Effect of margins of excision on recurrence after local excision of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast: Perspectives on Tumor Subtype and Treatment

Objective

To evaluate ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) characteristics and the effect of different treatment strategies. Patients and Methods. Using data with known hormone receptor (HoR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status obtained by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from 2010-2014, the study was conducted to investigate tumor subtype-specific differences in various characteristics, overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM).

Results

A total of 3415 patients with DCIS were eligible. Compared with HoR+/HER- subgroup, patients with triple-negative (TN) and HoR-/HER+ were commonly higher in grade, larger in size, and tended to receive mastectomy (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that patients with TN were more likely to have a poorer OS and show a higher breast cancer-specific mortality compared with the HoR+/HER- subgroup (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis on the history of local treatment and surgery showed patients receiving breast-conserving surgery (BCS) plus radiotherapy (R) and BCS plus axillary lymph node dissection was likely to improve OS without affecting breast cancer-specific mortality (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that DCIS associated with TN subtype portends poor prognosis. Meanwhile, BCS plus R was a preferable option and resulted in survival rates better than those achieved with mastectomy, and SLNB should be considered as an appropriate assessment of axillary staging in patients with DCIS.

Polygon method: A systematic margin assessment for breast conservation

BACKGROUND

Radiation therapy (RT) for women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) may be overtreatment for some, especially for those in which DCIS is eradicated, and ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) risk approaches the contralateral breast cancer (CBC) level. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the polygon method, a new systematic method of en face (tangential, shaved) margin assessment, can identify a subset of DCIS that can be safely treated by BCS alone.

METHODS

A key tool of the polygon method is an adjustable mold that prevents the "pancake phenomenon" (flattening) of breast tissue after surgical removal so that the specimen is fixed in the shape of a polygonal prism. This preanalytical procedure enables us to command a panoramic view of entire en face margins 3-5-mm deep from the real peripheral cut surfaces. Competing risk analysis was used to quantify rates of IBTR and CBC and to evaluate risk factors.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2013, we identified 146 DCIS patients undergoing BCS with a contralateral breast at risk. In 100 DCIS patients whose margin was negative by the polygon method, 5 IBTR (3 DCIS and 2 invasive ductal carcinoma [IDC]) and 10 CBC (6 DCIS and 4 IDC) cases were identified during a median follow-up of 7.6 years (range, 0.9-17.4). Five- and 10-year cumulative incidence rates were 3.0% and 5.3% for IBTR, and 7.1% and 13.3% for CBC, respectively. Thus, patients with a negative margin consistently showed at least twofold lower IBTR than CBC despite omission of RT.

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese women classified with a negative margin by the polygon method show a very low risk of IBTR and account for approximately half of CBC cases. In this subset of DCIS patients, additional RT is not beneficial.

Breast carcinoma in situ: An observational study of tumor subtype, treatment and outcomes

Background & Aims

To evaluate the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of patients with breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) with special emphasis on the role of the tumor subtype and local treatment in these patients.

Methods

Using data obtained by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from 2010-2013, a retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted to investigate tumor subtype-specific differences in various characteristics, overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM).

Results

In all, 6867 patients with BCIS were eligible during the 2010-2013 study period. Compared with the hormone receptor (HoR)+/HER- subgroup, patients with triple negative (TN) breast cancer were more likely to have tumors that were higher in grade and larger in size; they were also more likely to have tumors with ductal and comedo histology and were less likely to have tumors with cribriform and papillary histology (each P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, patients with TN breast cancer had an OS of 97.0% compared with 98.6 % in the HoR+/HER- subgroup (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the BCSM rate was 1.0% for the TN group compared with 0.1% for the HoR+/HER- subgroup (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with TN MBC had a poorer OS and BCSM (P <0.05). Multivariate analysis of OS with respect to the local treatment history showed that patients who received breast-conserving surgery (BCS) combined with radiotherapy (R) were more likely to have an improved OS (P < 0.05). Moreover, the results demonstrated that patients who underwent SLNB were more likely to have a lower BCSM (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that BCIS appears to alter the prognosis associated with the TN subtype. Meanwhile, BCS plus R was a preferable option and resulted in survival rates that were better than those achieved with mastectomy; thus, SLNB should be considered as an appropriate assessment of axillary staging in patients with BCIS.

