Breast-conserving Surgery Research Articles

Breast Conservative Surgery vs. Modified Radical Mastectomy in Early Breast Cancer: A Comparative Analysis of 126 Cases from 2022 to 2023

Breast Conservative Surgery vs. Modified Radical Mastectomy in Early Breast Cancer: A Comparative Analysis of 126 Cases from 2022 to 2023

Comparative long-term oncological outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy vs. whole-breast irradiation in early breast cancer: a single institute study.

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and whole breast irradiation (WBI) are both effective adjuvant radiotherapy methods for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or early-stage breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS). We aim to evaluate the long-term oncological efficacy and refine patient selection criteria based on our findings. Female patients who underwent either IORT or WBI from January 2016 to December 2019, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were collected. IORT was administered as a single fraction of 20 Gray (Gy) to the lumpectomy cavity using the Axxent electronic brachytherapy system, while WBI consisted of a standard fractionation of 50 Gy in 25 fractions, along with a reduced boost of 10 Gy. The clinicopathologic characteristics and oncological outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 247 patients were enrolled, comprising 164 with BC and 83 with DCIS. Among them, 112 underwent IORT, and 135 received WBI after BCS. The median age was 62.2 years, with median tumor sizes of 1.5cm for BC and 1.2cm for DCIS. At a median follow-up of 64.6 months, IORT demonstrated 11 locoregional recurrences (LRR), 1 metastasis, and 1 death, compared to 4 LRR, 5 metastases, and 2 deaths in the WBI group. WBI yielded significantly higher locoregional control (97.0% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.033), although metastasis-free (96.3% vs. 99.1%, p = 0.166) and overall survival rates (98.4% vs. 99%, p = 0.688) did not differ. The LRR rate was significantly higher in the IORT group among the DCIS or BC patients (p = 0.043). The hazard ratio for locoregional recurrence significantly increased in estrogen-receptor-negative (ER-) patients in both univariate analysis (HR = 4.98, 95% CI = 1.76-14.09, p = 0.002) and multivariate analysis (HR = 40.88, 95% CI = 1.29-1297.84, p = 0.035). Additionally, IORT was associated with increased LRR in the multivariate analysis (HR = 4.71, 95% CI = 1.16-19.06, p = 0.030). At a long-term follow-up, the LRR rate was higher in the BCS followed by IORT, without significant differences in metastasis-free or overall survival rates. Our data confirmed the importance of exclusion ER- patients for IORT.

6931 Weight Trends and Predictors of Weight Gain in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Disclosure: M.D. Hurtado: None. E. Tama: None. D. Hodge: None. A. Weston: None. S. Fahad: None. K. Ruddy: None. J. Olson: None. F. Coach: None. R. Carter: None. S. D'Andre: None. A. Acosta: Consulting Fee; Self; Amgen Inc. Grant Recipient; Self; Vivus USA, Novo Nordisk. C. Shufelt: None. Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. Weight gain after treatment for early-stage BC is associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Excess adiposity is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of non-BC related death in BC survivors. This study aimed to describe weight trends in a large cohort of BC survivors and to identify predictors of weight gain after BC diagnosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of BC survivors from the prospectively consented Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Registry, which has enrolled >10,000 patients seen at least once at Mayo Clinic Rochester for a BC diagnosed within the prior year. We extracted data on weights at baseline, and years 1, 4, and 6 after BC diagnosis to generate longitudinal weight trajectory curves on the change from baseline. Weights were either reported by patients in the registry questionnaires or extracted from the electronic health records. We identified BC survivors with weight gain >10% from baseline weight at years 1, 4, and 6. We then conducted univariable logistic regression analyses to identify predictors of >10% weight gain. Variables considered included: demographics, anthropometrics, BC clinical and pathologic characteristics, BRCA 1 and 2 genetic mutation status, and treatment (surgery, neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy). Results: We included 4744 BC survivors, mostly white (95%) and non-Hispanic (91%), with a mean age and weight at BC diagnosis of 58 ± 13 years and 76 ± 18 kg. Most patients had clinical stage I (43%) and ER+ and PR+ BC (83% and 76%, respectively). Most patients underwent breast preserving surgery (62%), half received radiation (54%), one third (36%) received systemic chemotherapy, and two thirds (61%) received endocrine therapy. At one year after BC diagnosis the average weight change was negligible compared to baseline (mean difference -0.2 ± 8 kg), but there were small but significant average increases by years 4 and 6 (0.5 ± 9 kg, p=0.002; and 0.8 ± 10 kg, p<0.001; respectively). At years 1, 4, and 6, the percentage of BC survivors gaining >10% of their baseline weight was 10%, 15%, and 18%, respectively. Baseline characteristics associated with >10% weight gain at 6 years included lower baseline weight (p<0.001), younger age at BC diagnosis (p<0.001), more advanced clinical and pathologic BC stage (p=0.008), ER+ and PR+ tumor biology (p=0.02 for both), BRCA2 mutation (p<0.001), mastectomy (compared to breast preserving surgeries, p=0.008), the use of systemic chemotherapy treatment (p<0.001), and the use of endocrine therapy (p=0.03). Conclusion: While most BC survivors do not experience weight gain after survivorship, 1 out 5 may experience excessive weight gain of more than 10%. Baseline anthropometric and BC-related variables are associated with excessive weight gain and could be used as predictors of weight gain in this population. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Pleomorphic Lobular Carcinoma In Situ Composed of Signet-Ring Cells Mimicking Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with A Papillary Pattern: A Case Report.

