An exploratory clinical trial of preoperative non-invasive localization before breast-conserving surgery using augmented reality technology.

PURPOSE: This single-center, randomized, prospective, exploratory clinical trial was conducted to assess the clinical efficacy of an augmented reality (AR)-based breast cancer localization imaging solution for patients with breast cancer. METHODS: This clinical trial enrolled 20 women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between the ages of 19 and 80, had a single lesion with a diameter ≥ 5 mm but ≤ 30 mm, had no metastases to other organs, and had not received prior chemotherapy. All patients underwent mammography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative assessment. Patients were randomly assigned to ultrasound-guided skin marking localization (USL) and AR-based localization (ARL) groups (n = 10 in each group). Statistical comparisons between USL and ARL groups were made based on demographics, radiologic features, pathological outcomes, and surgical outcomes using chi-square and Student t-tests. RESULTS: Two surgeons performed breast-conserving surgery on 20 patients. Histopathologic evaluation of all patients confirmed negative margins. Two independent pathologists evaluated the marginal distances, and there were no intergroup differences in the readers' estimates (R1, 6.20 ± 4.37 vs. 5.04 ± 3.47, P = 0.519; R2, 5.10 ± 4.31 vs. 4.10 ± 2.38, P = 0.970) or the readers' average values (5.65 ± 4.19 vs. 4.57 ± 2.84, P = 0.509). In comparing the tumor plane area ratio, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of either reader's mean values (R1, 15.90 ± 9.52 vs. 19.38 ± 14.05, P = 0.525; R2, 15.32 ± 9.48 vs. 20.83 ± 12.85, P = 0.290) or the overall mean values of two readers combined (15.56 ± 9.11 vs. 20.09 ± 13.38, P = 0.388). Convenience, safety, satisfaction, and reusability were all superior in the AR localization group (P < 0.001) based on the two surgeons' responses. CONCLUSION: AR localization is an acceptable alternative to ultrasound-guided skin marking with no significant differences in surgical outcomes.

Clinical significance of HER2 status in T1bN0 breast cancer: a nationwide study from the Korean Breast Cancer Society.

PURPOSE: The prognosis of patients with node-negative T1b tumors according to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status is not known. This group of patients has not been studied in the available randomized trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of patients in a monoethnic group diagnosed with T1b lymph node-negative breast cancer depending on HER2 status. METHODS: We analyzed 3110 patients with T1bN0M0 breast cancer whose data were deposited into the Korean Breast Cancer Society Registry database between 2000 and 2009. Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were compared according to HER2 status. RESULTS: Among all patients, 494 (15.9%) had HER2-positive breast cancer. At a mean follow-up of 93 months, 108 deaths and 86 breast cancer-specific deaths were noted among all patients. There was no significant difference in OS between the HER2-negative and HER2-positive groups (p = 0.103). The same result was observed for BCSS. However, in the subgroup of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive women, HER2-negative patients had a better BCSS prognosis than HER2-positive patients (p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis also indicated a significant difference in BCSS in the ER-positive subgroup (HR 2.60; 95% CI 1.15-5.87; p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: This study analyzed a large nationwide and monoethnic cohort and found a significant difference only in BCSS in the ER-positive subgroup according to HER2 status. Anti-HER2 therapy may be considered in HER2-positive and ER-positive patients with small, node-negative breast cancer.

Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on pathologic complete response in very young patients with ER-positive breast cancer: a large, multicenter, observational study.

