Male breast cancer: a multicenter study to provide a guide for proper management.

INTRODUCTION: To offer an extensive retrospective experience on the management of male breast cancer. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational cohort study was conducted, including male patients diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive or in situ) in 12 Italian breast units from January 1975 to December 2019. Patients aged 18 years or older were assessed for eligibility. Exclusion criteria were metastatic cancer at diagnosis, previous cancer(s), received neoadjuvant treatment, incomplete data on (neo) adjuvant treatment(s), and/or follow-up data. Data on radiological examinations, demographic characteristics, risk factors, histological features, receptor status, treatments, and follow-up were collected. RESULTS: In a series of 671 male patients with breast cancer assessed for eligibility, 403 (28 in situ and 375 invasive neoplasms) were included in the study. All included patients underwent surgery. The median age at surgery was 63.8 years (IQR 56.1-72.1). In 68% of cases, patients underwent echography, and in 55.1%, a mammography. Most patients were ER and PR positive (63.8%), HER2 negative (80.4%), with high (≥ 20%) Ki67 values (61.3%), and luminal B subtype (51.1%). The 10-year overall survival was 73.6% (95% CI 67.0-79.1) for invasive breast cancer and 90% (95% CI 65.6-97.4) for in situ breast cancer. In patients with invasive breast cancer, at univariable analysis, having a G3 tumor (vs. G1), pT2/3/4 (vs. pT1), pN2/3 (vs. pN0), luminal B subtype with Ki67 ≥ 20% (vs. Luminal A), were significantly associated with a higher risk of death. In multivariable analyses, pT2/3/4 (vs. pT1) remained significantly associated with a higher risk of death (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.83-5.39), and having a HER2 positive or a triple-negative subtype (vs. Luminal A) was also significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality (HR 4.76, 95% CI 1.26-18.1). CONCLUSION: Male breast cancer is a rare disease, the better understanding of which is necessary for a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Role of Qualitative and Quantitative Indocyanine Green Angiography to Assess Mastectomy Skin Flaps Perfusion: A Prospective Monocentric Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Mastectomy skin flap (MSF) necrosis remains a significant complication in breast reconstruction. This study aims to identify a correlation between the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the MSF perfusion grade and the skin necrosis rate 1 month after surgery using indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), focusing on lag time and perfusion metrics. METHODS: Consecutive women scheduled for nipple/skin-sparing/skin-reducing mastectomy between May 2020 and October 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into Group 1 in the absence of superficial and full-thickness necrosis (SN; FTN) and Group 2 in the presence of both. Demographic data, lag time T1 (time between ICG injection and the initial perfusion of the least perfused MSF area), ICG-Q1, and ICG-Q% (absolute and relative perfusion values of the least vascularized area) were collected. RESULTS: 76 breasts were considered. FTN was reported in 8 breasts (10.5%) and SN in 4 (5.2%). The 2 groups statistically differ in T1 (Group2 > Group1), ICG-Q1, and ICG-Q% (Group1 > Group2) (P < 0.05). T1 longer than 170 seconds, body mass index, previous chemo/radiotherapy, arterial hypertension, breast weight, type of surgery, and ICG quantitative values can help in predicting MSF necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: MSF qualitative and quantitative perfusion evaluation can be helpful to prevent MSF necrosis. However, it should be considered together with the patient's characteristics, the type of surgery, and T1. In this way, it is possible to predict the risk of MSF necrosis and plan the best reconstructive strategy.

Next-Generation Sequencing and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights and Applications.

