Addressing Data Aggregation and Data Inequity in Race and Ethnicity Reporting and the Impact on Breast Cancer Disparities.

Collecting and reporting data on race and ethnicity is vital to understanding and addressing health disparities in the United States. These health disparities can include increased prevalence and severity of disease, poorer health outcomes, decreased access to healthcare, etc., in disadvantaged populations compared with advantaged groups. Without these data, researchers, administrators, public health practitioners, and policymakers are unable to identify the need for targeted interventions and assistance. When researching or reporting on race and ethnicity, typically broad racial categories are used. These include White or Caucasian, Black or African American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or American Indian and Alaska Native, as well as categories for ethnicity such as Latino or Hispanic or not Latino or Hispanic. These categories, defined by the Office of Management and Budget, are the minimum standards for collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data across federal agencies. Of note, these categories have not been updated since 1997. The lack of accurate and comprehensive data on marginalized racial and ethnic groups limits our understanding of and ability to address health disparities. This has implications for breast cancer outcomes in various populations in this country. In this paper, we examine the impact data inequity and the lack of data equity centered processes have in providing appropriate prevention and intervention efforts and resource allocations.

Characterization of Physical Function and Cancer-Related Physical Impairments in Hispanic Women With Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Study.

Introduction: This study reports characteristics of Hispanic women with breast cancer with respect to physical function, body mass index (BMI), and depression. Methods: This retrospective study included 322 Hispanic women with breast cancer. Physical function and fatigue were assessed using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System-Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) short form and PROMIS-Fatigue (PROMISE-F) short form. In addition, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, sit to stand in 30 s (STS30) test, four-stage balance test (4SB), and grip strength (GS) were measured. Depression was identified using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 and extracted from medical chart. Results: Nearly 40.8% were obese, and 20.8% had depression. Compared to normal BMI patients, mean PROMIS-F score was significantly higher among overweight and obese patients. The mean STS30 score was significantly lower in obese patients, compared to normal BMI patients. Regression analysis showed that the odds of depression were higher with increasing TUG and lower PROMIS-F, STS30, and GS. Conclusion: Hispanic women with breast cancer have substantial loss of physical function, and this is exaggerated if they are obese, overweight, or depressed. Clinicians caring for this population should screen them for the presence of loss of physical function, BMI, and depression.

Features associated with successful recruitment of diverse patients onto cancer clinical trials: report from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group.

BACKGROUND: The clinical trials mechanism of standardized treatment and follow-up for cancer patients with similar stages and patterns of disease is the most powerful approach available for evaluating the efficacy of novel therapies, and clinical trial participation should protect against delivery of care variations associated with racial/ethnic identity and/or socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, disparities in clinical trial accrual persist, with African Americans (AA) and Hispanic/Latino Americans (HA) underrepresented in most studies. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated the accrual patterns for 10 clinical trials conducted by the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) 1999-2009, and analyzed results by race/ethnicity as well as by study design. RESULTS: Eight of 10 protocols were successful in recruiting AA and/or HA participants; three of four randomized trials were successful. Features that were present among all of the successfully recruiting protocols were: (1) studies designed to recruit patients with regional or advanced-stage disease (2 of 2 protocols); and (2) studies that involved some investigational systemic therapy (3 of 3 protocols). DISCUSSION: AA and HA cancer patients can be successfully accrued onto randomized clinical trials, but study design affects recruitment patterns. Increased socioeconomic disadvantages observed within minority-ethnicity communities results in barriers to screening and more advanced cancer stage distribution. Improving cancer early detection is critical in the effort to eliminate outcome disparities but existing differences in disease burden results in diminished eligibility for early-stage cancer clinical trials among minority-ethnicity patients.

Early dysregulation of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix pathways in breast cancer progression.

Proliferative breast lesions, such as simple ductal hyperplasia (SH) and atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), are candidate precursors to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive cancer. To better understand the relationship of breast lesions to more advanced disease, we used microdissection and DNA microarrays to profile the gene expression of patient-matched histologically normal (HN), ADH, and DCIS from 12 patients with estrogen receptor positive sporadic breast cancer. SH were profiled from a subset of cases. We found 837 differentially expressed genes between DCIS-HN and 447 between ADH-HN, with >90% of the ADH-HN genes also present among the DCIS-HN genes. Only 61 genes were identified between ADH-DCIS. Expression differences were reproduced in an independent cohort of patient-matched lesions by quantitative real-time PCR. Many breast cancer-related genes and pathways were dysregulated in ADH and maintained in DCIS. Particularly, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix interactions were overrepresented. Focal adhesion was the top pathway in each gene set. We conclude that ADH and DCIS share highly similar gene expression and are distinct from HN. In contrast, SH appear more similar to HN. These data provide genetic evidence that ADH (but not SH) are often precursors to cancer and suggest cancer-related genetic changes, particularly adhesion and extracellular matrix pathways, are dysregulated before invasion and even before malignancy is apparent. These findings could lead to novel risk stratification, prevention, and treatment approaches.