BACKGROUND: In estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC), young age is associated with poor prognosis. While very young patients respond better to chemotherapy, chemotherapy is less effective in ER-positive tumors than in ER-negative tumors. The authors tried to evaluate chemotherapy response of very young patients with ER-positive BC by pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy excluding the effect of endocrine treatment to the extent possible. METHODS: We collected individual patient data from 1992 to 2013 from the Korean Breast Cancer Society (KBCS). Total 1048 ER-positive and 797 ER-negative patients aged < 50 years who had been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included for analysis. We compared pCR rate between patients aged < 35 years with ER-positive tumors and the other groups. RESULTS: The proportion of patients aged < 35 years was 14.0% of patients with ER-positive BC in this cohort of under 50 years old, and 16.8% of patients with ER-negative BC in this cohort of under 50 years old. Although most characteristics of tumors according to age were comparable, tumors with high Ki-67 expression were more common in patients aged < 35 years than in patients aged 35-49 years in both ER-positive and -negative group (P = 0.001). Breast conservation rates were not significantly different according to age (44.2% vs. 46.8% in ER-positive group, 55.2% vs. 48.0% in ER-negative group). pCR rate was not different according to age in ER-positive group (P = 0.71) but significantly better in patients aged < 35 years in ER-negative group (P = 0.009). After adjusting for confounding variables, young patients maintained the higher probability of pCR than older patients in ER-negative tumors. However, pCR rate did not differ according to age in ER-positive tumors. In multivariate analysis, young age (< 35 years) was correlated with poor overall survival (P = 0.003, HR = 1.98) and there was only one event in a few patients achieved pCR in ER-positive group. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy response based on pCR was not better in young patients (< 35 years) with ER-positive BC than in older premenopausal patients with non-metastatic ER-positive BC. Young age cannot be a predictive factor of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ER-positive BC. Different biological characteristics such as high proliferative index should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Efficacy of health coaching and a web-based program on physical activity, weight, and distress management among cancer survivors: A multi-centered randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of health coaching and a web-based program on survivor physical activity (PA), weight, and distress management among stomach, colon, lung and breast cancer patients. METHODS: This randomised, controlled, 1-year trial conducted in five hospitals recruited cancer survivors within 2 months of completing primary cancer treatment who had not met ≥1 of these behavioural goals: (i) conducting moderate PA for at least 150 minutes/week or strenuous exercise for over 75 minutes per week or, in the case of lung cancer patients, low or moderate intensity exercise for over 12.5 MET per week, (ii) maintaining normal weight, and (iii) attaining a score >72 in the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the control group, a web-only group, or a health coaching + web group. The primary endpoint was based on a composite of PA, weight, and PTGI score at 12 months. RESULTS: Patients in the health coaching + web group (difference = 6.6%, P = .010) and the web-only group (difference = 5.9%, P = .031) had greater overall improvements across the three-outcome composite than the control group. The health coaching + web group had greater overall improvement in PTGI (difference = 12.6%; P < .001) than the control group, but not in PA and weight. CONCLUSION: The web-based program, with or without health coaching, may improve health behaviours including PA, weight, and distress management among cancer survivors within 2 months of completing primary cancer treatment. The web-based program with health coaching was mainly effective for reducing psychological distress.

Is the high proportion of young age at breast cancer onset a unique feature of Asian breast cancer?

PURPOSE: Women with breast cancer in Asian and Western countries are similar in many respects, but there are also differences, such as in the age at onset and the proportion of breast cancer occurring at younger ages. There is controversy as to whether these differences are due to inter-racial genetic differences or to environmental or other factors. METHODS: Using the Korean Breast Cancer Society's large breast cancer registry, we investigated the causes of Koreans' unique breast cancer characteristics by examining the changes in the incidence and proportion of young-onset breast cancer (YBC) in Korea over time. We analyzed data from 108,894 patients to compare characteristics between patients with YBC and non-YBC. For a subtype analysis, we analyzed data from 85,691 patients from 2000. RESULTS: Among the 108,894 patients, 17,877 (15.5%) had YBC. The tumors associated with YBC showed aggressive clinicopathologic features. The incidence of breast cancer in Korea has increased over time, and while both YBC and non-YBC increased each year, the increase in non-YBC was more pronounced; thus, the proportion of YBC has decreased over time. By 2020, it appears that the ratio of YBC in Korea will be similar to that in Western countries. The increase in YBC was mainly due to an increase in the luminal A subtype. The incidence of other YBC subtypes did not change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the current high proportion of YBC is probably not a unique feature of breast cancer in Asia but rather a transient phenomenon. Additionally, our results indirectly suggest that there were different causes for breast cancer in different age groups, suggesting the importance of using different approaches for different age groups to establish policies for preventing breast cancer.

