Need For Post-mastectomy Radiotherapy Research Articles

Machine Learning to Predict the Need for Postmastectomy Radiotherapy after Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Post mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is an independent predictor of reconstructive complications. PMRT may alter the timing and type of reconstruction recommended. This study aimed to create a machine learning model to predict the probability of requiring PMRT after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). In this retrospective study, breast cancer patients who underwent IBR from January 2017 to December 2020 were reviewed and data were collected on 81 preoperative characteristics. Primary outcome was recommendation for PMRT. Four algorithms were compared to maximize performance and clinical utility: logistic regression, elastic net (EN), logistic lasso, and random forest (RF). The cohort was split into a development dataset (75% of cohort for training-validation) and 25% used for the test set. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), precision-recall curves, and calibration plots. In a total of 800 patients, 325 (40.6%) patients were recommended to undergo PMRT. With the training-validation dataset (n = 600), model performance was logistic regression 0.73 AUC [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.80]; RF 0.77 AUC (95% CI, 0.74-0.81); EN 0.77 AUC (95% CI, 0.73-0.81); logistic lasso 0.76 AUC (95% CI, 0.72-0.80). Without significantly sacrificing performance, 81 predictive factors were reduced to 12 for prediction with the EN method. With the test dataset (n = 200), performance of the EN prediction model was confirmed [0.794 AUC (95% CI, 0.730-0.858)]. A parsimonious accurate machine learning model for predicting PMRT after IBR was developed, tested, and translated into a clinically applicable online calculator for providers and patients.

Oncological status is not a determinant of refraining from breast reconstruction among 490 candidates for mastectomy and post-mastectomy radiotherapy

Although breast reconstruction in the setting of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is controversial, we offer nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction ([N]SSM/IIBR) to women needing primary mastectomy regardless of PMRT. Nevertheless, some of these women have no reconstruction. To assess the uptake of breast reconstruction in women who undergo PMRT and the patient characteristics associated with such uptake. Additionally, we assessed the determinants of forgoing breast reconstruction. Demographic, physical and oncological characteristics of women who underwent mastectomy, PMRT and breast reconstruction were compared to the characteristics of those who did not undergo breast reconstruction from 2013 through 2018. As determinants of delaying or refraining from breast reconstruction, we distinguished between an oncological reason, patient's preference, patient's co-morbidity, combined tobacco abuse and obesity and the need for PMRT. 490 women received PMRT. Of these, 396 women (81%) underwent combined [N]SSM/IIBR and PMRT or mastectomy and PMRT with delayed breast reconstruction. Ninety-four additional women (19%) did not undergo breast reconstruction. The latter group differed significantly from those who did in demographic and physical characteristics but not in terms of oncological diagnosis and history. Patient's preference was the single most frequent determinant of not performing either immediate or delayed breast reconstruction among these 94 women. Oncological status was not a major determinant in refraining from reconstruction. The significant difference in non-oncological characteristics between the reconstructed and non-reconstructed women confirms the importance of these characteristics in the preference for either reconstruction or non-reconstruction.

Long-term Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes Comparing Skin-Preserving, Staged Versus Delayed Microvascular Breast Reconstruction.

Skin-preserving, staged, microvascular, breast reconstruction often is preferred in patients requiring postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) but may lead to complications. We compared the long-term surgical and patient-reported outcomes between skin-preserving and delayed microvascular breast reconstruction with and without PMRT. We conducted a retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and microvascular breast reconstruction between January 2016 and April 2022. The primary outcome was any flap-related complication. The secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes and tissue-expander complications. We identified 1002 reconstructions (672 delayed; 330 skin-preserving) in 812 patients. Mean follow-up was 24.2 ± 19.3months. PMRT was required in 564 reconstructions (56.3%). In the non-PMRT group, skin-preserving reconstruction was independently associated with shorter hospital stay (β - 0.32, p = 0.045) and lower odds of 30-days readmission (odds ratio [OR] 0.44, p=0.042), seroma (OR 0.42, p=0.036), and hematoma (OR 0.24, p=0.011) compared with delayed reconstruction. In the PMRT group, skin-preserving reconstruction was independently associated with shorter hospital stay (β - 1.15, p<0.001) and operative time (β - 97.0, p<0.001) and lower odds of 30-days readmission (OR 0.29, p=0.005) and infection (OR 0.33, p=0.023) compared with delayed reconstruction. Skin-preserving reconstruction had a 10.6% tissue expander loss rate and did not differ from delayed reconstruction in terms of patient-reported satisfaction with breast, psychosocial well-being, or sexual well-being. Skin-preserving, staged, microvascular, breast reconstruction is safe regardless of the need for PMRT, with an acceptable tissue expander loss rate, and is associated with improvedflap outcomes and similar patient-reported quality of life to that of delayed reconstruction.

