Correction to: Is Low-Volume Disease in the Sentinel Node After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy an Indication for Axillary Dissection?

The following are corrections to the original article.

Axillary management for young women with breast cancer varies between patients electing breast-conservation therapy or mastectomy.

PURPOSE: Axillary treatment strategies for the young woman with early-stage, clinically node-negative breast cancer undergoing upfront surgery found to have 1-3 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) differ significantly after BCT and mastectomy. Here we compare axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and regional nodal irradiation (NRI) rates between women electing breast-conservation therapy (BCT) versus mastectomy. METHODS: From 2010 to 2016, women age < 50 years with clinical T1-T2N0 breast cancer having upfront surgery and found to have a positive SLN were identified. ALND and/or NRI receipt were compared between groups. RESULTS: 192 women undergoing BCT and 165 undergoing mastectomy were identified (median age: 44 years). 5.2% (10/192) of women undergoing BCT had an ALND versus 87% (144/165) of women undergoing mastectomy (p < 0.01). NRI was given to 48% (78/165) of mastectomy patients compared to 30% (57/192) of BCT patients (p < 0.01). Of the 75 mastectomy patients with 1-2 total positive lymph nodes after completion ALND, 44% received NRI. Women undergoing mastectomy were significantly more likely to receive both ALND and NRI than women undergoing BCS (45% vs 6%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Young cT1-2N0 breast cancer patients found to have 1-3 SLN metastases received ALND, NRI, and combined ALND/NRI more frequently if they elected mastectomy over BCT. Use of both ALND and postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in this population could be reduced in the future by omitting ALND in patients for whom the need for PMRT is clear with the finding of 1-2 SLN metastases.

Increase in Utilization of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: Indications, Complications, and Oncologic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly performed for invasive breast cancer. Growing evidence supporting the oncologic safety of NSM has led to its widespread use and broadened indications. In this study, we examine the indications, complications, and long-term outcomes of therapeutic NSM. METHODS: From 2003 to 2016, women undergoing NSM for invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patient and disease characteristics were compared by procedure year, while complications were compared by procedure year using generalized mixed-effects models accounting for a random surgeon effect. Overall survival and time to recurrence were examined. RESULTS: Of the 467 therapeutic NSMs, 337 (72%) were invasive cancer, 126 (27%) were DCIS, and 4 (1%) were phyllodes tumors. Median age was 45 years (range 24-75) and median follow-up among survivors was 39.4 months. Three hundred and fifty-seven (76.4%) cases were performed in 2011 or after. When comparing NSMs performed before and after 2011, there was a significant increase in NSMs performed for invasive tumors (58% vs. 77%; p < 0.001). There was no difference in family history, genetic mutations, smoking status, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, prior radiation, nodal involvement, or tumor subtype. Twenty-one (4.5%) nipple excisions were performed, of which 14 were performed for cancer at the nipple margin. Forty-four breasts (9.4%) had complications that required re-operation. Fifteen patients had locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: NSM use for invasive carcinoma has doubled at our institution since 2011, while postoperative complications and recurrence rates remain low. Our experience supports the selective use of NSM in the malignant setting with careful patient selection.

Is Clinical Exam of the Axilla Sufficient to Select Node-Positive Patients Who Downstage After NAC for SLNB? A Comparison of the Accuracy of Clinical Exam Versus MRI.

BACKGROUND: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) endorses sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with clinically positive axillary nodes who downstage after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). In this study, we compared the accuracy of post-NAC MRI to clinical exam alone in predicting pathologic status of sentinel lymph nodes in cN1 patients. METHODS: We identified patients with T0-3, N1 breast cancer who underwent NAC and subsequent SLNB from March 2014 to July 2017. Patients were grouped based on whether a post-NAC MRI was done. MRI accuracy in predicting SLN status was assessed versus clinical exam alone. RESULTS: A total of 450 patients met initial study criteria; 269 were analyzed after excluding patients without biopsy-confirmed nodal disease, palpable disease after NAC, and failed SLN mapping. Median age was 49 years. Post-NAC MRI was done in 68% (182/269). Patients undergoing lumpectomy vs mastectomy more frequently received a post-NAC MRI (88 vs 54%, p < 0.001). All other clinicopathologic parameters were comparable between those who did and did not have a post-NAC MRI. Thirty percent (55/182) had abnormal lymph nodes on MRI. Among these, 58% (32/55) had a positive SLN on final pathology versus 42% (53/127) of patients with no abnormal lymph nodes on MRI and 52% (45/87) of patients who had clinical exam alone (p = 0.09). MRI sensitivity was 38%, specificity was 76%, and overall SLN status prediction accuracy was 58%. CONCLUSIONS: Post-NAC MRI is no more accurate than clinical exam alone in predicting SLN pathology in patients presenting with cN1 disease. Abnormal lymph nodes on MRI should not preclude SLNB.