Clinicopathological factors influencing the outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with T4a hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine prognostic factors influencing outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with T4a hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: The present study enrolled 93 patients diagnosed with T4a hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent primary surgery between January 2005 and December 2015 at six medical centers in Korea. Primary tumor sites included pyriform sinus in 71 patients, posterior pharyngeal wall in 14 patients, and postcricoid region in 8 patients. Seventy-two patients received postoperative radio(chemo)therapy. RESULTS: Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 38% and 45%, respectively. In univariate analysis, 5-year DFS was found to have significant and positive correlations with margin involvement (p < 0.001) and extracapsular spread (p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis confirmed that margin involvement (hazard ratio (HR): 2.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-5.30; p = 0.001) and extracapsular spread (HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.08-3.99; p = 0.028) were significant factors associated with 5-year DFS. In univariate analysis, cervical lymph node metastasis (p = 0.048), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.041), extracapsular spread (p = 0.015), and esophageal invasion (p = 0.033) were significant factors associated with 5-year DSS. In multivariate analysis, extracapsular spread (HR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.39-6.42; p = 0.005) and esophageal invasion (HR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.38-5.98; p = 0.005) remained significant factors associated with 5-year DSS. CONCLUSION: Margin involvement and extracapsular spread are factors influencing recurrence while extracapsular spread and esophageal invasion are factors affecting survival in patients with T4a hypopharyngeal cancer treated by primary surgery.

Does the Difference of Invasiveness between Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy and Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy Lead to a Difference in Early Surgical Outcomes? A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Resection and anastomosis in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy can be performed extracorporeally or intracorporeally. Most surgeons have performed laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) because of technical difficulties of intracorporeal anastomosis. However, totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) has recently been attempted and is expected to be feasible and less invasive compared with LADG. In this study, we tried to evaluate the clinical effect of the difference of invasiveness between TLDG and LADG, by way of a randomized prospective trial. METHODS: From February 2011 to September 2013, a total of 110 patients with primary gastric cancer were randomly assigned to either TLDG or LADG. Clinicopathologic features, operative details, postoperative course, and quality of life (QoL) were compared between the two groups. QoL was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 and gastric module STO22 at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in clinical and pathological characteristics. The proximal resection margin was significantly longer and the length of wound was shorter in the TLDG group. We could not find any significant difference in postoperative inflammatory parameters, postoperative pulmonary function, postoperative recovery, and QoL scores at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. There were no significant differences in complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that TLDG is as safe and feasible as LADG in gastric cancer. The parameters used routinely in the clinical field to evaluate early surgical outcomes could not reflect the delicate difference in surgical invasiveness between TLDG and LADG.

A prospective randomized controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves therapy for primary prevention of subclinical cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients without a cardiovascular risk treated with doxorubicin.

Background: Doxorubicin is a highly effective anti-cancer drug that causes left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and induces late-onset cardiomyopathy. However, an effective and clinically applicable preventive treatment is yet to be discovered. Objective: Cardiac-Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (C-ESWT) has been suggested to treat inflammatory and ischemic diseases and protect cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of C-ESWT in the prevention of subclinical cardiotoxicity. Methods: We enrolled 64 breast cancer patients. C-ESWT group 33 patients were treated with our C-ESWT (200 shots/spot at 0.09 mJ/mm2 for 20 spots, 3 times every six weeks). The efficacy endpoints were the difference in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) change by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Echocardiography was performed on the baseline line and every 4 cycles of chemotherapy, followed by a follow-up 3,6 months after chemotherapy to compare the incidence of cardiomyopathy of subclinical LV dysfunction due to chemotherapy between the two groups. Results: Participants averaged 50 ± 9 years in age, 100% female. In the results of follow-up 6 months after the end of chemotherapy, there was a significant difference in delta LVGLS between the C-ESWT group and the control group (LVGLS; -1.1 ± 10.9% vs. -11.5 ± 11.6% p-value; <0.001). A total of 23% (15 patients) of patients developed CTRCD (Control group; 13 vs. C-ESWT group; (2). C-ESWT was performed safely without any serious adverse events. Conclusion: In this prospective study, C-ESWT established efficacy in preventing subclinical cardiotoxicity, especially in breast cancer patients using doxorubicin chemotherapy, and the safety of C-ESWT. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT05584163).

Survival Outcomes Based on Axillary Surgery in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Nationwide Study From the Korean Breast Cancer Society.