Current treatment trends and the need for better predictive tools in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast represents a group of heterogeneous non-invasive lesions the incidence of which has risen dramatically since the advent of mammography screening. In this review we summarise current treatment trends and up-to-date results from clinical trials studying surgery and adjuvant therapy alternatives, including the recent consensus on excision margin width and its role in decision-making for post-excision radiotherapy. The main challenge in the clinical management of DCIS continues to be the tailoring of treatment to individual risk, in order to avoid the over-treatment of low-risk lesions or under-treatment of DCIS with higher risk of recurring or progressing into invasion. While studies estimate that only about 40% of DCIS would become invasive if untreated, heterogeneity and complex natural history have prevented adequate identification of these higher-risk lesions. Here we discuss attempts to develop prognostic tools for the risk stratification of DCIS lesions and their limitations. Early results of a UK-wide audit of DCIS management (the Sloane Project) have also demonstrated a lack of consistency in treatment. In this review we offer up-to-date perspectives on current treatment and prediction of DCIS, highlighting the pressing clinical need for better prognostic indices. Tools integrating both clinical and histopathological factors together with molecular biomarkers may hold potential for adequate stratification of DCIS according to risk. This could help develop standardised practices for optimal management of patients with DCIS, improving clinical outcomes while providing only the amount of therapy required for each individual patient.

Predictors for local invasive recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: a meta-analysis

The introduction of mammographic screening has considerably increased the detection rate of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which has a high probability of recurrence. We carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive factors including biomarkers, tumor characteristics, and modes of detection on the risk of local invasive recurrence (LIR) following DCIS. Searches were performed in PubMed and EMBASE up to 8 July 2014. Risk estimates (hazard ratios, odds ratios, and relative risks) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted to calculate the strength of the associations between predictive factors and the risk of LIR after treatment of DCIS. STATA 12.0 was used to combine results in this meta-analysis. A total of 18 articles were included in the analysis. Pooled risk estimates and 95% CIs were 1.36 (1.04-1.69) for the positive margin, 1.38 (1.12-1.63) for the nonscreening detection method, 1.04 (0.84-1.24) for high nuclear grade 1, 1.32 (0.98-1.66) for intermediate nuclear grade 2, 1.18 (0.98-1.37) for comedonecrosis, 1.00 (0.92-1.08) for large tumor size, 1.34 (0.82-1.87) for multifocality, 0.74 (0.36-1.12) for estrogen receptor-positive tumors, 0.89 (0.47-1.31) for progesterone receptor-positive tumors, and 1.25 (0.7-1.81) for HER2/neu-positive tumors. Positive margin and non-screening-detected cancers were associated with a higher risk of LIR following DCIS. These predictive factors, after further validation, could be considered to tailor treatment for individual patients.

Predictors of Recurrent Ductal Carcinoma In Situ after Breast-Conserving Surgery

Purpose

Local recurrence is a major concern in patients who have undergone surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The present study assessed whether the expression levels of hormone receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki-67, as well as resection margin status, tumor grade, age at diagnosis, and adjuvant hormonal therapy and radiotherapy (RT) are associated with recurrence in women with DCIS.

Methods

In total, 111 patients with DCIS were included in the present study. The invasive and noninvasive recurrence events were recorded. The clinicopathological features; resection margins; administration of hormonal therapy and RT; expression statuses of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2; Ki-67 expression; and molecular subtypes were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the risk factors for recurrence.