The Role of Surgical Axillary Staging Prior to Immediate Breast Reconstruction in the Era of De-Escalation of Axillary Management in Early Breast Cancer.

Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) following immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is associated with postoperative complications. Although the incidence of node-positive breast cancer is declining, a separate sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is still performed before mastectomy when IBR is planned, in order to evaluate nodal status and the need for PMRT. This study assessed the impact of staged SLNB on the breast reconstructive planning, and presents common clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer with macrometastatic nodal spread where staged SLNB would be beneficial to indicate PMRT. Medical records of breast cancer patients scheduled for mastectomy and IBR at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden, from November 2014 to February 2020, were reviewed. Of 92 patients, node-positive disease was present in 15 (16%). Fifty-three patients underwent staged SLNB before mastectomy and IBR, and 10 (19%) presented with nodal metastasis. All patients with macrometastatic sentinel nodes were presented with palpable, multifocal, ER+ breast carcinoma of no special type with tumor size > 17.0 mm. Overall, four women received PMRT after verified metastasis by staged SLNB, and IBR was cancelled for three patients. These findings question the benefit of routine staged SLNB before mastectomy and IBR in breast cancer populations within established mammography screening programs with low risk of nodal metastasis.

Validation of a prognostic scoring system for postmastectomy locoregional recurrence in breast cancer

BackgroundTo date, it remains unclear which patients with breast cancer (BC) benefit from post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Cheng et al. developed and validated a scoring system based on 4 prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence (LRR) to identify patients in need for PMRT. These factors include age, estrogen receptor status, lymphovascular status and number of affected axillary lymph nodes. PurposeTo validate the scoring system for LRR in BC developed by Cheng et al. by using an independent BC database. Methods and materialsWe retrospectively identified 1989 BC cases, treated with mastectomy (ME) with or without PMRT at the University Hospitals Leuven between 2000 and 2007. The primary endpoint was 5-year locoregional control rate with and without PMRT, according to the LRR score. ResultsMedian follow-up time was 11.4 years. After excluding patients with missing variables 1103 patients were classified using the LRR scoring system: 688 (62.38%) patients were at low risk of recurrence (LRR score 0–1), 335 (30.37%) patients were at intermediate risk of recurrence (LRR score 2–3) and 80 (7.25%) patients were at high risk of recurrence (LRR score ≥4). 5-year locoregional control rates with and without PMRT were 99.20% versus 99.21% (p = 0.43) in the low-risk group; 98.24% versus 85.74% (p < 0.0001) in the intermediate-risk group and 96.87% versus 85.71% (p = 0.10) in the high-risk group respectively. ConclusionOur validation of the LRR scoring system suggests it can be used to point out patients that would benefit from PMRT. We recommend further validation of this scoring system by other independent institutions before application in clinical practice.

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

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. 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. 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). 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.

Optimizing Breast Cancer Adjuvant Radiation and Integration of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery.

Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) reduces the risk of locoregional and distant recurrence and improves overall survival in women with lymph node-positive breast cancer. Because of stage migration and improvements in systemic therapy and other aspects of breast cancer care, the absolute benefit of PMRT and regional nodal irradiation may be small in some favorable subsets of patients with very low nodal burden, and newer consensus guidelines do not mandate PMRT in all node-positive cases. The use and need for PMRT may considerably complicate breast reconstruction after mastectomy and therefore mandates multidisciplinary input that takes into account patient choice given potential risk of acute and long-term toxicities, benefits, life expectancy, the biology of the tumor, plans for systemic therapy, and actual tumor burden. Management of axillary lymph node metastases is changing with selective use of axillary lymph node dissection for advanced disease, sentinel lymph node biopsy alone for clinically and pathologic node-negative cases receiving mastectomy, and targeted axillary dissection alone among patients with eradication of initial biopsy-proven nodal metastases with neoadjuvant systemic therapy use. In general, when the need for PMRT is anticipated, autologous reconstruction should be delayed. This comprehensive article reviews the current indications and implications regarding integration of breast cancer surgery and timing of reconstruction with optimum radiation delivery to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