PURPOSE: In total mastectomy (TM), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is recommended but can be omitted for breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, concerns regarding SLNB-related complications and their impact on quality of life exist. Consequently, further research is required to evaluate the role of axillary surgeries, including SLNB, in the treatment of TM. We aimed to explore the clinicopathological factors and outcomes associated with axillary surgery in patients with a final diagnosis of pure DCIS who underwent BCS or TM. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed large-scale data from the Korean Breast Cancer Society registration database, highlighting on patients diagnosed with pure DCIS who underwent surgery and were categorized into two groups: BCS and TM. Patients were further categorized into surgery and non-surgery groups according to their axillary surgery status. The analysis compared clinicopathological factors and outcomes according to axillary surgery status between the BCS and TM groups. RESULTS: Among 18,196 patients who underwent surgery for DCIS between 1981 and 2022, 11,872 underwent BCS and 6,324 underwent TM. Both groups leaned towards axillary surgery more frequently for large tumors. In the BCS group, clinical lymph node status was associated with axillary surgery (odds ratio, 11.101; p = 0.003). However, in the TM group, no significant differences in these factors were observed. Survival rates did not vary between groups according to axillary surgery performance. CONCLUSION: The decision to perform axillary surgery in patients with a final diagnosis of pure DCIS does not affect the prognosis, regardless of the breast surgical method. Furthermore, regardless of the breast surgical method, axillary surgery, including SLNB, should be considered for high-risk patients, such as those with large tumors. This may reduce unnecessary axillary surgery and enhance the patients' quality of life.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant obesity: A nationwide retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes, such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including alterations in physical activity and dietary habits, are known to affect pregnancy outcomes. In particular, suboptimal intrauterine conditions during pregnancy are known to influence not only fetal growth but also growth during infancy. However, research on the impact of the environmental changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of infants and children during their early years is lacking. To address this issue, this study evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on obesity in infants. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the data collected from the Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI) claims database. The data of 1985,678 women who delivered infants between 2015 and 2021 were collected. Women who delivered during the pandemic and those who delivered during the pre-pandemic period were matched in a 1:1 frequency-matched pair procedure for factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, offspring sex, and birth weight. Finally, 197,580 women were enrolled. The weight and head circumference of infants (4-6 months of age) of the COVID-19 pandemic group were compared with those of the pre-pandemic group. RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic group infants exhibited significantly higher weight and prevalence of obesity at 4-6 months of age compared to infants in the pre-pandemic group. After adjustment for covariates, pandemic group infants had a higher risk of obesity (odds ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.51-1.57) compared to the pre-pandemic group infants. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on the weight of infants aged 4-6 months. This suggests that pandemic conditions may influence the growth of newborns, underscoring the importance of monitoring and assessing trends in the growth of infants born during such crises.

Optimal Surgical Extent in Patients with Unilateral Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Multifocality increases the risk of recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); however, it is unclear whether multifocality justifies more extensive or aggressive surgical treatment. Here, we evaluated the effect of the operative extent on the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with multifocal PTC. Between 2010 and 2019, 718 patients with unilateral multifocal PTC were enrolled; 115 patients (16.0%) underwent ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy, and 606 patients (84.0%) underwent total thyroidectomy. With a mean follow up of 5.2 years, RFS was comparable between the total thyroidectomy and lobectomy groups (p = 0.647) after adjusting for potential confounders. Multivariable Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that the operative extent was not an independent predictor of recurrence (HR 1.686, 95% CI: 0.321-8.852). Subgroup analyses further indicated that both total thyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy resulted in comparable RFS for multifocal PTC patients with other high-risk factors, including tumor size > 1 cm (p = 0.711), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.536), and intermediate ATA risk of recurrence (p = 0.682). In conclusion, thyroid lobectomy was not associated with the risk of recurrence in patients with multifocal PTCs. Multifocality in PTC may not always require aggressive surgery.

Effect of radiotherapy sequence on long-term outcome in patients with node-positive breast cancer: a retrospective study.

The optimal sequence of chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) after surgery in breast cancer patients is unclear. There is a lack of literature on RT given between anthracycline and taxane administration. We evaluated the effect of RT sequence on long-term outcome in breast cancer. Two hundred patients who underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2012 for node-positive breast cancers were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by taxane. Sandwich RT group that received RT between AC and taxane was compared to the group that received RT after CT. The mean follow-up period was 105.4 months. The locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate was lower in sandwich RT group (P = 0.012) and there was no significant difference in distant metastasis between the two groups. The RT sequence was an important predictor for LRR in multivariable analysis (P = 0.017). For luminal A subtype, disease-free survival (DFS) was better in sandwich RT group than in CT followed by RT group (P = 0.001). The overall survival did not correlated with RT sequence regardless of subtype. Sandwich RT can offer DFS benefit in luminal A subtype breast cancer. A tailored approach of sequencing chemotherapy and radiotherapy would be needed considering the factors that can influence outcome.