Was Reexcision Less Frequent for Patients with Lobular Breast Cancer After Publication of the SSO-ASTRO Margin Guidelines?

BACKGROUND: The Society of Surgical Oncology and American Society for Radiation Oncology consensus guidelines defined a negative margin for breast-conserving surgery (BCS) as no ink on tumor, and implementation has reduced rates of additional surgery for patients with invasive ductal cancer (IDC). The outcomes for invasive lobular cancer (ILC) patients are uncertain. METHODS: This study identified patients who had stage 1 or 2 ILC treated with BCS from January 2010 to February 2018. The guidelines were adopted 1 January 2014. Clinicopathologic characteristics, margin status, and reexcisions were compared before and after adoption of the guidelines and with those of IDC patients treated from May 2013 to February 2015. RESULTS: Among 745 early-stage ILC patients undergoing BCT, 312 (42%) were treated before the guidelines and 433 (58%) after the guidelines. Most clinicopathologic characteristics were similar between the two groups, with differences in lobular carcinoma in situ, lymphovascular invasion, and node-positivity rates. The overall rates of additional surgery declined significantly after the guidelines (31.4 to 23.1%; p = 0.01), but the difference did not reach significance for reexcisions (19.9 to 15.2%; p = 0.12) or conversions to mastectomy (11.5 to 7.9%; p = 0.099) individually. Between eras, no difference in incidence or number of tumor on ink or ≤ 2 mm margins was observed (all p = 0.2). Larger tumors, younger age, and pre-guideline era were independently associated with additional surgery. Only younger age was predictive of mastectomy. Among 431 pre-guideline and 601 post-guideline IDC patients, reexcisions declined from 21.3 to 14.8% (p = 0.008), and conversion to mastectomy was rare (0.6%). The magnitude of reduction in any additional surgery (interaction, p = 0.92) and reexcisions (interaction, p = 0.56) was similar between ILC and IDC. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in growth pattern and conspicuity, guideline adoption significantly reduced additional surgery among ILC patients, with a magnitude of benefit similar to that among IDC patients.

Does Breast Density Increase the Risk of Re-excision for Women with Breast Cancer Having Breast-Conservation Therapy?

BACKGROUND: Women with dense breasts may have less-accurate preoperative evaluation of extent of disease, potentially affecting the achievement of negative margins. The goal of this study is to examine the association between breast density and re-excision rates in women having breast-conserving surgery for invasive breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with stage I/II invasive breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery between 1/1/2014 and 10/31/2014 were included. Breast density was assessed by two radiologists. The association between breast density and re-excision was examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Seven hundred and one women were included. Overall, 106 (15.1%) women had at least one re-excision. Younger age at diagnosis was associated with increased breast density (p < 0.001). On univariable analysis, increased breast density was associated with significantly increased odds of re-excision (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.83), as was multifocal disease, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive status, and extensive intraductal component (EIC) (all p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, breast density remained significantly associated with increased odds of re-excision (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.00-1.86), as did multifocality and EIC. HER2 positive status was not significantly associated with re-excision on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Women with dense breasts are more likely to need additional surgery (re-excision after breast-conserving surgery), but increased breast density did not adversely affect disease-free survival in our study. Our findings support the need for further study in developing techniques that can help decrease re-excisions for women with dense breasts who undergo breast-conserving surgery.

Lobular Histology Does Not Predict the Need for Axillary Dissection Among ACOSOG Z0011-Eligible Breast Cancers.