Results

Recurrence was noted in 27 of 111 cases (24.3%). Involvement of resection margins, low tumor grade, high Ki-67 expression, and RT were independently associated with an increase in the recurrence rate (p<0.05, Pearson chi-square test). The recurrence rate was not significantly associated with patient age; ER, PR, and HER2 statuses; molecular subtype; and hormonal therapy.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggested that the involvement of resection margins, low tumor grade, high Ki-67 index, and the absence of adjuvant RT were independently associated with increased recurrence in patients with DCIS. Future studies should be conducted in a larger cohort of patients to further improve the identification of patients at high-risk for DCIS recurrence.

Current view on ductal carcinoma in situ and importance of the margin thresholds: A review

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a heterogeneous group of diseases that differ in biology and clinical behaviour. Until 1980, DCIS represented less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. With the increased utilization of mammography, DCIS now accounts for 15% to 25% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. The Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VPNI) is a commonly used tool for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treatment approach. Patient age, tumour size, tumour margins and pathological grade are used in order to stratify patients into three groups pertaining to risk of local recurrence: low-, intermediate- and high risk. Patients in the low-risk subgroup will always be treated with excision alone, while in the highest subgroup mastectomy is the safest option. Just like invasive breast cancer (IBC) there might be a curative dilemma in the intermediate-risk group. Many trials confirm that tumour margins are the most important prognostic factor of local recurrence for DCIS patients treated with breast conserving surgery alone or with breast conserving surgery plus radiotherapy. In this article we focused specifically on the literature concerning margin thresholds.

Imaging-assisted large-format breast pathology: program rationale and development in a nonprofit health system in the United States

Modern breast imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging, provides an increasingly clear depiction of breast cancer extent, often with suboptimal pathologic confirmation. Pathologic findings guide management decisions, and small increments in reported tumor characteristics may rationalize significant changes in therapy and staging. Pathologic techniques to grossly examine resected breast tissue have changed little during this era of improved breast imaging and still rely primarily on the techniques of gross inspection and specimen palpation. Only limited imaging information is typically conveyed to pathologists, typically in the form of wire-localization images from breast-conserving procedures. Conventional techniques of specimen dissection and section submission destroy the three-dimensional integrity of the breast anatomy and tumor distribution. These traditional methods of breast specimen examination impose unnecessary limitations on correlation with imaging studies, measurement of cancer extent, multifocality, and margin distance. Improvements in pathologic diagnosis, reporting, and correlation of breast cancer characteristics can be achieved by integrating breast imagers into the specimen examination process and the use of large-format sections which preserve local anatomy. This paper describes the successful creation of a large-format pathology program to routinely serve all patients in a busy interdisciplinary breast center associated with a community-based nonprofit health system in the United States.

The influence of clinicopathological features on the predictive accuracy of conventional breast imaging in determining the extent of screen-detected high-grade pure ductal carcinoma in situ

INTRODUCTION

The extent of calcified ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) detected by screening mammography is a determinant for treatment with breast conserving surgery (BCS). However, DCIS may be uncalcified and almost a quarter of patients with DCIS treated initially by BCS either require a second operation or are found to have unexpected invasive disease following surgery. Identification of these cases might guide selective implementation of additional diagnostic procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with a preoperative diagnosis of pure high-grade DCIS at the Southampton and Salisbury Breast Screening Unit over a ten-year period was carried out. Mammograms were reviewed independently by a consultant radiologist and additional factors including the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS(®)) breast density score, DCIS extent and disease location within the breast recorded.

RESULTS

Unexpected invasive disease was found in 35 of 144 patients (24%). Within our unit the re-excision rate for all screen-detected DCIS is currently 23% but for patients included in this study with high-grade DCIS the re-excision rate was 39% (34/87). The extent of DCIS (p=0.008) and lack of expression of the oestrogen receptor (ER) predicted the requirement for re-excision in both univariate (p=0.004) and multivariate analysis (p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

High-grade DCIS may be focally uncalcified, leading to underestimation of disease extent, which might be related to ER status. Invasive foci associated with high-grade DCIS are often mammographically occult. Exploration of additional biomarkers and targeted use of further diagnostic techniques may improve the preoperative staging of DCIS.