Survival benefit from axillary surgery in patients aged 70 years or older with clinically node-negative breast cancer: A population-based propensity-score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Older patients with breast cancer have good prognosis and most die from diseases other than breast cancer. Previous studies suggested that the surgical extent in older patients could be reduced. We aimed to compare survival outcomes in patients aged ≥70 years with clinically node-negative breast cancer, based on whether axillary surgery was performed. METHODS: A total of 2,995 patients with breast cancer aged ≥70 years who underwent breast surgery were included in the Korean Breast Cancer Registry. Patients were classified into two groups according to the performance of axillary surgery. We used propensity score matching for demographic and treatment factors to minimize selection bias. We compared the 5-year overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). RESULTS: Among 708 patients after 3:1 propensity score matching, 531 underwent breast surgery with axillary surgery and 177 underwent breast surgery alone. Of all patients, 51.7% had T1 stage, and 73.2% underwent mastectomy. Approximately 31.2% of patients received chemotherapy. Among patients who did not undergo axillary surgery, the 5-year OS and BCSS rates were 85.2% and 96.7%, respectively. The hazard ratio of axillary surgery for OS was 0.943 (95% confidence interval 0.652-1.365, p = 0.757), indicating no significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that axillary surgery in a matched cohort of older patients with breast cancer and clinically negative nodes does not provide a survival benefit compared to patients undergoing breast surgery alone. These findings suggest that axillary surgery may be safely omitted in a select group of patients aged ≥70 years with clinically node-negative cancer. Further studies are needed to identify potential candidates for omitting axillary surgery.

Impact of Multifocality on the Recurrence of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The incidence of thyroid cancer has dramatically increased over the last few decades, and up to 60% of patients have multifocal tumors. However, the prognostic impact of multifocality in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains unestablished and controversial. We evaluate whether multifocality can predict the recurrence of PTC. A total of 1249 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC at the Ewha Medical Center between March 2012 and December 2019 were reviewed. In this study, multifocality was found in 487 patients (39.0%) and the mean follow-up period was 5.5 ± 2.7 years. Multifocality was associated with high-risk features for recurrence, including extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, and margin involvement. After adjustment of those clinicopathological features, 10-year disease-free survival was 93.3% in patients with multifocal tumors, whereas those with unifocal disease showed 97.6% (p = 0.011). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that male sex (HR 2.185, 95% CI 1.047-4.559), tumor size (HR 1.806, 95% CI 1.337-2.441), N1b LN metastasis (HR 3.603, 95% CI 1.207-10.757), and multifocality (HR 1.986, 95% CI 1.015-3.888) were independent predictors of recurrence. In conclusion, multifocality increased the risk of recurrence in patients with PTC. Patients with multifocal PTCs may need judicious treatment and follow-up approaches.

Feasibility and safety of breast-conserving surgery via a periareolar incision for cancers located far from the nipple-areolar complex: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We performed breast-conserving surgery (BCS) using periareolar incisions for cancers located far from the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and examined if BCS via a periareolar incision maximized cosmesis and maintained oncologic safety. One of the most important goals of BCS is to improve cosmesis after surgery and quality of life, but the skin incision can affect cosmesis based on the tumor location. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with breast cancers located far from the NAC underwent BCS via periareolar incisions between January 2017 and April 2018. If a sentinel lymph node biopsy was required, another skin incision was created in the axilla using the conventional technique. Medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 48.1 ± 10.6 years. The mean tumor size was 1.8 ± 1.0 cm (range 0.2-4.5 cm) on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); the mean distance from the NAC to the tumor was 5.9 ± 1.9 cm (range 4.0-12.3 cm). Patients with cancers in the subareolar area were excluded even though the distance from the nipple was > 4 cm on MRI. Negative microscopic margins were obtained in all patients. There was no surgical complication such as seroma, bleeding, or infection. Re-operation was not needed. All patients received whole breast radiation therapy. After surgery and radiation therapy, periareolar incision scars were nearly invisible. CONCLUSION: For cancers located far from the NAC, BCS via periareolar incisions is feasible and leads to superior cosmesis in selective patients. Moreover, BCS seems oncologically safe, although long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.

Selenium inhibits growth of trastuzumab-resistant human breast cancer cells via downregulation of Akt and beclin-1.