The poor survival of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is due to its aggressive behavior, large heterogeneity, and high risk of recurrence. A comprehensive molecular investigation of this type of breast cancer using high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods may help to elucidate its potential progression and discover biomarkers related to patient survival. In this review, the NGS applications in TNBC research are described. Many NGS studies point to TP53 mutations, immunocheckpoint response genes, and aberrations in the PIK3CA and DNA repair pathways as recurrent pathogenic alterations in TNBC. Beyond their diagnostic and predictive/prognostic value, these findings suggest potential personalized treatments in PD -L1-positive TNBC or in TNBC with a homologous recombination deficit. Moreover, the comprehensive sequencing of large genomes with NGS has enabled the identification of novel markers with clinical value in TNBC, such as AURKA, MYC, and JARID2 mutations. In addition, NGS investigations to explore ethnicity-specific alterations have pointed to EZH2 overexpression, BRCA1 alterations, and a BRCA2-delaAAGA mutation as possible molecular signatures of African and African American TNBC. Finally, the development of long-read sequencing methods and their combination with optimized short-read techniques promise to improve the efficiency of NGS approaches for future massive clinical use.

A Case-Control Study by ddPCR of ALU 260/111 and LINE-1 266/97 Copy Number Ratio in Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Plasma Revealed LINE-1 266/97 as a Potential Biomarker for Early Breast Cancer Detection.

BACKGROUND: In Western countries, breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. Early detection has a positive impact on survival, quality of life, and public health costs. Mammography screening programs have increased early detection rates, but new approaches to more personalized surveillance could further improve diagnosis. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood could provide a potential tool for early diagnosis by analyzing cfDNA quantity, circulating tumor DNA mutations, or cfDNA integrity (cfDI). METHODS: Plasma was obtained from the blood of 106 breast cancer patients (cases) and 103 healthy women (controls). Digital droplet PCR was used for the determination of ALU 260/111 bp and LINE-1 266/97 bp copy number ratio and cfDI. cfDNA abundance was calculated using copies of the EEF1A2 gene. The accuracy of biomarker discrimination was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Sensitivity analyses were performed to account for age as a potential confounder. RESULTS: Cases had significantly lower ALU 260/111 or LINE-1 266/97 copy number ratios (median; ALU 260/111 = 0.08, LINE-1 266/97 = 0.20), compared with control (median; ALU 260/111 = 0.10, LINE-1 266/97 = 0.28) (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that copy number ratio discriminated cases from controls (area under the curve, AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.62-0.76 for ALU and 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.86 for LINE-1). ROC from cfDI confirmed the better diagnostic performance of LINE-1 compared with ALU. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of LINE-1 266/97 copy number ratio or cfDI by ddPCR appears to be a useful noninvasive test that could aid in early BC detection. Further studies in a large cohort are needed to validate the biomarker.

Role of Qualitative and Quantitative Indocyanine Green Angiography to Assess Mastectomy Skin Flaps Perfusion in Nipple/Skin-Sparing and Skin-Reducing Mastectomies with Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Methods: Consecutive women scheduled for nipple/skin-sparing/skin-reducing mastectomy between May 2020 and April 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into Group 1 in the absence of superficial and full-thickness necrosis (SN; FTN) and Group 2 in the presence of both. T1 (time between ICG injection and the initial perfusion of the least perfused MSF area), ICG-Q1, and ICG-Q% (absolute and relative perfusion values of the least vascularized area) were collected. Results: 38 breasts were considered. FTN was reported in 4 breasts (10.5%) and SN in 3 (7.9%). The two groups statistically differ in T1 (Group2 > Group1) and ICG-Q% (Group1 > Group2) (p < 0.05). T1 could statistically predict ICG-Q1 and ICG-Q%. Both quantitative values have a sensitivity of 57% and a NPV of 89%; ICG-Q% shows higher specificity (81% vs 77%) and PPV (40% vs 36%). Conclusions: Quantitative ICG angiography may additionally reduce MSF necrosis. Moreover, longer T1 may indicate possible postoperative necrosis. Considering these factors, intraoperative changes of reconstructive strategy could be adopted to reduce reconstructive failure.

Direct comparison of three different mathematical models in two independent datasets of EUSOMA certified centers to predict recurrence and survival in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: impact on clinical practice.