Abstract P3-14-07: Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in mastectomy and immediate autologous free flap reconstruction. Findings from the primary radiotherapy and DIEP flap (PRADA) pilot study

Abstract Background: The need for post mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), may preclude reconstructive surgeons from offering patients immediate, autologous reconstruction. This is due to historical evidence suggesting high rates of short- and long-term complications as well as poorer aesthetic outcomes. As the indications for PMRT broaden this practice denies an ever-increasing number of women the benefit of an immediate reconstruction. Aim: This pilot study evaluates the safety of offering radiotherapy prior to mastectomy and immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. Methods: Women planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAcT), mastectomy (following unsuccessful breast conservation surgery (BCS) or upfront selection) and PMRT were offered a change in sequencing of RT at two academic breast surgery units in London, UK. Data was prospectively captured on 19 women, including: patient demographics, treatment details, tumour characteristics, oncological and post-operative outcomes. Operative parameters included unplanned return to theatre [RTT] &amp;lt;30 days, mastectomy skin flap necrosis, and evidence of wound infection at 5 days, 4 and 12 weeks post-operatively. All mastectomies, were performed by one of 3 breast surgeons (DH, FAM, DRL) using a circumareolar incisions with one patient undergoing a vertical pattern incision for skin reduction. Results: The cohort demonstrated a broad range of age, body mass index (BMI) and mastectomy weight [mean (range): age=46 years (28-72); BMI = 28.4 kg/m2 (23-37.6) and specimen weight=678gm (257-1040)]. The mean time from completion of NAcT to neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART) was 31.1 days (9-49 days), and time from completion of NART to mastectomy and DIEP was 17.8 days (13-24 days). There was one unplanned RTT at 72 hours for an evacuation of haematoma, 1 revision of micro-vascular anastomosis, 1 clinical fat necrosis requiring formal excision and 1 wound debridement and primary closure for poor wound healing (vertical pattern skin reduction). There were no flap failures and no mastectomy envelope necrosis. With a mean follow-up of 16.2 months, there were no loco-regional recurrences, 5 distant relapses with mean presentation at 13.7 months and 2 breast-cancer related deaths at 13.9 and 22.2months respectively. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction is surgically feasible within 4 weeks of completing NART. In this small cohort of oncologically high-risk women with altered sequencing of RT we did not observe flap failure or post-mastectomy skin flap necrosis. A larger multicentre study with aesthetic assessment, PROMS and translational aspects is planned. Citation Format: Thiruchelvam P, Hadjiminas D, Cleator S, Wood S, Leff D, Jallali N, James S, MacNeill F. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in mastectomy and immediate autologous free flap reconstruction. Findings from the primary radiotherapy and DIEP flap (PRADA) pilot study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-14-07.

Optimizing Breast Cancer Adjuvant Radiation and Integration of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery

Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) reduces the risk of locoregional and distant recurrence and improves overall survival in women with lymph node-positive breast cancer. Because of stage migration and improvements in systemic therapy and other aspects of breast cancer care, the absolute benefit of PMRT and regional nodal irradiation may be small in some favorable subsets of patients with very low nodal burden, and newer consensus guidelines do not mandate PMRT in all node-positive cases. The use and need for PMRT may considerably complicate breast reconstruction after mastectomy and therefore mandates multidisciplinary input that takes into account patient choice given potential risk of acute and long-term toxicities, benefits, life expectancy, the biology of the tumor, plans for systemic therapy, and actual tumor burden. Management of axillary lymph node metastases is changing with selective use of axillary lymph node dissection for advanced disease, sentinel lymph node biopsy alone for clinically and pathologic node-negative cases receiving mastectomy, and targeted axillary dissection alone among patients with eradication of initial biopsy-proven nodal metastases with neoadjuvant systemic therapy use. In general, when the need for PMRT is anticipated, autologous reconstruction should be delayed. This comprehensive article reviews the current indications and implications regarding integration of breast cancer surgery and timing of reconstruction with optimum radiation delivery to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

Abstract P2-14-09: Variation in UK reconstructive practice in the face of post-mastectomy radiotherapy

