surgical devices for breast lesion localisation. The study will run as a platform study using wire localisation as a control group and Magseed® as the first intervention arm.The protocol is designed for additional bolt-on intervention arms for other localisation devices, such as Hologic Localizer™ and Savi Scout®, when they become available to the European market. This will enable comparison of these devices to datasets already collected on wire and Magseed® localisation.The study includes a novel shared learning methodology using iterative online database reporting and surgical interviews to centrally distribute information on learning events, critical governance issues and recommended protocols for future use.