Tumor characteristics as predictors of local recurrence after treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ: a meta-analysis

While ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is seldom life threatening, the management of DCIS remains a dilemma for patients and their physicians. Aggressive treatment reduces the risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), but has never been proven to improve survival. There is interest in identifying the prognostic factors for determining low-risk DCIS patients, but a comprehensive review of high-quality evidence on tumor characteristics in predicting local recurrence has never been carried out. We examined the following tumor characteristics: biomarkers, comedonecrosis, focality, surgical margin, method of detection, tumor grade, and tumor size. For this systematic review we restricted the analyses to the results of subgroup analyses from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and multivariate analyses from RCTs and observational studies. We identified 44 eligible articles. The pooled random-effects risk estimates for IBTR are comedonecrosis 1.71(95% CI, 1.36-2.16), focality 1.95(95% CI, 1.59-2.40), margin 2.25(95% CI, 1.77-2.86), method of detection 1.35(95% CI, 1.12-1.62), tumor grade 1.81(95% CI, 1.53-2.13), and tumor size 1.63(95% CI, 1.30-2.06). Limited evidence indicated that women whose DCIS is ER-negative, PR-negative, or HER2/neu receptor positive have an IBTR higher than those whose DCIS is ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2/neu receptor negative. A variety of tumor characteristics are significant predictors for IBTR. These results are important for both clinicians and patients to interpret the risk of local recurrence and to decide on a course of treatment.

Association between patient and tumor characteristics with clinical outcomes in women with ductal carcinoma in situ

We synthesized the evidence of the association between patient and tumor characteristics with clinical outcomes in women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. We identified five randomized controlled clinical trials and 64 observational studies that were published in English from January 1970 to January 2009. Younger women with clinically presented ductal carcinoma in situ had higher risk of ipsilateral recurrent cancer. African Americans had higher mortality and greater rates of advanced recurrent cancer. Women with larger tumor size, comedo necrosis, worse pathological grading, positive surgical margins, and at a higher risk category, using a composite prognostic index, had worse outcomes. Inconsistent evidence suggested that positive HER2 receptor and negative estrogen receptor status were associated with worse outcomes. Synthesis of evidence was hampered by low statistical power to detect significant differences in predictor categories and inconsistent adjustment practices across the studies. Future research should address composite prediction indices among race groups for all outcomes.

Local control of ductal carcinoma in situ based on tumor and patient characteristics: the surgeon's perspective

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a disease whose manifestations are largely confined to in-breast pathology. Management strategies therefore focus on various combinations of local therapy: mastectomy, lumpectomy alone, and lumpectomy followed by breast irradiation. Although DCIS does not carry an inherent risk of distant organ metastasis, optimal local control is essential because any in-breast or chest wall recurrence may occur as an invasive lesion. Local recurrence has been reported following breast-conserving surgery as well as mastectomy. Breast radiation is therefore generally recommended following breast-conserving surgery, and in selected circumstances, mastectomy may be the preferred treatment strategy. This article reviews the surgical and associated clinicopathologic issues related to initial biopsy and perioperative planning that should be considered for all DCIS cases to optimize local control.

The effect of margins on the clinical management of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

Complete excision is key to successful breast-conserving treatment for patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Patients with extensive DCIS should be considered the choice of mastectomy (followed by reconstruction), while for smaller DCIS breast-conserving treatment should be performed by complete excision. This review reports on the effect of margins on the clinical management of patients with a diagnosis of DCIS. The role of preoperative imaging including MRI, surgical procedures, and pathology are described.

Factors Affecting Successful Breast Conservation for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

BACKGROUND

Successful breast-conserving therapy in DCIS is restricted by high rates of residual disease resulting in the need for radiotherapy and/or re-excision. This study identifies patients with DCIS who are most at risk of compromised margins and of residual disease.