Abstract Approximately 30-40% of women are not offered immediate breast reconstruction because the possibility of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is unknown at the time of mastectomy. Breast reconstruction may be delayed until final pathology is available and need for radiotherapy established. Surgical literature is replete with studies of varying quality, reporting complication rates for a range of reconstructive procedures, highlighting the need for surgical trials of reconstructive techniques in women at risk of PMRT. Decisions for these patients are complex, involving multiple clinicians including surgeons and oncologists. To inform a surgical trial design, we aimed to determine current UK surgical practice and gain an understanding of the drivers behind decision-making. Methods: A questionnaire, validated in a pilot population, was posted to Consultant members of the Association of Breast Surgery (UK). We collected data on current practice in conducting Delayed, Immediate and Delayed-immediate reconstructive surgery. We collated data on type and volume of procedure performed and factors affecting decision-making including delay to adjuvant treatment, risk of complications, perception of patients’ quality of life (QoL) and aesthetic satisfaction. Results: Of 355 surgeons, 130(37%) responded. Of these, 77% felt the current evidence base was not adequate to guide surgical decisions and 80% felt a need for further trials to guide best treatment. Despite a lack of scientific evidence demonstrating a difference in cosmesis or QoL between Immediate and Delayed reconstruction, 85% felt there is not equivalent cosmesis and 71% felt there is not equivalent QoL between the two groups. There is considerable heterogeneity in reconstructive approach to patients at risk of PMRT (Table 1). Delayed reconstruction remains the most popular option, being regularly used by 94% of surgeons despite only 34% of surgeons believing the majority of patients are satisfied with the approach. Significantly fewer surgeons perform Immediate implant based reconstruction (with or without ADM) than Delayed (p&amp;lt;0.01). Implant reconstruction is performed by 71% of surgeons in patients at risk of PMRT, but only 44% of surgeons felt patients were happy with the final results. Table 1 No. of responses NeverSometimesOftenAlwaysDelayed5505119Immediate implant584181Immediate ADM+Implant45491452-stage (delayed-immediate) Expander to permanent reconstruction2855335Immediate Autologous2959227 The three most important drivers in making a reconstructive choice were 1. Effect of PMRT on the cosmetic result 2. Minimising risk of complications and avoiding delay to adjuvant treatment 3. Pre-operative uncertainty over the need for PMRT. Conclusions: Surgeons employ a variety of approaches to reconstruction in the face of PMRT, the most common approach being delayed reconstruction. Decision-making is based upon individual surgeon’s perception of risks including likely delay to adjuvant therapy and effect of PMRT on the reconstruction. Drivers appeared to be more surgeon-centred rather than patient-based. There is awareness of a lack of evidence to support decision-making and the need for high quality studies. Randomised clinical trials are needed to provide an evidence base for outcomes. Citation Format: James R Harvey, Nigel J Bundred, Cliona C Kirwan, Ashu Gandhi, Paula J Duxbury. Variation in UK reconstructive practice in the face of post-mastectomy radiotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-09.

Accuracy of a multidisciplinary team-led discussion in predicting postmastectomy radiotherapy.

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed increasingly following mastectomy for breast cancer. The literature suggests higher reconstructive failure and poorer cosmesis in the subgroup of patients receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) following IBR. We set out to determine the accuracy of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion in predicting PMRT. Preoperative MDT discussions were recorded prospectively over a 12-month period (from February 2011) in a symptomatic breast unit. The estimated need for PMRT was stratified into 'PMRT not required', 'PMRT possibly required', 'PMRT probably required' and 'PMRT required' groups. Of 156 referrals included in the study, 76 patients (49%) underwent mastectomy: 61 simple mastectomy, 10 skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) and delayed-immediate breast reconstruction, 3 SSM and implant-based IBR, and 2 mastectomy IBR with an autologous flap. The IBR rate was therefore 19.7%. The proportion of patients who received PMRT was 14% (3/21) in the 'PMRT not required', 30% (7/23) in the 'PMRT possibly required', 65% (9/14) in the 'PMRT probably required' and 94% (17/18) in the 'PMRT required' groups. Assigning a linear numerical score (1-4) to these groups (higher score representing greater likelihood of receiving PMRT), the predicted need for PMRT correlated with the proportion of patients who ultimately received PMRT (linear regression r(2)=0.98, p=0.01). This study has examined the factors influencing MDT discussions regarding IBR, demonstrating that the MDT is reasonably accurate at predicting need for PMRT. Whether such accuracy is clinically adequate and/or reproducible across units is debatable.