The response rate to treatment with trastuzumab (Tz), a recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, is only 12-34% despite demonstrated effectiveness on improving the survival of patients with HER2-positive breast cancers. Selenium has an antitumor effect against cancer cells and can play a cytoprotective role on normal cells. This study investigated the effect of selenium on HER2-positive breast cancer cells and the mechanism in relation to the response of the cells to Tz. HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines, SK-BR-3 as trastuzumab-sensitive cells, and JIMT-1 as Tz-resistant cells were treated with Tz and sodium selenite (selenite). Cell survival rates and expression of Her2, Akt, and autophagy-related proteins, including LC3B and beclin 1, in both cell lines 72 h after treatment were evaluated. Significant cell death was induced at different concentrations of selenite in both cell lines. A combined effect of selenite and Tz at 72 h was similar to or significantly greater than each drug alone. The expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was decreased in JIMT-1 after combination treatment compared to that after only Tz treatment, while p-Akt expression was increased in SK-BR-3. The expression of beclin1 increased particularly in JIMT-1 after only Tz treatment and was downregulated by combination treatment. These results showed that combination of Tz and selenite had an antitumor effect in Tz-resistant breast cancer cells through downregulation of phosphorylated Akt and beclin1-related autophagy. Selenite might be a potent drug to treat Tz-resistant breast cancer by several mechanisms.

Funnel usefulness in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using periareolar incision with prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix.

BACKGROUND: The funnel has been used in esthetic breast surgery that requires a small incision. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have led to more cases of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) through periareolar incision. However, prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is almost impossible with the periareolar approach. Funnels can also be useful for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. METHODS: NSM with periareolar incision and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction were performed with prepectoral implant placement between January 2017 and July 2019. The ADM full-wrapped anatomic textured implant was inserted using a funnel without additional incisions during surgery. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were enrolled, including 2 who received bilateral breast reconstruction. All operations were successfully performed using funnels with minimal periareolar incisions. Anatomic textured implants (mean: 251.7 cc, range: 90-450 cc) wrapped in ADM can be effectively inserted in the prepectoral plane using a funnel. Two patients experienced delayed wound healing of the areola that was treated by conservative wound management. Patients also experienced less pain overall, and the cosmetic result was very good. Patient satisfaction scores were also very high. CONCLUSIONS: While the periareolar incision is esthetically pleasing, additional resection is often necessary. However, the use of funnels ensured that no additional incision was needed even in large implants. This subsequently led to better results in terms of pain and scarring. Prepectoral breast reconstruction involving complete implant coverage with ADM using a funnel through the periareolar approach represents a good alternative to the traditional dual plane subpectoral method. This method provides good patient satisfaction without adverse outcomes.

Pleural Schwannoma Suspected as Metastasis of Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND Differentiating a distant lesion in breast cancer patients can be challenging. Although pleural schwannoma in breast cancer patient is unusual, clinicians may encounter many similar benign lesions mimicking metastatic breast cancer. CASE REPORT Herein, we present the case of a 62-year-old female patient who developed schwannoma on her pleura, which was suspected as metastasis of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our case highlights the need to keep in mind the non-malignant diagnosis of distant lesion in those with malignancies, such as breast cancer.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy through periareolar incision with immediate reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has become increasingly popular due to improved cosmesis without compromising oncologic safety. Radial and inframammary incisions are usually used to achieve NSM, with periareolar incisions usually being avoided because of the risk to nipple-areola complex viability. In an attempt to maximize esthetic effects, we performed NSM through periareolar incision with immediate reconstruction. We report our initial experience. METHODS: This case series consisted of all consecutive patients (n = 34) who underwent NSM through a periareolar incision in our institution between August 2017 and December 2018. All patients underwent NSM through periareolar incision followed by immediate reconstruction with an implant or deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Patient demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and short-term postoperative outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 46.74 ± 6.69 years (range, 38-62 years), and the mean operation time was 96.68 ± 28.00 minutes. Indications included in situ cancer in 12 cases and invasive cancer in 22 cases. There was 1 major complication (postoperative hematoma) requiring operative reintervention. No other complications including fistula, implant exposure, or reconstruction failure was observed. At the time of writing, no case of local recurrence has been observed. CONCLUSION: Our initial report shows that NSM with immediate reconstruction may successfully be performed through periareolar incision. This method maximizes esthetic effects and may be an appropriate surgical option for NSM.