BACKGROUND: The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 trial demonstrated that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) may be omitted for women with two or fewer positive sentinel nodes (SLNs) undergoing breast-conservation therapy (BCT). Lobular histology comprises a minority of patients, and applicability to these discohesive cancers has been questioned. METHODS: From August 2010 to March 2017, patients undergoing BCT for cT1-2N0 cancer with positive SLNs were prospectively managed with ALND for three or more positive SLNs or gross extracapsular extension (ECE). In this study, clinicopathologic characteristics and nodal burden were compared between pure/mixed invasive lobular cancer (ILC) and invasive ductal cancer (IDC) patients. RESULTS: Among 813 consecutive patients, 104 (12.8%) had ILC and 709 (87.2%) had IDC. ILC was more often multifocal and low grade, and less frequently had lymphovascular invasion (all p < 0.001). ILC more often had SLN macrometastases (81.7% ILC vs. 69.4% IDC; p = 0.01) and more than 2 mm of ECE (30.8% ILC vs. 19.5% IDC; p = 0.03), but the proportions of cases with three or more positive SLNs were similar in the two groups (14.4% ILC vs. 9.9% IDC; p = 0.2). The ALND procedure was performed for 20 ILC patients (19.2%) compared with 97 IDC patients (13.7%) (p = 0.2). Additional positive nodes were found in 80% of the ILC patients versus 56.7% of the IDC patients (p = 0.09). The ALND and nodal burden rates were similar in the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) subset analysis. In the multivariable analysis, lobular histology (p = 0.03) and larger tumors (p = 0.03) were associated with additional positive nodes. During a median follow-up period of 42 months, there were no isolated axillary recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher proportion of SLN macrometastases and association with more positive nodes at ALND, lobular histology does not predict the need for ALND. ALND is not indicated on the basis of histology among patients otherwise meeting Z0011 criteria.

A Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy with Implant Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Many factors influence decisions regarding choice of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy with reconstruction for early invasive breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare patient satisfaction following BCS and mastectomy with implant reconstruction (M-iR) utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measure. METHODS: Women with stage I or II breast cancer undergoing BCS or M-iR who completed a BREAST-Q from 2010 to 2016 were identified by retrospective review of a prospective database. Baseline characteristics were compared, and linear mixed models were used to analyze associations with BREAST-Q scores over time. RESULTS: Our study group was composed of 3233 women; 2026 (63%) had BCS, 123 (3.8%) had nipple-sparing mastectomy, and 1084 (34%) had skin-sparing or total mastectomy. Median time from surgery to BREAST-Q was 205 days for BCS and 639 days for M-iR (p < 0.001). Regardless of type of surgery, breast satisfaction scores decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001), whereas psychosocial (p = 0.001) and sexual (p = 0.004) well-being scores increased significantly over time. BCS was associated with significantly higher scores over time compared with M-iR across all subscales (all p < 0.001). Radiation was significantly associated with decreased scores over time across all subscales (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Breast satisfaction and quality-of-life scores were higher for BCS compared with M-iR in early-stage invasive breast cancer. These findings may help in counseling women who have a choice for surgical treatment. Breast satisfaction scores decreased over time in all women, highlighting the need for further evaluation with longer follow-up.

Does race predict survival for women with invasive breast cancer?

BACKGROUND: Black women with breast cancer have lower survival rates and higher recurrence rates in comparison with white women. This study compared treatment and survival outcomes for black and white women at a highly specialized tertiary care cancer center. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, retrospective institutional database review was performed to identify all black women treated for invasive breast cancer between 2005 and 2010. Women with a prior history of breast cancer, stage IV cancer, or bilateral breast cancer were excluded. White women had similar exclusion criteria applied and were then matched to black women 1:1 by age and diagnosis year. Clinicopathologic and treatment variables were compared by race. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS); a multivariable analysis was conducted with Cox regression models. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 1332 women (666 black). The median tumor size was larger in black women (1.6 vs 1.3 cm; P < .001). Black women had more nodal disease (41.1% vs 32%; P < .001) and had tumors that were more frequently an estrogen receptor-negative (32.9% vs 15%; P < .001), progesterone receptor-negative (47.1% vs 30.2%; P < .001), or triple-negative (TN) subtype (24% vs 8.9%; P < .001) in comparison with white women. Black women also had inferior DFS and OS; race was not an independent prognostic indicator in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Black women had more advanced disease and adverse prognostic indicators at diagnosis, but race was not an independent predictor of outcome. Black women were significantly more likely to have TN breast cancer. Further research is necessary to understand the differences in tumor biology associated with race.

Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Required for a Core Biopsy Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion?