PURPOSE: Prediction algorithms estimating survival rates for breast cancer (BC) based upon risk factors and treatment could give a help to the clinicians during multidisciplinary meetings. The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy and clinical utility of three different scores: the Clinical Treatment Score Post-5 Years (CTS5), the PREDICT Score, and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analysis conducted on prospectively recorded databases of two EUSOMA certified centers (Breast Unit of Trieste Academic Hospital and of Cremona Hospital, Italy). We included patients with Luminal BC undergone to breast surgery between 2010 and 2015, and subsequent endocrine therapy for 5 years for curative intent. RESULTS: A total of 473 patients were enrolled in this study. ROC analysis showed fair accuracy for NPI, good accuracy for PREDICT, and optimal accuracy for CTS5 (AUC 0.7, 0.76, and 0.83, respectively). The three scores seemed strongly correlated in Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis. PREDICT partially overestimated OS in patients undergone to mastectomy, and in pT3-4, G3 tumors. Considering DRFS as a surrogate of OS, CTS5 showed women in intermediate and high risk class had shorter OS too (respectively p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). Combining scores does not improve prognostication power. CONCLUSION: Mathematical models may help clinicians in decision making (adjuvant therapies, CDK4/6i, genomic test's gray zones). CTS5 has the higher prognostic accuracy in predicting recurrence, while score predicting OS did not show substantial advances, proving that pN, G, and pT are still the most important variables in predicting OS.

Association between benign thyroid disease and breast cancer: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between breast cancer (BC) and thyroid disease (TD) is still controversial. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible coexistence of TD in patients with newly diagnosed BC and its correlation with BC clinical presentation with regard to menopausal status and stage of disease. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated for primary BC between 2014 and 2016 at the Breast Unit of Trieste University Hospital. Clinical charts and reports were reviewed for coexisting thyroid disorders (i.e. hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, benign TD, thyroid cancer, thyroid autoimmunity) and menopausal status at the time of BC diagnosis. Biomolecular profile, stage, and grading of BC were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 786 women and 7 men were included in the study. Co-presence of TD was found in 161(20.3%) cases: of these, 151(19.4%) patients presented benign TD and 10(1.3%) patients presented thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid autoimmunity was found in 51(32%) patients. Regarding thyroid function, 88(55%) patients had hypothyroidism, 19(12%) hyperthyroidism, and 54(33%) normal thyroid function. No statistically significant correlation was found between age and TD (p = 0.16), although TD was more common in women aged ≥60 years. Women with BC diagnosed at pre-menopausal age were more likely to have thyroid autoimmune diseases (45% vs. 29%, p = 0.05). No association was detected among BC molecular profiles with either thyroid autoimmunity (p = 0.26) or altered thyroid function (p = 0.63). High-grade BC was more frequent in women with hyperthyroidism (52.9%, p = 0.04), but the grading was independent from the presence of thyroid autoimmune disease (p = 0.87). BC stage was related to both thyroid autoimmunity (p = 0.04) and thyroid function (p < 0.001), with 55.2% of women affected by benign TD presenting with stage I BC and more aggressive BCs found in hypothyroid patients. CONCLUSIONS: According our study results, patients with primary BC present a greater incidence of autoimmunity disorders, especially when diagnosed in the pre-menopausal setting. However, further prospective studies are required to definitively prove causality.

Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for surgical site infection after colorectal surgery: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication of colorectal surgery, resulting in significant burden in terms of morbidity and length of hospital stay. The aims of this study were to establish the incidence of SSI in patients undergoing colorectal surgeries and to identify potentially modifiable risk factors to reduce overall SSI rates. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent colorectal resection at our Department. Patients were identified using a prospective SSI database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 687 patients were enrolled in the study and the overall SSI rate was 19.9% (137 patients). Superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSSIs) developed in 52 (7.6%) patients, deep incisional surgical site infections (DSSIs) developed in 15 (2.2%), and organ/space infections (OSIs) developed in 70 (10.1%). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that age, diabetes, emergency surgery, and a high infection risk index are risk factors for SSI. CONCLUSIONS: There are some modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for SSI. IRI and age are non-modifiable, whereas the timing of surgery and diabetes can be modulated by trying to defer some emergency procedures to elective ones and normalizing the glycemia of diabetic patients.