METHODS

All patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for DCIS over a 6-year period were included. Method of diagnosis, mammographic size, pathological size, DCIS-margin distance and residual disease on re-excision were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-five patients underwent initial breast-conserving surgery for DCIS. The compromised margin rate was 72%, and the rate of residual disease on re-operation was 54%. On univariate analysis, underestimation of pathological size by mammography by >1 cm occurred in 40% of those with compromised margins undergoing a therapeutic operation compared to only 14% of those with clear margins (P = 0.02). However, on multivariate analysis only pathological size (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.0,95% CI 1.037-1.128) and lack of a preoperative diagnosis by core biopsy (P < 0.0001, OR = 5.3,95% CI 1.859-15.08) were predictive of compromised margins. The presence of residual disease on re-excision was associated with increasing pathological size (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.085,95% CI 1.038-1.134) and decreasing DCIS-margin distance (P = 0.03, OR = 6.694,95% CI 1.84-37.855). Twenty-nine percent (n = 13/45) of lesions < or =3 cm compared to 84% (n = 27/32) of lesions >3 cm had residual disease on re-operation (P < 0.0001). Residual disease was present in 62% (n = 34/55), 64% (n = 7/11) and 17% (n = 2/12) of patients with DCIS-margin distances < or =1, 1-2 and 2-5 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Considerable underestimation of DCIS extent by mammography occurs in a high proportion of patients with compromised margins in breast conservation. Patients at particularly high risk of residual disease on re-excision are those with lesions >3 cm and those with DCIS-margin distances of < or = 2mm.

CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU BEFORE THE RELEASE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS IN AUSTRALIA: THE CASE IN VICTORIA

BACKGROUND

This study examines changes in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ between 1995 and 1999 in the Australian State of Victoria. This period was before the release of Australian treatment recommendations.

METHODS

All new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed between 1 April and 30 September in 1995 and 1999 were identified from the population cancer registry. Treating surgeons completed a questionnaire on the presentation and management of each case. In 1995, 64 out of 70 surgeons returned questionnaires for 137 cases (case response, 94%). In 1999, 68 surgeons treated 159 registered cases and 141 completed surveys were returned (case response, 89%).

RESULTS

More cases underwent an image-guided biopsy in 1999 (54%) than in 1995 (34%). Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was used to treat 69% of cases in 1999 and 63% in 1995. The use of axillary procedures (clearance or sampling) for women treated by mastectomy decreased from 61% in 1995 to 30% in 1999. More patients treated with BCS had margins simply described as "clear" in 1995 (49%) than in 1999 (21%). In 1995, only 7% of cases treated with BCS had radiotherapy, and this was 25% in 1999.

CONCLUSION

In both 1999 and 1995, the majority of patients were treated by BCS, but only a minority received radiotherapy.

Intraoperative Imprint Cytology in Assessment of Sentinel Lymph Nodes and Lumpectomy Surgical Margins

Intraoperative imprint cytology (IIC) in the assessment of sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) allows immediate, cost-effective axillary lymph node dissection. IIC diagnosis is accurate in up to 100% of grossly abnormal SNs. Despite overall low sensitivity for grossly negative SNs, the benefits of immediate complete axillary lymph node dissection offset the increased risk of missing micrometastases or loss of isolated tumor cells (ITCs) by performing frozen section. IIC of the lumpectomy margins is rapid, accurate, and cost effective. It allows re-excision during initial surgery if needed with better cosmetic result. It is a useful adjunct to, and frequently a replacement for frozen section in many centers. Cytopathologists must familiarize themselves with both advantages and pitfalls of IIC to avoid errors.

Histological markers that predict clinical recurrence in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: an Australian population-based study

AIMS

The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has increased substantially since the advent of widespread screening mammography. Identification of histological markers that predict recurrent disease is essential for optimal treatment management. To assist the clinico-pathological stratification of DCIS, we sought to determine histological markers of recurrence in DCIS in an Australian population-based series.