Standardized Risk Assessment and Risk-Stratified Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis for Patients Undergoing Breast Operation.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis has become routine for patients undergoing most operations, but it remains controversial for breast operations due to a perceived low risk of VTE. There is limited evidence to support routine or extended VTE prophylaxis in breast surgery. We investigated the benefits and risks of the Caprini risk stratification tool and corresponding prevention program, including extended prophylaxis for high-risk groups, in patients undergoing operations for benign and malignant breast lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Using Boston Medical Center data, we reviewed records of patients who underwent lumpectomy or total mastectomy (with or without axillary surgery and/or reconstruction), between 2011 and 2018, to collect information about operation, Caprini score, administration of prophylaxis, and postoperative VTE or bleeding events. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Seven hundred fifty patients underwent 881 operations; 48.9% were at low or moderate risk of VTE, 43.8% were at high risk, and 7.3% were at highest risk. There were no VTE events in the low- and moderate-risk groups, 5 (1.3%) in the high-risk, and 1 (1.6%) in the highest-risk group. One patient was diagnosed with VTE during hospitalization. None of the 5 patients who developed VTE after discharge was prescribed the recommended extended chemoprophylaxis. There were 19 bleeding events that did not require reoperation; 3 patients returned to the operating room. There was no correlation of bleeding with receipt of extended chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The Caprini protocol can identify high-risk breast surgery patients who may benefit from extended VTE chemoprophylaxis, as well as low-risk patients who require no chemoprophylaxis. Furthermore, administration of extended chemoprophylaxis was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Gene expression abnormalities in histologically normal breast epithelium of breast cancer patients.

Normal-appearing epithelium of cancer patients can harbor occult genetic abnormalities. Data comprehensively comparing gene expression between histologically normal breast epithelium of breast cancer patients and cancer-free controls are limited. The present study compares global gene expression between these groups. We performed microarrays using RNA from microdissected histologically normal terminal ductal-lobular units (TDLU) from 2 groups: (i) cancer normal (CN) (TDLUs adjacent to untreated ER+ breast cancers (n = 14)) and (ii) reduction mammoplasty (RM) (TDLUs of age-matched women without breast disease (n = 15)). Cyber-T identified differentially expressed genes. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and comparison to independent microarray data including 6 carcinomas in situ (CIS), validated the results. Gene ontology (GO), UniProt and published literature evaluated gene function. About 127 probesets, corresponding to 105 genes, were differentially expressed between CN and RM (p < 0.0009, corresponding to FDR <0.10). 104/127 (82%) probesets were also differentially expressed between CIS and RM, nearly always (102/104 (98%)) in the same direction as in CN vs. RM. Two-thirds of the 105 genes were implicated previously in carcinogenesis. Overrepresented functional groups included transcription, G-protein coupled and chemokine receptor activity, the MAPK cascade and immediate early genes. Most genes in these categories were under-expressed in CN vs. RM. We conclude that global gene expression abnormalities exist in normal epithelium of breast cancer patients and are also present in early cancers. Thus, cancer-related pathways may be perturbed in normal epithelium. These abnormalities could be markers of disease risk, occult disease, or the tissue's response to an existing tumor.