BACKGROUND: Among patients with a core biopsy diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), approximately 10% have microinvasion (DCISM), which, like DCIS, is subject to upstaging by surgical excision, but for which the rates of T and N upstaging are unknown, as is the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), since current studies of SLNB for DCISM are based on the final pathologic report, not the core needle biopsy. In this study, we identified the rates of T and N upstaging following surgical excision in patients with a suspected versus definite core needle biopsy diagnosis of DCISM. METHODS: Overall, 369 consecutive patients (2007-2017) with a core biopsy diagnosis of suspected versus definite DCISM and surgical excision were stratified by extent of DCISM on core biopsy: suspicious focus, single focus, multiple foci/single biopsy, and multiple foci/multiple biopsies. Within strata, we identified clinicopathologic features associated with T and N upstaging. RESULTS: Across core biopsy strata, there were no clear differences in imaging characteristics or median invasive tumor size (0.2 cm). Among 105 patients with a core biopsy suspicious for DCISM versus 264 with definite DCISM, 28% and 37%, respectively, were upstaged to at least pT1a, but only 1% and 6%, respectively, to pN1. CONCLUSIONS: Although 28% of patients with suspected DCISM on core biopsy were surgically upstaged to invasive cancer, the frequency of pN1 SLN metastasis (1%) was comparable with that of DCIS, and was insufficient to recommend SLNB at initial surgery. SLNB remains reasonable for patients with definite DCISM on core biopsy.

Chemoprevention Uptake for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Varies by Risk Factor.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of chemoprevention for breast cancer risk reduction has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials; however, use remains low. We sought to determine whether uptake differed by risk factors, and to identify reasons for refusal and termination. METHODS: Women seen in a high-risk clinic from October 2014 to June 2017 considered eligible for chemoprevention (history of lobular carcinoma in situ, atypia, family history of breast/ovarian cancer, genetic mutation, or history of chest wall radiation) were retrospectively identified. Breast cancer risk factors were compared among those with and without chemoprevention use, and compliance was noted. RESULTS: Overall, 1506 women were identified, 24% with prior/current chemoprevention use. Women ≥ 50 years of age were more likely to use chemoprevention than women < 50 years of age (28% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). Chemoprevention use by risk factor ranged from 7 to 40%. Having multiple risk factors did not increase use. Significant variation by risk factor was present among women ≥ 50 years of age (p < 0.001), but not among women < 50 years of age (p = 0.1). Among women with a documented discussion regarding chemoprevention (575/1141), fear of adverse effects was the most common refusal reason (57/156; 36%). The majority of women (61%) who initiated chemoprevention completed 5 years. CONCLUSION: Chemoprevention use among women at increased risk for breast cancer remains low, with more frequent use among women ≥ 50 years of age. These data highlight the need for ongoing educational efforts and counseling, as the majority who begin therapy complete 5 years of use. Given the fear of adverse effects as well as low uptake, particularly among women < 50 years of age, alternative risk-reducing strategies are needed.

Long-Term Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Malignant/Borderline Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast.

BACKGROUND: Malignant/borderline phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare, and little is known about their long-term prognosis. This study sought to evaluate recurrence rates and identify factors associated with local and distant failure. METHODS: From 1957 to 2017, we identified 124 patients with 125 PTs (86 malignant and 39 borderline). Recurrence rates and survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and correlated with clinicopathologic factors using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 44 years, and the median tumor size was 5 cm. Breast-conserving surgery was performed for 57% of the patients. At a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 14 patients experienced a locoregional recurrence (LRR), with a 10-year cumulative LRR incidence of 12%. On univariable analysis, age younger than 40 years (p = 0.02) and close/positive margins (p = 0.001) were associated with increased risk of LRR. Seven patients developed distant disease, all occurring in malignant PTs. The 10-year distant recurrence-free survival was 94%. Uniformly poor pathologic features consisting of marked stromal cellularity, stromal overgrowth, infiltrative borders, and 10 or more mitoses per 10 high-power fields (hpf) were identified in 25 PTs (20%), and all distant recurrences occurred in this group. For the patients who did not have uniformly poor features, the 10-year disease-specific survival was 100%, and the overall survival was 94% compared with 66% and 57%, respectively, among those with poor features. CONCLUSION: Malignant/borderline PTs without uniformly poor histologic features have an excellent prognosis after surgical resection, with a 10-year disease-specific survival of 100%. The presence of uniformly poor pathologic features predicts a poor prognosis. Efforts should be directed toward new treatment approaches for these tumors.