METHODS

In a study of all DCIS reported in Victoria between 1988 and 1992, managed by breast conserving therapy (wide local excision or subtotal mastectomy) with or without adjuvant radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy, the histological features of DCIS lesions with subsequent ipsilateral recurrence as in situ or invasive breast cancer were compared with a similarly managed control group of DCIS without recurrence.

RESULTS

Large lesion size, presence of nuclear pleomorphism, absence of cellular polarisation and extensive necrosis were all significant predictors of recurrence (P<0.05). Primary and recurrent DCIS lesions had similar morphological features, and invasive recurrence was characterised by ductal type with high nuclear grade.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies histological markers in DCIS associated with recurrence in an Australian population, and demonstrates similar histological appearances between primary and secondary lesions. These histological characteristics may be used to stratify DCIS subtypes and facilitate the future optimisation of disease management.

Ductal carcinoma in situ, complexities and challenges

The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive form of breast cancer, has increased markedly in recent decades, and DCIS now accounts for approximately 20% of breast cancers diagnosed by mammography. Laboratory and patient data suggest that DCIS is a precursor lesion for invasive cancer. The appropriate classification of DCIS has provoked much debate; a number of classification systems have been developed, but there is a lack of uniformity in the diagnosis and prognostication of this disease. Further investigation of molecular markers should improve the classification of DCIS and our understanding of its relationship to invasive disease. Controversy also exists with regard to the optimal management of DCIS patients. In the past, mastectomy was the primary treatment for patients with DCIS, but as with invasive cancer, breast-conserving surgery has become the standard approach. Three randomized trials have reported a statistically significant decrease in the risk of recurrence with radiation therapy in combination with lumpectomy compared with lumpectomy alone, but there was no survival advantage with the addition of radiotherapy. Two randomized trials have suggested an additional benefit, in terms of recurrence, with the addition of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy, although in one trial the benefit was not statistically significant. Current data suggest that tamoxifen use should be restricted to patients with estrogen receptor-positive DCIS. Neither trial demonstrated a survival benefit with adjuvant tamoxifen. Ongoing and recently completed studies should provide information on outcomes in patients treated with lumpectomy alone and on the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors as an alternative to tamoxifen.

Grade of recurrent in situ and invasive carcinoma following treatment of pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

The grade of recurrent in situ and invasive carcinoma occurring after treatment of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been compared with the grade of the original DCIS in 122 patients from four different centres (The Royal Marsden Hospitals, London and Sutton, 57 patients; Guy's Hospital, London, 19 patients; Nottingham City Hospital, 31 patients and The Royal Liverpool Hospital, 15 patients). The recurrent carcinoma was pure DCIS in 70 women (57%) and in 52 women (43%) invasive carcinoma was present, which was associated with an in situ element in 43. In all, 19 patients developed a second recurrence (pure DCIS in 11 and invasive with or without an in situ element in eight). The majority of invasive carcinomas followed high-grade DCIS. There was strong agreement between the grade of the original DCIS and that of the recurrent DCIS (kappa=0.679), which was the same in 95 of 113 patients (84%). The grade of the original DCIS showed only fair agreement with the grade of recurrent invasive carcinoma (kappa=0.241), although agreement was stronger with the pleomorphism score of the recurrent carcinoma (kappa=0.396). There was moderate agreement, in recurrent invasive lesions, between the grade of the DCIS and that of the associated invasive element (kappa=0.515). Other features that showed moderate or strong agreement between the original and recurrent DCIS were necrosis and periductal inflammation. The similarity between the histological findings of the original and subsequent DCIS is consistent with the concept that recurrent lesions represent regrowth of residual carcinoma. In addition, although agreement between the grade of the original DCIS and that of any subsequent invasive carcinoma was only fair, there is no suggestion that low-grade DCIS lesions progress to higher grade lesions or to the development of higher grade invasive carcinoma. This is in agreement with immunohistochemical and molecular data indicating that low-grade and high-grade mammary carcinomas are quite different lesions.