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction: An Update for Clinical Practice

Aim: To provide an up-to-date review of the literature on skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for breast cancer (BC). The article also reviews the oncological safety, effects of radiotherapy (RT) on immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), the indications for preserving the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and the emerging role of allogenic grafts as adjuncts to implant in IBR. Methods: Review of the English literature from 1965 to 2013 was carried out using Medline and PubMed research engines. Results: SSM is oncologically safe in appropriately selected cases of invasive breast cancer (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) including IBC 5 cm, multi-centric tumours, DCIS and for risk-reduction surgery. Inflammatory breast cancer and tumours with extensive skin involvement represent contra-indications to SSM due to an unacceptable risk of local recurrence. Prior breast irradiation or the need for post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) do not preclude SSM with IBR, however the aesthetic outcome may be compromised by radiation. Preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) has aesthetic and psychological benefits and is safe for peripherally located node negative unifocal tumours. An intraoperative frozen section protocol for the retro-areolar tissue should be performed when NAC preservation is considered. The advent of acellular dermal matrix has enhanced the scope of implant-based immediate reconstruction following SSM. Cell-assisted fat transfer is emerging as a promising technique to optimise the aesthetics outcome. There is no sufficient evidence to support the role of endoscopic mastectomy in clinical practice. Conclusion: Numerous retrospective and prospective studies show that SSM is oncolgically safe in appropriately selected cases and is aesthetically superior to non-SSM mastectomy. New tech-niques such as the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and cell-assisted fat transfer have increased the use of implants for volume replacement following SSM. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, an updated systematic meta-analysis of published studies is required in order to consolidate the evidence.

Evolving role of skin sparing mastectomy.

Skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) can facilitate immediate breast reconstruction and is associated with an excellent aesthetic result. The procedure is safe in selected cases; including invasive tumours < 5 cm, multi-centric tumours, ductal carcinoma in situ and for risk-reduction surgery. Inflammatory breast cancers and tumours with extensive involvement of the skin represent contra-indications to SSM due to an unacceptable risk of local recurrence. Prior breast irradiation or the need for post-mastectomy radiotherapy do not preclude SSM, however the aesthetic outcome may be compromised. Preservation of the nipple areola complex is safe for peripherally located node negative tumours. An intraoperative frozen section protocol for the retro-areolar tissue should be considered in these cases. The advent of acellular tissue matrix systems has enhanced the scope of implant-based immediate reconstruction following SSM. Cell-assisted fat transfer is emerging as a promising technique to optimise the aesthetic outcome.

It Is Not Always Necessary to Do Axillary Dissection for T1 and T2 Breast Cancer—Point

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been a part of breast cancer management since the 1900s. The idea that axillary metastases do not require surgical removal is a repudiation of the Halstedian concept of breast cancer biology, yet multiple prospective randomized studies show that the incidence of nodal recurrence in patients not having ALND is substantially lower than expected, based on the incidence of axillary metastases in patients having ALND, and survival does not differ based on axillary treatment. Avoidance of axillary dissection significantly reduces the morbidity of breast cancer surgery. As the use of systemic therapy has increased and targeted therapies have become available, the incidence of axillary recurrence in patients not having dissection has decreased to approximately 1% at 5 years, making routine axillary dissection difficult to justify. ALND is no longer standard management for patients with T1 and T2, clinically node-negative cancers undergoing breast-conserving therapy and found to have a positive sentinel node, and can also be avoided in patients with these tumor features having mastectomy if the need for postmastectomy radiotherapy is clear with the finding of a positive sentinel node.

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: An Update for Clinical Practice

Aim: To review the oncological safety and aesthetic advantage of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for invasive breast cancer (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). Controversies including the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and the role of endoscopic mastectomy are also considered. Methods: Literature review using Medline and PubMed. Results: SSM is safe in selected cases; including IBC 5 cm, multi-centric tumours, DCIS and for risk-reduction surgery. Inflammatory breast cancers and tumours with extensive involvement of the skin represent contra-indications to SSM due to an unacceptable risk of local recurrence. SSM can facilitate IBR and is associated with an excellent aesthetic result. Prior breast irradiation or the need for post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) do not preclude SSM, however the cosmetic outcome may be adversely affected. Nipple/areola preservation is safe for peripherally located node negative tumours. A frozen section protocol for the retro-areolar tissue should be considered in these cases. The advent of acellular tissue matrix systems has widened the applicability of implant-based immediate reconstruction following SSM. Data on endoscopic mastectomy is limited and superiority over conventional SSM has not been demonstrated. Conclusion: SSM is safe in selected cases and is associated with advantages over simple mastectomy, including a superior aesthetic outcome and a potential reduction in the number of reconstructive procedures per patient.