While some forms of invasive or in situ carcinoma of the breast may be partly composed of signet-ring cells, signet-ring cells rarely become a prominent feature of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). We report a rare example of pleomorphic LCIS composed predominantly of signet-ring cells with a papillary pattern mimicking ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). A 58-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left breast detected by ultrasonography. Fourteen years previously, the patient underwent right breast-conserving surgery for invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. Ultrasonography revealed an irregular parallel, angular hypoechoic mass measuring 1.5 cm in the left breast. An ultrasound-guided core needle core biopsy was conducted. Microscopically, the lesion was composed of epithelial cells supported by a fibrovascular stroma. The majority (> 70%) of the lesional cells between the fibrovascular stalks showed signet-ring cell features. Some of the nuclei of the signet-ring cells showed intermediate-grade atypia. A mucicarmine stain showed intracytoplasmic mucin in the signet-ring cells. Immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin was negative in the tumor cells. After surgical excision, the final diagnosis was a pleomorphic LCIS. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of pleomorphic LCIS consisting primarily of signet-ring cells with a papillary pattern.

Predictors of mastectomy in breast cancer patients with complete remission of primary tumor after neoadjuvant therapy: A retrospective study

IntroductionNeoadjuvant therapy (NAT) should increase the rate of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in non-metastatic breast cancer (BC) patients, especially in those achieving tumor shrinkage. Still, the conversion from a pre-planned mastectomy to BCS in patients responding to NAT is not a widespread standard. We aimed to identify factors influencing surgical choices in this setting. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively collected data of BC patients with complete remission of primitive tumor (ypT0) after NAT, treated with BCS or mastectomy in two Italian breast units. Predictors of mastectomy were explored using logistic regression. Distant recurrence and event-free survival were assessed in the BCS and mastectomy cohort. Results243 patients were included, 147 (60.5 %) treated with BCS and 96 (39.5 %) treated with mastectomy. In the mastectomy group, there were more centrally-located, multiple and larger tumors. At univariate regression analysis, central location, baseline tumor extension on ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multiple foci and clinical stage were significantly associated with the chance of receiving mastectomy. At multivariate analysis, only baseline focality on US and extension on MRI retained significance as predictors of mastectomy. Distant recurrence and event-free survival were significantly longer in patients undergoing BCS. ConclusionBaseline tumor extension and focality were the main predictors of mastectomy in patients with ypT0 after NAT. However, BCS did not negatively affect survival outcomes in our cohort. An effort should be made to avoid potentially unnecessary mastectomy in this population, aiming at minimizing surgery-associated toxicities and improving patients’ quality of life.

Differences in axillary ultrasound protocols among prospective de-escalating axillary surgical staging trials in clinically node negative early breast cancer patients