Diagnosis and management of ductal carcinoma in situ

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a preinvasive form of breast cancer that has increased in incidence over the past 25 years, primarily as a result of mammographically detected microcalcifications. Inadequately treated DCIS carries a risk for evolving into the malignant phenotype; however, the magnitude and timeline for this risk are poorly defined. Treatment options include lumpectomy with or without breast irradiation and mastectomy. The overall survival rate is 96% to 98% with any of these strategies, but the risk of local recurrence (LR) is highest after lumpectomy alone. Breast irradiation can reduce this risk from levels in excess of 40% to 10% over a 10-year follow-up period. Approximately 50% of all LR from DCIS are invasive lesions. Therefore, the occurrence of a LR after breast-conserving therapy is a potentially greater threat to the patient with DCIS compared to the patient diagnosed with invasive cancer. In patients diagnosed with invasive cancer, the risk of micrometastatic disease is present from the time of initial diagnosis. In patients with DCIS, the expectation is that a potentially 100% cure rate should be achieved with local therapy alone. Although most DCIS cases complicated by LR will be successfully salvaged with prolonged overall survival, it is critically important to take every precaution that will minimize the risk of locally recurrent disease. Therefore, radiation therapy as an adjunct to lumpectomy is essential. A subset of patients with DCIS with low-volume low-grade disease who can be safely treated by lumpectomy alone has not yet been clearly defined. Prospective studies designed to identify this category are ongoing. Inadequate margin control is the most consistent risk factor for LR that has been reported thus far, but there is no universally accepted definition for what constitutes an optimal negative margin distance. Young age at diagnosis, high nuclear grade, and comedonecrosis are other factors that have been implicated as increasing the risk for LR. Tamoxifen can further decrease the rate of new in-breast events on the affected side and in the contralateral breast. Ongoing trials will also define the role of aromatase inhibitors as a risk-reducing strategy.

The prognostic significance of multiple morphologic features and biologic markers in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

BACKGROUND

A number of conventional histopathologic features have been associated with recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after surgery alone and are included in the Van Nuys Pathologic Classification and Prognostic Index. To the authors' knowledge, very little is known regarding the prognostic significance of the many biologic markers that have been studied in DCIS in the past decade.

METHODS

Clinical and pathologic data were analyzed from 151 patients who underwent wide local excision alone for DCIS that was diagnosed by mammography or as an incidental finding between 1982 and 2000. Using local disease recurrence as an endpoint, the authors sought to determine the prognostic significance of a large number of histopathologic parameters as well as biologic markers (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], p53, HER-2/neu, Ki-67, p21, and bcl-2), as determined by immunohistochemical staining of contemporary or archival tissue.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 65 months, 42 recurrences were reported to occur between 11 months and 97 months after definitive surgery. In a univariate analysis, tumor size, Van Nuys pathologic classification, and degree of necrosis demonstrated significant correlations with the rate of recurrence. Tumor size, necrosis, nuclear grade, and comedonecrosis were found to be associated significantly with the time to disease recurrence. None of the biologic markers demonstrated a significant association with the rate of recurrence or the time to disease recurrence. In a multivariate analysis, only large tumor size (Van Nuys 2 or 3) and higher degrees of necrosis (Van Nuys 2 or 3) were found to be associated significantly with both the rate of recurrence and the time to recurrence. No biologic marker showed a significant correlation with recurrence. Using Classification and Regression-Tree Analysis and Tree-Structured Survival Analysis, PR > 3.5% and bcl-2 < 97.5% were associated with a higher recurrence rate in the subgroup of patients with small tumor size (Van Nuys size 1) and higher degrees of tumor necrosis (Van Nuys 2 or 3).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results confirmed the value of conventional histopathologic parameters, as outlined in the Van Nuys classification system, in predicting local recurrence of DCIS. Using traditional logistic analyses, no significant correlation was found between a variety of biologic markers and disease recurrence.