Neoadjuvant systemic treatment in breast cancer surgery: is it always worth it?

BACKGROUND: Surgeons perspective of breast cancer (BC) treatment has deeply changed in recent time. We investigated survival outcomes of BC patients who underwent Neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAT) before surgery and to assess the role of NAT in determining possible prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 2372 BC patients consecutively enrolled in our prospective institutional database. Seventy-eight patients over 2372 reached the inclusion criteria and underwent surgery after NAT. RESULTS: After NAT, the 50% of luminal-B-HER2+ and the 53% of HER2+ had a pathological complete response (pCR) and only 18.5% of the TNs had a pCR. NAT significantly changed lymph node status (P=0.05). All women with pCR are still alive (No-pCR 0.732 CI: 0.589-0.832; yes-pCR 1.000 CI: 1.00-1.00; P=0.02). The molecular biology of the tumor, after NAT, is strictly related to survival both for 3- and 5-years OS. A triple negative BC have the worst prognosis (HER2+ 0.796 CI: 0.614-1; Luminal-A: 1 CI:1-1; LuminalB-HER2 -: 0.801 CI: 0.659-0975; LuminalB-HER2+: 1 CI:1-1; TN 0.542 CI: 0.372-0789, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We can state that, based on our experience, we can consider safe and effective conservative interventions following neoadjuvant therapy. An adequate selection of patients is crucial. It is also clear how the planning of the therapeutic path plays a key role in an interdisciplinary context. NAT is a source of hope for the future both for the identification of new predictors of prognosis and in the field of research, for the development of new drugs.

Central Mound Technique in Oncoplastic Surgery: A Valuable Technique to Save Your Bacon.

INTRODUCTION: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is a valid method for the reconstruction of partial breast defects, however, there is a great variety of final aesthetic outcomes depending on the location of the tumor in the breast and also on the initial breast volume and the degree of ptosis. Specifically, defects affecting the upper inner/central quadrant represent a reconstructive challenge with not always satisfactory final results. For this purpose, the authors investigated the use of the central mound technique in breast-conserving surgery. The aim of the study was to apply the central mound as an oncoplastic technique and assess the satisfaction rate of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study that involved 40 patients (80 breast) underwent breast conserving surgery and contextual bilateral breast remodeling with central mound technique. A pre- and postoperative Breast-Q questionnaire (breast conserving therapy module) was given to all the patients before the surgery, 3 months and 9 months after. The statistical analysis with chi-square test was performed. RESULTS: After 9 months the author found a major increase of all BREAST-Q parameters; the most valuable increments concerned the "Satisfaction with breast" and "Psychosocial well-being." None of the patients experienced a decreased in the quality of life related to the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that this technique has useful functional and aesthetic results particularly appreciated by patients with upper pole lesion who have a slightly or moderately breast ptosis and a small cup size.

Evaluation of a breast cancer nomogram for predicting the likelihood of additional nodal metastases in patients with a positive sentinel node biopsy.