BackgroundSurgical axillary staging of the axilla is a topic of debate regarding the potential of de-escalation in clinically node negative (cN0) early breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy. Axillary ultrasound is important to determine clinical nodal status. The aim of the current narrative review is to provide an overview of prospective trials on de-escalating axillary surgical staging in cN0 early breast cancer patients, with an emphasis on axillary ultrasound protocols. MethodsThis narrative review provides an overview of the prospective de-escalating axillary surgical staging trials, in terms of comparing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) versus complete omission of SLNB, in cT1/2N0 patients treated with breast-conserving therapy. Information from each trial was collected, including reported axillary ultrasound protocols (including cortical thickness cut-off value) and axillary ultrasound-guided biopsy technique (fine-needle aspiration or core-needle biopsy). ResultsThere is one recently published prospective trial and three ongoing prospective trials within the topic of this narrative review. Number of included patients in these trials ranges from 1405 to 5505 patients. The included trials differed whether or not to include patients with suspicious axillary ultrasound findings and a negative ultrasound-guided biopsy. Cortical thickness cut-off value ranged from 2.3 mm to 3.0 mm. Different ultrasound-guided biopsy techniques were performed among the included trials. ConclusionProspective de-escalating axillary surgical staging trials in clinically node negative early breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy do report differences in terms of axillary ultrasound protocols and ultrasound-guided biopsy techniques. Axillary ultrasound protocols do require uniformity in order to improve extrapolation of these trial results.

Surgical treatments for older breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world evidence

BackgroundOlder patients with breast cancer are often underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to a lack of evidence-based guidelines for surgical treatment in this cohort. Consequently, synthesizing real-world data is crucial for determining the optimal surgical management of geriatric patients with breast cancer. MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The review included clinical studies evaluating treatments in patients aged ≥65 years with breast cancer. Comparisons were made between primary surgical treatment and endocrine therapy alone, breast-conserving surgery without radiotherapy versus mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy versus omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and surgery plus axillary lymph node dissection versus omission of axillary lymph node dissection. ResultsA total of 44 studies were analyzed. Surgery significantly increased overall survival, breast cancer–specific survival, and recurrence-free survival compared with endocrine therapy alone. Pooled estimates revealed that mastectomy yielded significantly better prognoses than breast-conserving surgery without radiotherapy in terms of both overall survival and breast cancer–specific survival. Omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection did not significantly reduce overall survival. ConclusionsFor older patients with breast cancer, primary surgical treatment significantly enhances survival and regional control compared with endocrine therapy alone without compromising quality of life. Frail patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer who are unwilling to undergo radiotherapy benefit from mastectomy, with no notable psychosocial decline compared with breast-conserving surgery alone. Sentinel lymph node biopsy omission does not increase recurrence rates or mortality, and avoiding axillary lymph node dissection may be viable for node-positive older patients due to its comparable survival outcomes.

A systematic scoping review exploring variation in practice in specimen mammography for Intraoperative Margin Analysis in Breast Conserving Surgery and the role of artificial intelligence in optimising diagnostic accuracy

PurposeSpecimen Mammography (SM) is commonly used in Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) for intraoperative margin analysis. A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify sources of methodological variation in Specimen Mammography Interpretation (SMI) and assess the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to optimise Diagnostic Accuracy (DA). MethodsEmbase, Pubmed, Cochrane and web of science databases were searched. Studies were included if SM was used for margin analysis for BCS with reported DA compared with pathological margin status and data extracted. Results1242 unique studies were identified, of which 40 were included. 39/40 studies did not utilise AI for SMI, with 4 studies comparing 2 relevant techniques, giving 43 non-AI study arms for analysis. There was wide variation in SM techniques, including number of views and location of SM. Specialist performing SMI in usual clinical practice was surgeon (13/39 studies;33 %), radiologist(s) (16/39;41 %), surgeon and radiologist (3/39;8 %) or not stated (7/39;18 %) which differed from the study specialist in 15/39 (38 %) of studies. Diagnostic accuracy in studies ranged from sensitivity 19–91.7 % and specificity 25–100 %. ConclusionsThere is marked variation in current techniques used for SM for intraoperative margin analysis with correspondingly disparate DA. Only 1 study applied AI to SMI, and we identify how AI could optimise SMI and a template for future work to apply AI techniques to SMI, reduce unwarranted variation and optimise DA.

Magseed preoperative localization in non-palpable breast lesions: Our single-center Breast Unit experience.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate our single-center experience with Magseed as a pre-operative localization system in a cohort of 47 patients with non-palpable breast lesions. Forty-seven patients with non-palpable breast lesions, who underwent Magseed pre-operative localization followed by breast-conserving surgery between November 2022 and June 2024 at our Breast Unit were enrolled in our study. The procedure involved percutaneous placement of the Magseed into the target lesion under ultrasound (66%) or stereotactic (34%) guidance. Data on patient demographics, lesion characteristics, Magseed localization and retrieval, surgical outcomes, and complications were collected and analyzed. Magseed localization was successful in all cases, with no marker migration or dislodgment, and all seeds were retrieved (100%). Breast-conserving surgery was successful in 97.9% of patients, with only one requiring intraoperative widening. No significant complications were reported. Histopathology revealed predominantly invasive breast cancers, with "No Special Type" being the most common subtype (42.5%). The effectiveness of this technique is proven by our results, which reflect the data in the growing scientific literature on Magseed.