Locoregional recurrence after mastectomy: incidence and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Locoregional recurrences (LRR) after mastectomy may be ominous events, but incidence and outcomes data are limited by heterogeneous study populations and the time period studied. We sought to evaluate the rate of LRR at a single institution in the era of multimodality therapy, identify predictors for isolated LRR, and examine treatment strategies and outcomes of postmastectomy patients with isolated LRR. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective database, we identified 1,057 patients who underwent mastectomy for invasive cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1995 to 1999. Predictive factors for isolated LRR were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Treatments and outcomes of patients with isolated LRR were reviewed. All patients with at least 2 years of followup were included. Median followup was 6 years. RESULTS: Overall, LRR developed in 93 of 1,057 (8.8%) patients. Thirty-four (3.2%) had synchronous distant metastases. Distant recurrences developed in thirty-one (2.9%) during the followup period (median followup, 6 years). Twenty-eight patients with LRR (2.6%) remained free of distant disease during the study period. Multivariate analysis showed age less than 35 years, lymphovascular invasion, and multicentricity as major predictors for isolated LRR. In the 28 patients with isolated LRR, 24 had recurrence in the chest wall, 2 in the axilla, and 2 in more than 1 local site. Seventy-eight percent (22 of 28) of patients were rendered disease free with surgery (15 of 22), radiotherapy (13 of 22), chemotherapy (6 of 22), or hormones (9 of 22). CONCLUSIONS: Despite widespread use of adjuvant therapies during the study period, we found an LRR rate after mastectomy of 9%. But for patients presenting with LRR without evidence of distant disease, aggressive multimodality therapy is warranted because many of these patients can be rendered disease free.

Influence of breast cancer margin assessment method on the rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that the method of breast cancer margin assessment may be associated with different rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 178 breast cancer specimens were divided into 2 groups (A and B) based on the margin assessment method used. Rates of positive margins, re-excision, and residual carcinoma at re-excision were compared and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: At least 1 margin was positive in 64.7% in group A and in 65.2% in group B. At directed re-excision 54% in group A and 51% in group B had residual carcinoma. The lateral margin was positive in 44% in group A compared with 26% in group B (P = .06). The posterior margin was positive in 19% in group A and in 51% in group B (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Two different breast cancer specimen margin assessment methods had comparable rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma at re-excision. Different patterns of specific margin positivity suggest that the method of margin assessment may alter results.

Tissue compression is not necessary for needle-localized lesion identification.

BACKGROUND: Tissue compression to enhance lesion visibility on radiography of needle-localized breast biopsy specimens is widely used. We hypothesized that compression is not necessary for detection of lesions on specimen radiography. METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients underwent needle-localization biopsies of 59 mammographic targets. All specimens were radiographed without and with compression. The films were later independently reviewed and compared with preoperative mammograms by 2 surgeons and a breast-imaging radiologist. The primary end point was identification of mammographic targets in noncompressed specimen radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-nine targets were masses, 36 contained calcifications, and 14 contained previously placed clips. All mammographically localized lesions were identified on noncompressed views. Overall concordance for the 2 images was 100% for all 3 reviewers and 98% among reviewers. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue compression before specimen radiography is not routinely necessary for target lesion identification.

The quality of early-stage breast cancer treatment: what can we do to improve?

Early-stage breast cancer is a highly curable disease with well-established protocols, including surgery, and the adjuvant modalities of regional radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Yet, there is clear evidence that these adjuvant modalities are underused significantly. This article reviews the evidence that supports the use of efficacious local and systemic therapies in early-stage breast cancer, reasons for underuse, and interventions that have proven to be effective in ensuring the delivery of appropriate breast cancer care and suggests strategies to improve the quality of breast cancer care.

Primary lymphoma of the breast: a case of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma.

A case of primary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma in an elderly female patient is presented. Primary breast lymphomas are rare, comprising less than 1 per cent of all breast malignancies. These tumors have no clinical, pathologic, or radiologic pathognomonic features to distinguish them from breast adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis is usually made with an excisional biopsy, and more extensive surgery should be avoided. Delivery of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is tailored according to the histologic grade, stage of disease, and overall patient condition. This report summarizes the current knowledge reflected in the literature.

Promoters and barriers to mammography screening in multiethnic inner city patients.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to understand promoters and barriers to annual mammography screening among multiethnic inner city women aged 40 years and above. METHODS: Women at 4 community health centers were asked to fill out a self-administered survey and divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of women who had a mammogram in the last 2 years and group B of women who had never had a mammogram or for whom it had been over 2 years since their last mammogram. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four of 172 (84%) women approached agreed to fill out the survey: 80% self-reported as group A and 20% as group B. Group A women were more likely to have someone recommend they get a mammogram, have a primary care provider (PCP), and have a female PCP. Group B women reported they were "too busy" and would prefer a walk-in mammogram clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Mammography screening remains a public health challenge.