AIM: Completion axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) performed as a standard procedure after a positive sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients results, in almost 40-70% of cases, in no additional positive nodes. A nomogram has been developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) to predict the likelihood of nonsentinel node metastases (NSLNM) after a positive SLNB. Aim of study was to assess the accuracy of MSKCC nomogram in our community breast cancer population. MATERIAL OF STUDY: From a retrospective database of 276 breast cancer patients we evaluated 62 consecutive cases who underwent CALND after a positive SLNB. Patient and tumor characteristics were collected and the nomogram was used to calculate the probability of NSLNM. The accuracy of MSKCC nomogram was tested by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The Area Under the Curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a 10% cut-off value. RESULTS: Presence of macrometastases (p=0.03) and its extranodal extension (p=0.013) in sentinel node were associated with NSLNM, while other tumor and patient characteristics were not. The accuracy of MSKCC nomogram as measured by AUC was 0.67. The nomogram showed 95% sensitivity and 14% specificity. We revised the nomogram by incorporating the presence of extranodal extension and we obtained a new test with improved specificity (84%). DISCUSSION: The modified predictive model is a useful tool in predicting the likelihood of NSLNM in our cohort of patients and may help decision regarding the need of completion axillary lymph node dissection.

Single-incision transumbilical laparo-endoscopic gastric benign tumor resection.

INTRODUCTION: The authors report resection of a gastric benign tumor through single-incision laparoscopy, guided by peroperative gastroscopy. VIDEO: A 25-year-old man consulted after diagnosis of a 40 × 20 cm(2) endoluminal lesion of the gastric cardia. Preoperative work-up showed a stromal tumor with invasion of the muscular layer. The umbilical scar was incised and, after placement of a purse-string suture, an 11-mm nondisposable trocar was inserted for a 10-mm 30° angled scope. Curved and reusable instruments (Karl Storz-Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany) and straight ultrasonic shears (Ethicon Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH, US) were inserted transumbilically. Peroperative gastroscopy located the lesion on the smaller gastric curvature, 1 cm from the gastroesophageal junction. A stitch was placed in the center of the lesion, and gastroscopic grasper helped in maintaining the limits of resection. Gastrostomy was closed using two converting absorbable running sutures. Because of the curves of the instruments there was no conflict between the instruments' tips inside the abdomen (Fig. 1a), or between the surgeon's hands outside the abdomen (Fig. 1b). Leak test with the gastroscope checked the integrity of the suture. The specimen was retrieved transumbilically in a plastic bag. RESULTS: Operative time was 150 min, and the umbilical incision was less than 15 mm. The patient was discharged after 5 days, and he is doing well 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastric resection can be safely performed through a single-access. Peroperative gastroscopy permits the limits of resection to be precisely determine, and use of curved and reusable instruments allows surgeon to achieve ergonomic conditions as in classic laparoscopy, without increasing the laparoscopic cost.

Comparison between male and female breast cancer survival using propensity score matching analysis.

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease. The few studies on MBC reported conflicting data regarding survival outcomes compared to women. This study has two objectives: to describe the characteristics of a single-cohort of MBC and to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between men and women using the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. We considered MBC patients (n = 40) diagnosed between January 2004 and May 2019. Clinical, pathological, oncological and follow-up data were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors on OS and DFS for MBC. We selected female patients with BC (n = 2678). To minimize the effect of the imbalance of the prognostic factors between the two cohorts, the PSM method (1:3 ratio) was applied and differences in survival between the two groups were assessed. The average age of MBC patients was 73 years. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 76.7% and 72.2% respectively. The prognostic factors that significantly influenced OS and DFS were tumor size and lymph node status. After the PSM, 5 year-OS was similar between MBC and FBC (72.9% vs 72.3%, p = 0.70) while we found a worse DFS for MBC (72.2% vs 91.4%, p = 0.03). Our data confirmed previous reported MBC characteristics: we found a higher risk of recurrence in MBC compared to FMC but similar OS. MBC and FMC are different entities and studies are needed to understand its epidemiology and guide its management.

State of the art in breast intraoperative electron radiation therapy after intraoperative ultrasound introduction.