A Nomogram Using Imaging Features to Predict Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence After Breast-Conserving Surgery for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.

To develop a nomogram that integrates clinical-pathologic and imaging variables to predict ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS). This retrospective study included consecutive women with DCIS who underwent BCS at two hospitals. Patients who underwent BCS between 2003 and 2016 in one hospital and between 2005 and 2013 in another were classified into development and validation cohorts, respectively. Twelve clinical-pathologic variables (age, family history, initial presentation, nuclear grade, necrosis, margin width, number of excisions, DCIS size, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapy) and six mammography and ultrasound variables (breast density, detection modality, mammography and ultrasound patterns, morphology and distribution of calcifications) were analyzed. A nomogram for predicting 10-year IBTR probabilities was constructed using the variables associated with IBTR identified from the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis in the development cohort. The performance of the developed nomogram was evaluated in the external validation cohort using a calibration plot and 10-year area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and compared with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomogram. The development cohort included 702 women (median age [interquartile range], 50 [44-56] years), of whom 30 (4%) women experienced IBTR. The validation cohort included 182 women (48 [43-54] years), 18 (10%) of whom developed IBTR. A nomogram was constructed using three clinical-pathologic variables (age, margin, and use of adjuvant radiation therapy) and two mammographic variables (breast density and calcification morphology). The nomogram was appropriately calibrated and demonstrated a comparable 10-year AUROC to the MSKCC nomogram (0.73 vs. 0.66, P = 0.534) in the validation cohort. Our nomogram provided individualized risk estimates for women with DCIS treated with BCS, demonstrating a discriminative ability comparable to that of the MSKCC nomogram.

Evaluation of the Intercostal Artery Perforator (ICAP) Flaps versus Lateral Thoracic Artery Perforator (LTAP) Flap in Partial Breast Reconstruction Following Breast Conservative Surgery.

Evaluation of the Intercostal Artery Perforator (ICAP) Flaps versus Lateral Thoracic Artery Perforator (LTAP) Flap in Partial Breast Reconstruction Following Breast Conservative Surgery.

A Cost–Utility Analysis of the Use of −125 mm Hg Closed-incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Background: Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) decreases the rate of wound complications in oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) but at a fiscal cost. Our aim was to examine the cost-utility of ciNPT in OBS. Methods: A literature review was performed to obtain the probabilities and outcomes for the treatment of unilateral breast cancer with OBS with ciNPT versus without. Reported utility scores in the literature were used to calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each health state. A decision analysis tree was constructed with rollback analysis to determine the more cost-effective strategy. An incremental cost–utility ratio was calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: OBS with ciNPT is associated with a higher clinical effectiveness (QALY) of 33.43 compared to without (33.42), and relative cost increase of $667.89. The resulting incremental cost-utility ratio of $57432.93/QALY favored ciNPT. In one-way sensitivity analysis, ciNPT was the more cost-effective strategy if the cost of ciNPT was less than $1347.02 or if the probability of wound dehiscence without was greater than 8.2%. Monte Carlo analysis showed a confidence of 75.39% that surgery with ciNPT is more cost effective. Conclusion: Despite the added cost, surgery with ciNPT is cost-effective. This finding is a direct result of decreased overall wound complications with ciNPT.

Advancements in Managing Pure Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An 18-Year Artificial Intelligence-Aided Analysis of 998 Patients

IntroductionThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncological diseases has opened new avenues for early cancer detection, accurate risk assessments, and personalized treatment protocols. The objective of our study was to describe the shift in the treatment indications and prognosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in a prospective cohort of 998 patients managed over 18 years at a single University Hospital in France. MethodsThis analysis included all patients managed for DCIS at the University Hospitals of Strasbourg between January 14, 2002, and December 18, 2019, from the prospective SENOMETRY cohort, which initially included 9599 patients with both in situ and invasive breast cancer. Data were analyzed using Onconum, an AI-based natural language processing tool, to extract structured information from medical records. ResultsThe incidence of DCIS remained stable at 65 new cases per year. The mean age at diagnosis increased from 55 years in 2002 to 61 years in 2019. There was a significant rise in high-grade DCIS (DIN3) cases from 25% to 35%. The re-excision rate decreased from 57% in 2002 to 18% in 2019. Most DCIS cases were managed with breast-conserving surgeries (682), while total mastectomies accounted for 385 cases. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 39% of cases, primarily in high-grade and multifocal DCIS. Specific mortality was 0%, with a recurrence rate of 2.2%, predominantly invasive and occurring earlier in high-grade DCIS. Discussion: Over 18 years, there has been a notable shift in the clinicopathological characteristics of DCIS, with an increase in patient age at diagnosis and higher histopathological grades. Therapeutic management evolved significantly, with reduced surgical margins and fewer adjuvant treatments, while maintaining low and stable recurrence rates. AI significantly enhanced data extraction and analysis efficiency, contributing to better clinical decision-making. ConclusionThe study confirms the possibility of therapeutic de-escalation in DCIS, supported by AI-driven data analysis, allowing individualized treatment approaches and leading to optimized patient outcomes.

Evaluation of Functional Outcome of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery for Malignant Tumor in The Upper Half of The Breast

Evaluation of Functional Outcome of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery for Malignant Tumor in The Upper Half of The Breast

ASO Author Reflections: Cost Comparison of Extreme Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy with Reconstruction.

ASO Author Reflections: Cost Comparison of Extreme Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy with Reconstruction.

Postoperative Immunosuppression Following Breast-Conserving Surgery vs. Mastectomy: The Role of Surgical Injuries and Intraoperative Sympathetic Activation

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among all types of cancers. Objectives: To evaluate the role of surgical tissue injury and intraoperative sympathetic activation in postoperative immunosuppression after breast-conservative surgery and mastectomy. Methods: This prospective/observational study investigated 36 breast cancer patients in the Department of Surgery Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat from June 2022 to May 2023. Patients who were on schedule to undergo either mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups; Group I (breast-conserving surgery group n=18) and Group II (mastectomy group n=18). The intraoperative sympathetic activation, plasma Damage-associated molecular patterns, and postoperative immune function were compared in both groups. Descriptive statistics were done using SPSS version 28.0. Results: The overall mean age and body mass index of Group I and Group II were 62.8 ± 8.9 vs. 60.6 ± 10.6 years and 26.9 ± 3.8 vs. 25.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2, respectively. The overall duration of surgery (minutes) was 56 ± 18 and 85 ± 22, respectively. The prominent indication for surgery in Group I and Group II was Invasive carcinoma 17 (94.4%) and 11 (61.1%), respectively. The concentration of plasma alarmins and IL-6 was significantly higher in patients who underwent mastectomy as compared to breast-conserving surgery. Conclusions: It was concluded that differences in Damage-associated molecular patterns release and intraoperative sympathetic activation between mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery may influence, and potentially contribute to, postoperative immune homeostasis to improve survival seen after breast-conserving surgery.

Why do women with early breast cancer in Northern Sri Lanka undergo mastectomy? Decision-making and ways forward

BackgroundDespite robust evidence confirming equivalent survival rates and better cosmetic outcomes with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy compared to mastectomy, the rates of mastectomy among women with early breast cancer have not declined significantly in Sri Lanka. This study explores views on the surgical treatment of breast cancer among Northern Sri Lankan women who were eligible for BCS but underwent mastectomy.MethodsAn exploratory descriptive qualitative study was carried out among 15 women who underwent mastectomy for early breast cancer. Patients who were referred to the Tellippalai Trail Cancer Hospital for adjuvant therapy after mastectomy and matched the study criteria were recruited. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed in Tamil, translated into English, coded using QDA Miner Lite software, and analysed thematically.ResultsNine out of 15 participants were either not aware of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) as a treatment option or their eligibility for BCS at the time of mastectomy. According to participant narratives, the treating team had recommended mastectomy to most participants. While many opted for mastectomy believing that it was associated with lower rates of recurrence and spread compared to BCS, these beliefs were frequently reinforced by the treating team. The pros and cons of the two approaches had not been discussed before surgery with most participants. In the absence of information, family and friends weighed in on the decision to opt for mastectomy, ultimately resulting in feelings of loss and regret in most instances.ConclusionMost participants were not aware that they were eligible for BCS. These information gaps need to be urgently addressed for women to make informed decisions about their health.