Differences between screen-detected and interval breast cancers among BRCA mutation carriers.

BACKGROUND: BRCA mutation carriers have an elevated lifetime breast cancer risk and remain at risk for interval cancer development. We sought to compare BRCA mutation carriers with screen-detected versus interval breast cancers. METHODS: Women with a known BRCA mutation prior to a breast cancer diagnosis were identified. Clinical and pathologic factors, and imaging within 18 months of diagnosis were compared among screen-detected versus interval cancers. Interval cancers were those detected by physical exam among women undergoing regular screening. RESULTS: Of 124 breast cancers, 92 were screen and 22 clinically detected, of which 11 were interval cancers among regular screeners, and 10 were incidentally found on prophylactic mastectomy. Women with interval cancers were younger, had lower body mass indexes, and were more likely to be Black than those with screen-detected cancers (p < 0.05). Interval cancers were all invasive, larger, more likely to be node positive, and more likely to require axillary lymph node dissection and chemotherapy (p < 0.05). No significant differences were seen by BRCA mutation, mammographic density, MRI background parenchymal enhancement, tumor grade, or receptor status between cohorts. Women screened with both mammogram and MRI had significantly lower proportions of interval cancers compared to women screened with only mammogram or MRI alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Interval breast cancers among BRCA mutation carriers have worse clinicopathologic features than screen-detected tumors, and require more-aggressive medical and surgical therapy. Imaging with mammogram and MRI is associated with lower interval cancer development and should be utilized among this high-risk population.

Does Lymph Node Status Prior to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Influence the Number of Sentinel Nodes Removed?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Recent prospective trials support the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with a lower false-negative rate if three or more sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are identified. In this study, we investigated whether the pre-NAC axillary lymph node status influences the number of SLNs identified. METHODS: Stage I-III breast cancer patients who received NAC and underwent SLNB from May 2014 to April 2016 were identified from an institutional prospective database. Clinical and pathological factors among clinically node-negative (cN-) and clinically node-positive (cN+) patients who converted to cN- post-NAC were compared. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed factors associated with the number of SLNs removed. RESULTS: Among 343 patients who underwent SLNB during the study period, 335 (98%) had at least one SLN identified, and subsequently comprised the study population. The median number of SLNs identified was 4 (range 1-14), which did not differ according to pre-NAC nodal status (P = 0.15). Overall, 85% of patients had three or more SLNs identified (80% cN- group vs. 89% cN+ group; P = 0.02). On univariable analysis, age < 50 years and presenting with a positive axillary node were significantly associated with identifying three or more SLNs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that SLNB was successfully performed in 98% of our patients after NAC, with very few failed mapping procedures. In the post-NAC setting, the median number of SLNs identified was four, and the status of the axilla prior to NAC did not negatively affect the number of SLNs identified.

Influence of Age on the Clinical Outcome of Breast Cancer for Men and the Development of Second Primary Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Low incidence of breast cancer in men (BCM) (< 1% of all breast cancers) has led to a paucity of outcome data. This study evaluated the impact of age on BCM outcomes. METHODS: For this study, BCM patients treated between 2000 and 2011 were stratified by age (≤ 65 or > 65 years). Kaplan-Meier methods were used to compare overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Competing-risk methods analyzed time to second primary cancers (SPCs), with any-cause death treated as a competing risk. RESULTS: The study identified 152 BCM patients with a median age of 64 years (range 19-96 years). The median body mass index (BMI) was 28 kg/m2. Men age 65 years or younger (n = 78, 51%) were more overweight/obese than men older than 65 years (n = 74, 49%) (89% vs 74%, respectively; P = 0.008). Both groups had similar nodal metastases rates (P = 0.4), estrogen receptor positivity (P = 1), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)neu overexpression (P = 0.6). Men 65 years of age or younger were more likely to receive chemotherapy (P = 0.002). The median follow-up period was 5.8 years (range 0.1-14.4 years). The 5-year OS was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80-93%), whereas the 5-year BCSS was 95% (95% CI 91-99%). The BCM patients 65 years of age and younger had better OS (P = 0.003) but not BCSS (P = 0.8). The 5-year cumulative incidence of SPC was 8.4% (95% CI 3.4-13.4%). The prior SPC rate was higher for men older than 65 years (n = 20, 31%) than for those age 65 years or younger (n = 7, 11%) (P = 0.008). This did not account for differences in life years at risk. No difference was observed in SPC cumulative incidence stratified by age (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Men 65 years of age or younger received more chemotherapy and had improved OS, but not BCSS, compared with men older than 65 years. For all BCM, SPC is a risk, and appropriate screening may be warranted.