Tumour involvement of the re-excision specimen following clear local excision of breast cancer with positive margins

BACKGROUND

Breast conservation surgery and subsequent radiotherapy is an acceptable method of treating breast cancer. Complete excision of the primary tumour is important to minimize the risk of local recurrence. Re-excision is usually carried out if the initial primary tumour excision shows positive margins. However, a significant proportion of re-excision specimens are negative for tumour. The aim of the present study was to identify factors predicting a histologically positive re-excision specimen.

METHODS

The case records of all patients with invasive and in situ breast cancer referred to the William Buckland Radiotherapy Centre between January 1996 and December 2001 were reviewed. The factors evaluated were patient age, whether or not tumours were detected by screening mammography, use of hook-wire needle localization, whether tumours were marked with orientating sutures, histopathological characteristics of the tumour and involvement of axillary nodes. Univariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In the study period, a total of 1128 patients were reviewed. Of these, 742 underwent breast conservation surgery. Twenty-nine (3.9%) of the 742 had positive surgical margins and underwent re-excision. Data were insufficient for six, leaving 23 patients eligible for the study. The number of patients entering the study was small, limiting the statistical analysis. Of these, 21 patients had invasive cancer and two patients had ductal carcinoma in situ only. Of 23 re-excisions, 11(48%) contained residual tumour. Univariate analysis of the data revealed no significant factors that were likely to predict tumour in the re-excision specimen. The local recurrence after re-excision in patients with positive margins was 4.3%.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that it is not possible to predict which patients will have tumour in the re-excision specimen. However, approximately 50% of re-excision specimens showed residual cancer. Therefore it is recommended that all excisions with positive margins need further surgery.

Intraoperative margin assessment reduces reexcision rates in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery

BACKGROUND

Reported rates of reexcision for margin control after breast-conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) range from 48% to 59%. The optimal technique for intraoperative margin assessment in patients with DCIS has yet to be defined. We sought to determine whether intraoperative multidisciplinary evaluation using gross tissue assessment and sectioned-specimen radiography reduces the need for reoperation for margin control in DCIS.

METHODS

A prospectively compiled database was used to identify patients who had DCIS diagnosed by core needle biopsy and were treated with breast-conserving surgery at our institution between July 1999 and July 2002. All patients had intraoperative gross margin assessment and specimen radiography of both the whole and sliced specimen for calcifications.

RESULTS

Four hundred two patients with DCIS were evaluated at our institution during the study period. Of these, 160 had excisional biopsy for diagnosis prior to referral, 92 had mastectomy as their initial procedure, 40 were seen for a second opinion only, and 1 patient refused surgery. The remaining 109 patients formed the study population. The median age was 55 years (range 34 to 81). The median pathologic size of DCIS was 1.2 cm (range 0.2 to 8.0 cm). Fifty-nine patients had positive (less than 1 mm) or close (less than 5 mm) margins on intraoperative assessment. Final pathology agreed with intraoperative assessment of a positive or close margin in 43 of the 59 patients (P = 0.00005). Seventy-five percent of those thought to have a positive or close margin at the time of surgery (n = 44) underwent intraoperative reexcision. Of the total 109 patients, 31 (34%) had an intraoperative reexcision that resulted in a change in margin status from positive on intraoperative evaluation to negative on final pathologic evaluation (P < 0.00001). A second procedure for margin control was necessary in only 24 patients (22%). The decision to excise additional tissue at the first surgery on the basis of intraoperative assessment resulted in significantly fewer second procedures for margin control (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with DCIS, intraoperative margin assessment by gross pathological examination and sliced specimen radiography significantly affects intraoperative decision making, and excision of further tissue on the basis of intraoperative assessment results in a substantial decrease in second procedures for margin control.