BACKGROUND: Breast intraoperative electron radiation therapy (B-IOERT) can be used in clinical practice both as elective irradiation (partial breast irradiation - APBI) in low risk breast cancer patients, and as an anticipated boost. The procedure generally includes the use of a shielding disk between the residual breast and the pectoralis fascia for the protection of the tissues underneath the target volume. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in improving the quality of B-IOERT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: B-IOERT was introduced in Trieste in 2012 and its technique was improved in 2014 with IOUS. Both, needle and IOUS were used to measure target thickness and the latter was used even to check the correct position of the shielding disk. The primary endpoint of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of IOUS in reducing the risk of a disk misalignment related to B-IOERT and the secondary endpoint was the analysis of acute and late toxicity, by comparing two groups of patients treated with IOERT as a boost, either measured with IOUS and needle (Group 1) or with needle alone (Group 2). Acute and late toxicity were evaluated by validated scoring systems. RESULTS: From the institutional patients who were treated between June 2012 and October 2019, 109 were eligible for this study (corresponding to 110 cases, as one patients underwent bilateral conservative surgery and bilateral B-IOERT). Of these, 38 were allocated to group 1 and 72 to group 2. The target thickness measured with the IOUS probe and with the needle were similar (mean difference of 0.1 mm, p = 0.38). The percentage of patients in which the shield was perfectly aligned after IOUS introduction increased from 23% to more than 70%. Moreover, patients treated after IOUS guidance had less acute toxicity (36.8% vs. 48.6%, p = 0.33) from radiation therapy, which reached no statistical significance. Late toxicity turned out to be similar regardless of the use of IOUS guidance: 39.5% vs. 37.5% (p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: IOUS showed to be accurate in measuring the target depth and decrease the misalignment between collimator and disk. Furthermore there was an absolute decrease in acute toxicity, even though not statistically significant, in the group of women who underwent B-IOERT with IOUS guidance.

Spontaneous Bladder Rupture after Normal Vaginal Delivery: Description of a Rare Complication and Systematic Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the possible causes of spontaneous bladder rupture after normal vaginal delivery and to propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched up to August 2020. Manuscripts considered were published from 1990 and only English articles were included. The research strategy adopted included the following terms: (bladder rupture) AND (spontaneous) AND (delivery). 103 studies were identified. Duplicates were found through an independent manual screening. Subsequently, two authors independently screened the full text of articles and excluded those not pertinent to the topic. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Finally, thirteen studies were included. RESULTS: PRISMA guidelines were followed. For each study, fetal weight, catheterization during labor, parity, maternal age, occurrence time, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, symptoms complained of, diagnostic methods, and treatment were considered. Median age was 26.0 (range 20-34 years); median presentation time was 3.0 days after delivery (range 1-20 days); and median newborn weight was 3227.0 g (range 2685-3600 g). Catheterization during labor was reported only in four of the thirteen cases (30.8%) identified. The symptoms most frequently complained of were abdominal pain and distension, fever, oliguria, haematuria and vomiting. Instrumental diagnosis was performed using X-rays in five cases and computerized tomography in six cases. Ultrasound was chosen in five cases as a first diagnostic tool. In two cases, cystography was performed. Treatment was always laparotomic repair of the visceral defect. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pain, increased creatinine and other signs of kidney failure on blood tests should lead to suspicion of this complication. Cystourethrography is regarded as a procedure of choice, but a first ultrasound approach is recommended. The main factor for the therapeutic choice is the intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal rupture of the bladder. Classical management for intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder is surgical repair and urinary rest.

Clinicopathologic factors predicting involvement of nonsentinel axillary lymphnodes in breast cancer patients: is axillary dissection always indicated?

