Abstract 1007: Breast cancer related lymphedema patient characteristics and treatment patterns in a Hispanic majority population

Abstract

Abstract Background: Studies have shown an increased risk of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL) in Hispanic populations, however there are limited studies examining factors specific to BCRL in this minority population. This retrospective study aims to characterize and analyze treatment and demographic related factors associated with BCRL in the Hispanic majority population of San Antonio. Methods: This is a retrospective, single institution study of patients with BCRL between 2017-2020 at Mays Cancer Center in San Antonio, Texas, a city with a majority minority Hispanic population.Results: 110 subjects with BCRL were identified with a median age of 62 years old. 52.7% were Hispanic while 47.3% were non-Hispanic. The median BMI was 31 with over 75% of subjects with BCRL categorized with BMIs of overweight or obese. 89.1% received some form of chemotherapy, whether neoadjuvant or adjuvant, and 80.9% were exposed to some form of taxane. The majority underwent more invasive procedures and surgeries: 69.1% had axillary lymph node dissection and 71.2% underwent mastectomy. The median number of lymph nodes removed were 12. 62.7% of BCRL patients were exposed to nodal radiation. Regarding BCRL severity, 29.4% were classified as grade 1 while 11% classified as grade 3. Of note, there was a statistically significant correlation between more severe lymphedema (grade 2 and 3) and use of chemotherapy (P-value = 0.04.)Conclusion: The demographic composition of patients with BCRL closely mirrors the ethnically diverse population of San Antonio, with a large Hispanic predominance. Within this cohort of patients of BCRL, a large portion demonstrated factors of elevated BMI, more invasive surgical interventions, and exposure to chemotherapy, specifically taxane. The examination of these factors in a Hispanic-centric urban setting such as San Antonio offers crucial insight into a patient population at heightened risk for developing BCRL. Citation Format: Sarah A. Shaker, Lauren P. Rahman, Marcela Mazo Canola. Breast cancer related lymphedema patient characteristics and treatment patterns in a Hispanic majority population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1007.