Positive impact of a breast-health triaging system on breast-care access and physician satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: Minority patients are at risk for delayed breast cancer treatment. Using nonsurgical breast specialists could improve access but requires appropriate referral to ensure prompt cancer care. Our objective was to evaluate a referral triage system in a combined medical/surgical breast health program (BHP). METHODS: A triage system based on imaging findings, examination, and patient age was instituted. An advanced practice nurse managed referrals and a prospective database. Referring providers were surveyed after 2 years. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2006, 4,840 referrals were made to surgeons (57%) and nonsurgeons (43%). Breast cancers were found in 8.5% of patients. Referral error occurred in 4 cancer patients (.1%). BHP-referred patients had significantly shorter times to surgical appointment (10 days) than non-BHP referrals (45 days). A referring provider survey indicated 96% satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: A breast-care triage system expedited cancer care resulting in physician satisfaction and increased referrals.

Transdisciplinary studies of surgical oncology trial accrual: A National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute Roadmap-affiliated project update.

BACKGROUND: A key objective of the National Institutes of Health Roadmap Initiative during the past 2 years has been to address scientific problems and issues through innovative research collaborations that cut across disciplines, traditions, and agendas. METHODS: Recognizing an opportunity to focus on the growing problem of low accrual to cancer surgical trials, the authors organized a multidisciplinary network of 21 clinical researchers and social/behavioral scientists to meet, review the issues, and organize working groups to study the problem. The authors, as representatives of the Karmanos Cancer Institute (Detroit, MI) and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, were awarded a Roadmap-affiliated grant from the National Cancer Institute under the "Meetings and Networks for Methodological Development in Interdisciplinary Research" funding mechanism. RESULTS: The overarching objective that guided the methodological developments of this network was to apply state-of-the-science methodologies and analytical strategies to examine the biobehavioral and interpersonal factors that facilitate or impede patients' treatment decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: In this brief report, the authors describe the objectives of their multidisciplinary network and their progress to date.

Missed opportunities: racial disparities in adjuvant breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: Underuse of adjuvant therapy is a potentially important and remediable explanation for the inferior survival of minority women with breast cancer. We sought to measure a racial disparity in the underuse of adjuvant treatments for early-stage breast cancer and to identify associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with review of all inpatient and outpatient medical records of 677 women treated surgically for a primary American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I or II breast cancer in 1999 to 2000. Underuse was defined as omissions of radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of hormone-receptor-negative tumors > or = 1 cm, or hormonal therapy for receptor-positive tumors > or = 1 cm. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five (21%) of 677 women experienced underuse of appropriate adjuvant therapy: 16% in whites, 34% in blacks, and 23% in Hispanics (P < .001). Women referred to medical oncologists were less likely to experience underuse of necessary adjuvant treatments (relative risk [RR] for underuse = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.3). Women who were minorities (RR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.1), had higher levels of comorbidity (RR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.8) and lacked insurance (RR = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9 to 4.0) were at greater risk for underuse. CONCLUSION: Minority women with early-stage breast cancer have double the risk of white women for failing to receive necessary adjuvant treatments despite rates of oncologic consultation similar to those for white women. Oncology referrals are necessary to reduce treatment disparities but are not sufficient to ensure patients' receipt of efficacious adjuvant treatment.

Can sentinel lymph node biopsy be omitted in patients with favorable breast cancer histology?

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to replace axillary dissection has broadened the indications for axillary staging in breast cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated a finite risk of lymphedema and sensory morbidity associated with SLNB. We undertook this study to determine whether SLNB could be omitted in clinically node-negative patients with favorable-histology breast cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective database of SLNBs performed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1996 to 2003 to determine the incidence of lymph node metastases by histological subtype. For the favorable subtypes, the patient's age, tumor size, estrogen receptor status, lymphovascular invasion, nuclear grade, and histological grade were compared by nodal status to determine their predictive value. RESULTS: A total of 196 cases with favorable breast cancer subtypes were identified with a 4.1% (8 of 196) sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity rate. Each of the histological subtypes included patients with positive SLNs, with the exception of adenoid cystic (n = 4) and secretory (n = 1) breast carcinoma, which were quite rare in our series. When compared by nodal status, the patient's age, tumor size, estrogen receptor status, lymphovascular invasion, nuclear grade, and histological grade failed to predict those with positive SLNs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with favorable breast cancer histology have a small risk of axillary SLN metastases. The use of SLNB in these patients should be individualized, taking into consideration the small incidence of axillary metastases and the risks and benefits associated with the SLN procedure.