A systematic review on the techniques, long-term outcomes, and complications of partial breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of four techniques of partial breast irradiation (PBI) including interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT), balloon-based brachytherapy (BBT), Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) in the treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery. A systematic search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials and observational studies that reported on outcome measures of principal PBI techniques. The methodological quality of the included research data was assessed using bias risk assessment tool with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS), and the research information were analyzed using data analysis software. Clinical studies were collected from the earliest available date until September 2023. Fifty-one studies were included, with a total sample size of 7708. The results of network meta-analysis (NMA) showed that ISBT can lower the local recurrence (SUCRA: 73.8%). In terms of reducing distant metastasis, 3DCRT may be the best choice (SUCRA: 52.5%). And IORT has the highest 5-year overall survival (SUCRA: 90%). Furthermore, ISBT also has the advantages of lowest risk with fat necrosis (SUCRA: 72.5%), infection (SUCRA: 78.3%) and breast pain (SUCRA: 86.2%). BBT may be the optimal solution for fibrosis (SUCRA: 76.9%) and hyperpigmentation (SUCRA: 66.7%). 3DCRT has lower incidence of telangiectasia (SUCRA: 56.7%) and better cosmetic result (SUCRA: 85%). Postoperative PBI treatment using ISBT after breast-conserving surgery in patients with early-stage breast cancer may be a more valuable choice based on the treatment efficacy and is associated with fewer late side-effects. Large-scale, prospective, long-term studies are warranted to clarify the role of different PBI techniques in selected patients.

The Association Between Breast Cancer Predisposing Genetic Variants and Multifocal, Multicentric Breast Cancer.

Breast-conserving surgery is often discouraged in BRCA gene carriers with early onset breast cancer. The genetic variant carrier breast cancers are more likely to be multifocal or multicentric (MFMC). This retrospective study includes newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer undergoing genetic testing between 2010 and 2021 within the Johns Hopkins Regional Health System. After excluding patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or stage IV breast cancers, patients were divided into two groups: those who tested positive for a variant recognized by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network as predisposing the patient to breast cancer (ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, NF1, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and TP53) and those who tested negative. Pathologic features of the tumors were compared, focusing on evidence for MFMC disease, defined as more than one malignant foci more than 5mm apart. Among the 282 eligible cases, 69 (24%) were positive for a genetic variant. The variant carriers were younger at diagnosis (p < 0.001), more likely to have invasive ductal carcinoma (p = 0.03), more likely to have undergone mastectomy (p = 0.03), and more likely to have a grade 3 cancer (p = 0.003). Variant carriers were not more likely to have MFMC disease (28% vs. 22%, p = 0.4). A positive genetic variant was not a predictor of MFMC within the entire cohort [odds ratio (OR):1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-2.6, p = 0.5). Genetic variant carrier cancers are not more likely to be MCMF than sporadic cancers.

Developing machine learning models for personalized treatment strategies in early breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant systemic therapy based on SEER database

This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of breast-conserving surgery plus radiotherapy (BCS + RT) and mastectomy in early breast cancer (EBC) patients who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST), and sought to construct and authenticate a machine learning algorithm that could assist healthcare professionals in formulating personalized treatment strategies for this patient population. We analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database on EBC patients undergoing BCS + RT or mastectomy post-NST (2010–2018). Employing propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize potential biases, we compared breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) between the two surgical groups. Additionally, we trained and validated six machine learning survival models and developed a cloud-based recommendation system for surgical treatment based on the optimal model. Among the 13,958 patients, 9028 (64.7%) underwent BCS + RT and 4930 (35.3%) underwent mastectomy. After PSM, there were 3715 patients in each group. Compared to mastectomy, BCS + RT significantly improved BCSS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001). Prognostic variables associated with BCSS were utilized to develop machine learning models. In both the training and validation cohorts, the random survival forest (RSF) model demonstrated superior predictive performance (0.847 and 0.795), not only outperforming other machine learning models, including Rpart (0.725 and 0.707), Xgboost (0.762 and 0.727), Glmboost (0.748 and 0.788), Survctree (0.764 and 0.766), and Survsvm (0.777 and 0.790), but also outperforming the classical COX model (0.749 and 0.782). Lastly, a web-based prediction tool was built to facilitate clinical application [https://jhren.shinyapps.io/shinyapp1]. After adjusting other confounders, BCS + RT was associated with improved outcomes in patients with EBC after NST, compared to those who underwent mastectomy. Moreover, the RSF model, a reliable tool, can predict long-term outcomes for patients, providing valuable guidance for operative methods and postoperative follow-up.