Does nonmetastatic inflammatory breast cancer have a worse prognosis than other nonmetastatic T4 cancers?

BACKGROUND: Both patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IFLBC) and patients with noninflammatory T4 breast cancer (non-IFLBC) have a heavy disease burden in the breast; whether the unique biology of IFLBC conveys a higher locoregional recurrence (LRR) risk and worse outcomes in comparison with other T4 lesions is uncertain. Here the outcomes of patients with IFLBC and patients with non-IFLBC treated with modern multimodality therapy are compared. METHODS: Patients with nonmetastatic T4 breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation therapy between 2006 and 2016 were identified. Recurrences and survival were compared between patients with IFLBC and patients with non-IFLBC overall and stratified by receptor subtype. RESULTS: For 199 T4 patients, the median age was 52 years, and the median clinical tumor size was 7 cm. One hundred seventeen (59%) had IFLBC. With a median follow-up of 41 months, 4 patients had isolated LRR; all cases occurred in patients with IFLBC. The 5-year isolated LRR rate for patients with IFLBC was 4.8%. Overall, 14 patients had both LRR and distant recurrence (DR); 47 had DR only. The 5-year distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) rates were similar for patients with IFLBC and patients with non-IFLBC (63% vs 71%; log-rank P = .14). The 5-year DRFS rate was lowest among triple-negative (TN) patients (43%) and was significantly lower for patients with TN IFLBC versus patients with non-IFLBC (28% vs 62%; log-rank P = .02). The 5-year overall survival rates (71% vs 74%; log-rank P = .4) and cancer-specific survival rates (74% vs 79%; log-rank P = .23) did not differ between IFLBC and non-IFLBC. CONCLUSIONS: Although IFLBC is often considered a unique biologic subtype, patients with IFLBC and patients with non-IFLBC had similar outcomes with modern multimodality therapy; isolated LRR was uncommon. The TN subtype in patients with IFLBC is associated with poor outcomes, and this indicates the need for new treatment approaches in this group.

A Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Conventional Mastectomy with Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used for breast cancer risk reduction and treatment. Prior small studies with variable control for baseline characteristics suggest superior satisfaction with NSM. The purpose of this study was to compare patient satisfaction following NSM and total mastectomy (TM) utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measure in a well-characterized patient population. METHODS: Patients at a single institution undergoing NSM or TM with immediate tissue expander/implant reconstruction who completed a follow-up BREAST-Q from 2007 to 2017 were identified by retrospective review of a prospective database. Baseline characteristics were compared, and linear mixed models were used to analyze associations with BREAST-Q scores over time. RESULTS: Of 1866 eligible patients, 219 (12%) underwent NSM, and 1647 (88%) underwent TM. Median time from baseline to BREAST-Q was 658 days. Patients with NSM were younger, more likely to be white, and had lower BMI. They more often had prophylactic surgery, bilateral mastectomies, lower-stage disease, and less often received chemotherapy/radiation than patients with TM. On multivariable analysis, after controlling for relevant clinical variables, there was no difference in satisfaction with breasts or satisfaction with outcome overall between NSM and TM patients. Psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being were significantly higher in the NSM group. After additionally controlling for preoperative BREAST-Q score in a subset of patients (72 NSM; 443 TM), only psychosocial well-being remained significantly higher in NSM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported outcomes should be discussed with women weighing the risks and benefits of NSM to provide a better understanding of expected quality of life.