Surgical Decision‐making in Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Immediate breast reconstruction has been accepted as safe and practical after mastectomy for breast cancer; factors limiting its use are patient comorbidities and potential complications caused by adjuvant therapies (particularly radiotherapy). The aim of this study was to identify factors considered by surgeons when deciding whether to offer immediate breast reconstruction, to determine the surgeon's accuracy when predicting postmastectomy radiotherapy, and to assess the impact of premastectomy investigations on decision-making. Four oncoplastic breast surgeons completed a survey for every mastectomy performed over an 11-month period. On the survey form they indicated reason for mastectomy, investigations available premastectomy, if they offered immediate reconstruction, and if not offered, why they did not offer it. Data on adjuvant therapies employed was also collected. A total of 157 women underwent mastectomy during the study period. Seventy-six (48.4%) were offered immediate reconstruction and 36 (22.9%) accepted. The most common reason for not offering immediate reconstruction was the predicted need for postmastectomy radiotherapy (56.8%). Of the 76 patients offered immediate reconstruction, 9 went onto be offered postmastectomy radiotherapy (11.8%). Decision-making was no more accurate in those women who had MRI, axillary staging, or excisional pathology available premastectomy. The most common reason for not offering immediate breast reconstruction is the need for postmastectomy radiotherapy and surgeons are able to predict this accurately. The addition of invasive and expensive staging investigations premastectomy does not appear to assist this decision-making process. Despite careful patient selection, a high rate of immediate reconstruction may be maintained.

Breast cancer radiotherapy: controversies and prospectives

WBI takes 5–7 weeks, with attendant costs and inconveniences. This represents a significant hardship to certain subsets of patients and leads to disparity in breast cancer treatment. Obstacles such as inability to find an X-ray telescope (XRT) center close to home, difficulty in finding transportation to and from a center, lack of family support, and extreme age and/or physical handicap prevent some patients from electing to enter a 6-week course of WBI. Results from the breast-conserving therapy (BCT) trials suggest that up to 86% of the risk for ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence resides in close proximity to the original tumor site. This leads investigators to consider the role of an accelerated and more tumor bed-focused course of radiotherapy. APBI involves the treatment of a limited volume of breast tissue with a dose of irradiation per fraction increased and the treatment time course decreased. The goal is to deliver a dose of irradiation to a limited volume in less time, that is equivalent to the clinical outcome of the conventional 6-week treatment. 8 The importance of proper patient selection cannot be over-stressed when discussing the efficacy of APBI. This includes early stage breast cancer as determined by tumor size less than 2–3 cm, node-negative disease, age of patients more than 45–50 years, and tumor-free margins. 9,10 Additional criteria under study include features such as lobular histology, presence of extensive intraductal component (EIC), lymphvascular invasion, tumor grade and limited node-positive disease. When the tumor histology demonstrates a higher risk for multicentric disease and thus a higher rate for non-tumor bed cancer recurrence, the patients should not be

Oncological and aesthetic considerations of skin-sparing mastectomy

To review the oncological safety and aesthetic value of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for invasive breast cancer (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). Controversies including the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and the role of endoscopic mastectomy are also considered. Literature review facilitated by Medline and PubMed databases. SSM is an oncologically safe technique in selected cases, including IBC <5 cm, multi-centric tumours, DCIS and prophylactic risk-reduction surgery. The high risk of local recurrence (LR) excludes inflammatory breast cancers and tumours with extensive involvement of the skin. SSM can facilitate IBR and is associated with an excellent aesthetic result. Prior breast irradiation or the need for post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMR) do not preclude SSM, however the cosmetic outcome may be affected. Nipple/areola preservation is possible for remote tumours, employing a frozen section protocol for the retro-areolar tissue. There is limited data available for endoscopic mastectomy and superiority over conventional SSM has not been established. In appropriately selected cases SSM is oncologically adequate. There are several patient centred advantages over conventional mastectomy, including aesthetic outcome and the avoidance of multiple staged procedures. Despite widespread uptake into surgical practice, validation of these techniques from randomised controlled trials is lacking.