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine factors that predict non-sentinel axillary lymph nodes (NSLNs) metastases in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel node biopsy (SLNB). MATERIAL OF STUDY: We reviewed the records of a consecutive series of 176 breast cancer patients who underwent SLNB at our institution. From the database we analysed those cases with one or more positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in order to determine factors predicting NSLN metastases. RESULTS: From a series of 176 consecutive patients, we evaluated 41 cases (23.3%) with positive SLNB. Subsequent completion axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) revealed NSLN metastases in 15 cases (36.6%). The significant variables predictive of NSLN involvement were the presence of macrometastases with extranodal extension (p = 0.048), the presence of more than one positive SLN (p = 0.08) and a ratio between positive SLN and SLNs globally dissected higher than 0.5 (p = 0.05). DISCUSSION: CALND is the gold standard for patients with positive SLNB, but results, in almost 40-70% of cases, in no additional positive nodes and its therapeutic benefit remains controversial. Clinicopathologic factors predictive of NSLN metastases may be useful in identifying a subset of patients with lower risk of further axillary involvement. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with early breast carcinoma and a positive SLNB, the size of SLN metastases, the presence of extranodal extension, more than one positive SLN and a nodal ratio higher than 0.5 are the factors that significantly increase the frequency of additional axillary positive lymph nodes.

[Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast: a rare entity]. / Carcinoma neuroendocrino della mammella: una rara evenienza.

Nowadays neuroendocrine breast cancer is a rare entity, though the presence of neuroendocrine cells is often detected within breast cancers. Most of these tumours are associated with conventional ductal or globular breast cancers. We describe the case of neuroendocrine cancer of the breast and discuss its clinical, radiological and cytological aspects.

Breastfeeding: a reproductive factor able to reduce the risk of luminal B breast cancer in premenopausal White women.

In the medical literature, the role of breastfeeding and reproductive factors in the risk of breast carcinoma is still an open debate in premenopausal women. We highlight the role of breastfeeding and reproductive factors in luminal A and luminal B, the most frequent breast cancers. This case-control study analyzes a White premenopausal population of 286 breast cancer patients, divided into molecular subtypes, and 578 controls matched by age. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships of breastfeeding and other reproductive factors (age at menarche, parity, age at first pregnancy, number of children) with the risk of breast cancers. Among the variables examined, reproductive factors did not alter the risk of cancer, whereas breastfeeding up to 12 months was a significant protective factor against luminal B breast cancer (multivariate odds ratio: 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.09-0.59, P=0.002). In contrast, luminal A cases did not significantly correlate with breastfeeding or other reproductive factors. Breastfeeding up to 12 months is strongly protective against the more aggressive luminal B, but not against the less aggressive luminal A breast cancer in premenopausal White women.

Therapeutic strategy for ductal carcinoma in situ patients according to Van Nuys Prognostic Index.

AIM: Evaluation of therapeutic strategy for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) patients at our Brest Cancer Centre and analysis of our pattern of treatment with respect to Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) cathegories. MATHERIAL OF STUDY: Our study population is the result of a selection of 85 DCIS patients classified according to the VNPI risk of Local Recurrence (LR). A comparison was made between treatment effectively performed and therapy suggested by VNPI protocols. RESULTS: Out of 53 DCIS women (62%) at low local recurrence risk, 5 patients underwent Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) alone, 7 were treated with mastectomy and 41 underwent BCS followed by radiotherapy (RT). Out of 31 patients (37%) belonging to VNPI intermediate risk group, 25 cases recived BCS+RT and 6 cases received mastectomy. Only one patient (1%) belonged to VNPI high risk group and underwent mastectomy. DISCUSSION: Only 31 patients (36,5%) had their definitive treatment according to recommended VNPI criteria, but none of the other 54 cases (63,5%) was undertreated. Performing mastectomy instead of BCS or adding adjuvant radiotherapy at BCS alone were not considered overtreatment because the therapeutic strategy was the result of a multidisciplinary discussion. CONCLUSION: As DCIS is a heterogeneus desease the one-size-fits-all approach to treatment seems inappropriate. The VNPI was developed in order to help treatment choices, but therapeutic strategies can't be based only on local recurrence risk and need a multidisciplinary approach. KEY WORDS: Breast cancer, Ductal carcinoma in situ, Van Nuys Prognostic Index.