Most Breast Cancer Patients with T1-2 Tumors and One to Three Positive Lymph Nodes Do Not Need Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Guidelines concur that postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in T1-2 tumors with one to three positive (+) lymph nodes (LNs) decreases locoregional recurrence (LRR) but advise limiting PMRT to patients at highest risk to balance against potential harms. In this study, we identify the risks of LRR after mastectomy in patients with T1-2N1 disease, treated with modern chemotherapy, and identify predictors of LRR when omitting PMRT. METHODS: Patients with T1-2N1 breast cancer undergoing mastectomy between 1995 and 2006 were categorized by receipt of PMRT. The Chi square test compared the clinicopathologic features between both groups, and Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis was used to determine the rates of LRR, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Overall, 1087 patients (924 no PMRT, 163 PMRT) were included in the study, with a median follow-up of 10.8 years (range 0-21). We identified 63 LRRs (56 no PMRT, 7 PMRT), and 10-year rates of LRR with and without PMRT were 4.0% and 7.0%, respectively. Patients receiving PMRT were younger (p = 0.019), had larger tumors (p = 0.0013), higher histologic grade (p = 0.029), more positive LNs (p < 0.0001), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (p < 0.0001), extracapsular nodal extension (p < 0.0001), and macroscopic LN metastases (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in LRR, RFS, or OS between groups. On multivariate analysis, age < 40 years (p < 0.0001) and LVI (p < 0.0001) were associated with LRR in those not receiving PMRT. CONCLUSION: Consistent with the guidelines, 85% of patients with T1-2N1 were spared PMRT at our center, while maintaining low LRR. Age < 40 years and the presence of LVI are significantly associated with LRR in those not receiving PMRT.

Is Low-Volume Disease in the Sentinel Node After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy an Indication for Axillary Dissection?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has a higher false-negative rate than in the primary surgical setting, particularly for small tumor deposits. Additional tumor burden seen with isolated tumor cells (ITCs) and micrometastases following primary surgery is low; however, it is unknown whether the same is true after NAC. We examined the false-negative rate of intraoperative frozen section (FS) after NAC, and the association between SLN metastasis size and residual disease at axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: Patients undergoing SLN biopsy after NAC were identified. The association between SLN metastasis size and residual axillary disease was examined. RESULTS: From July 2008 to July 2017, 702 patients (711 cancers) had SLN biopsy after NAC. On FS, 181 had metastases, 530 were negative; 33 negative cases were positive on final pathology (false-negative rate 6.2%). Among patients with a positive FS, 3 (2%) had ITCs and no further disease on ALND; 41 (23%) had micrometastases and 125 (69%) had macrometastases. Fifty-nine percent of patients with micrometastases and 63% with macrometastases had one or more additional positive nodes at ALND. Among those with a false-negative result, 10 (30%) had ITCs, 15 (46%) had micrometastases, and 8 (24%) had macrometastases; 17 had ALND and 59% had one or more additional positive lymph nodes. Overall, 1/6 (17%) patients with ITCs and 28/44 (64%) patients with micrometastases had additional nodal metastases at ALND. CONCLUSION: Low-volume SLN disease after NAC is not an indicator of a low risk of additional positive axillary nodes and remains an indication for ALND, even when not detected on intraoperative FS.

Does response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy impact breast reconstruction?

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is administered in breast cancer treatment for downstaging of disease. Here, we determined the impact of response to NAC on breast reconstruction uptake. A prospective NAC and mastectomy database with or without reconstruction were reviewed with IRB approval. Univariable analyses were conducted using Kruskal-Wallis or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. We identified 271 patients with unilateral breast cancer receiving NAC and either unilateral or bilateral mastectomy from 9/2013 to 5/2016. Seventy patients (25.8%) had a pCR to NAC. One hundred and seventy-five patients (64.6%) had immediate reconstruction (IR), and 96 had no IR. On univariable analysis, younger age (P < .001), lower T-stage at presentation (P < .001), bilateral versus unilateral mastectomy (P<.001) and HR-negative tumor subtype (P = .006) were significantly associated with higher IR rates. On multivariable analysis, pCR (P = .792) and tumor subtype (P = 0.061) were not significantly associated with IR; T-stage was significantly associated with IR (P < .001), such that patients with T4 tumors at presentation had lower odds of IR (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.50), even when accounting for response to NAC. One hundred and seventy-three patients (63.8%) received adjuvant radiation therapy; this was associated with lower IR frequency (P = .048) but was not associated with reconstruction type (tissue expander versus autologous, P = 1.0) among 175 patients who had IR. In patients who have mastectomy after NAC, IR is influenced by age, T-stage at presentation, and choice of bilateral mastectomy, but not by response to NAC. A subset of patients who are young, with earlier T-stage and pCR, is more likely to proceed with bilateral mastectomy.