Efficiency Assessment of Breast Clinics for Patients Under 35: A Comparative Analysis of Targeted Models in a University Hospital

Despite the higher incidence of breast cancer in older age groups, it remains pertinent not to overlook breast cancer occurrence in those aged 35 years and below. Recent transitions toward targeted under-35 clinics in England aim to enhance efficiency and meet referral standards. Three models were planned, and we assessed the efficiency of each model. This study, conducted for five months within a single National Health Service (NHS) trust, analyzed data from the following clinics: the General One-Stop Clinic, the Under 35 One-Stop Clinic with ultrasound services (USS), and the Under 35 Clinic without USS services. Of the 300 patients recruited (100 consecutive patients from each clinic), 94.3% were female. The average age at presentation was 27.53 years. The most frequently encountered age group was between 26 and 30 years, and the majority of patients had palpable lumps (78, 51.6%). Out of 300 patients who attended the clinics, 151 had USS, and of these, 15 biopsies were performed. Fibroadenomas (32, 21.2%) and cysts (22, 14.6%) were the most common radiological findings. We found that more breast imaging was being undertaken for under-35 patients who attended the general one-stop clinics compared to the specific under-35 clinics. Targeted breast clinics for individuals 35 years and below offer an effective approach in terms of resource allocation and meeting cancer targets.

A Simple Technique Using Peri-Prosthetic Irrigation Improves Implant Salvage Rates in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Background and objectives: Implant-related complications leading to implant loss contribute to major morbidity in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). Various techniques have been advocated to improve rates of reconstruction salvage. The objective of our study was to assess if a peri-prosthetic irrigation system was an effective adjunct to the conventional wash-out technique in improving reconstruction salvage rates. Methods: The study included patients who had immediate implant-based breast reconstruction from January 2015 to November 2020. The conventional technique of reconstruction salvage, using debridement, wash-out, and implant/expander exchange with systemic use of antibiotics, was performed for patients undergoing exploration for infection until May 2019. A simple technique using a continuous peri-prosthetic irrigation system with vancomycin (1 g/L normal saline over 24 h) for 2 days was added as an adjunct to the conventional technique. Treatment details and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. The study was approved by the Clinical Governance department. Results: During the study period, 335 patients underwent IBR. A total of 65 patients (19.4%) returned to the theatre due to post-operative complications, of which 45 (13.4%) were due to infection. A conventional technique was used in 38 (84.4%) patients, and peri-prosthetic irrigation was used as an adjunct in 7 patients (15.6%). A total of 16 (42.1%) in the conventional group and all 7 (100%) in the irrigation group had successful reconstruction salvage. No patients had complications due to antibiotic irrigation. Conclusions: The peri-prosthetic irrigation system is a simple, safe, and effective adjunct to conventional techniques in improving reconstruction salvage in IBR.

An Audit on Oncological Safety with Magseed Localised Breast Conserving Surgery

Wire-localised wide local excision (W-WLE) has been standard of care for impalpable breast lesions. Logistics and risks of wire localisation can be challenging. Magseed-localised wide local excision (M-WLE) is an alternative to W-WLE. We compare safety parameters and length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients undergoing M-WLE to W-WLE. All M-WLEs performed at single institution over an 8-month period were included and compared to historic matched cohort of W-WLEs who would have been suitable for Magseed localisation. Data including patient demographics, successful placements, re-excision rates, tumour size, and length of stay (LOS) was analysed. Two hundred thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Cancers were safely excised in all cases. A significant difference in re-excisions rates favouring M-WLE group was seen (2.9% vs 10.4%). Median waiting time to surgery was significantly shorter in M-WLE group (4 h 15 min vs 7 h 3 min). No significant difference in median LOS between the two groups was seen. M-WLE has been shown to be oncologically safe and non-inferior to W-WLE with significantly lower re-excision rate. Reduced pre-operative waiting time in the M-WLE group will have a positive effect on patient journey. Further research should focus on potential impact on day-bed utilisation and theatre efficiency.

Impact of Chest Wall Perforator Flaps on Rates of Total Mastectomy in Breast Cancer

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) outcomes are comparable to mastectomy in breast cancer treatment. However, patients with large tumours were offered mastectomy due to the resulting poor cosmetic sequelae after standard BCS. With the introduction of chest wall perforator flaps (CWPF), BCS is an option in patients with large tumour:breast ratio. The objective of our study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of CWPFs and their impact on mastectomy rates. In order to assess the impact of CWPF on mastectomy rates, patients who underwent breast cancer surgery from January 2016 to December 2019 were included in a cohort named group A. In group A, the type of surgery performed was collected for each year from January 2016 to December 2019. Patients who underwent BCS and CWPF from July 2016 to June 2021 were included in another cohort named group B. In group B, patient-related and disease-specific details including post-operative complications were collected and analysed. In group A, following the introduction of CWPF, the mastectomy rates dropped by 10.69% and the mastectomy with reconstruction rates dropped by 23.29%. In group B, a total of 152 patients underwent CWPF reconstructions. The median tumour size was 20 mm (range = 0-80). A majority of patients were discharged within 24-h hospital stay (98.2%). Seventeen patients (11.11%) had a re-operation for margin positivity. Sixteen patients (10.46%) developed early complications and 19 patients (12.42%) developed delayed complications. CWPFs expand indications for BCS thus reducing mastectomy rates. It also has less morbidity when compared to reported mastectomy and reconstruction rates, thus making it a safe option for suitable patients.

Role of MRI in predicting response to neo-adjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) in breast cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

MRI is generally performed to assess response to Neo-adjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To assess role of MRI in determining the probability of having residual disease in patients undergoing NAST. We also evaluated synchronous cancers diagnosed following MRI.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study which included all patients who had pre-and post-NAST MRI between June 2014 and December 2019. Data on demographics, tumour characteristics and pathology were collected and analysed. Pre- and post-MRI probability were calculated and depicted on nomograms.

RESULTS

The study included 205 patients. Overall pre-MRI probability of having residual disease was 55% (OR:1.2). The post-MRI probability was 78% (95% CI 72-83%; OR:3.5) if MRI showed residual disease and 23% (95% CI 16-31%, OR:0.3) if imaging showed complete response. The absolute benefit was higher in TNBC and HR-HER2. Additional cancers were identified in 8.78% of patients.

CONCLUSION

MRI is beneficial in evaluating response to NAST specifically in TNBC and HR-HER2 cancers. Pre- and post-MRI probabilities of residual disease depicted on nomograms are a useful tool for clinicians. MRI can potentially impact the treatment decisions by identification of synchronous cancers.

Abstract PS9-45: Factors causing delayed resolution of breast lymphoedema

IntroductionBreast lymphoedema impacts the quality of life and cosmesis in women undergoing breast conserving surgery for cancer. The assessment of breast lymphoedema is complex and challenging. The varied reported incidence (0-94%) is due to lack of awareness, poor reporting, subjective characterisation, absence of standardised definitions and tools for diagnosis and monitoring. Extensive research has been done on secondary limb and trunk lymphoedema following lymph node surgery and/or radiotherapy. However, there is a lack of data on breast lymphoedema. Disruption of lymphatics due to advanced oncoplastic procedures, axillary surgery, modified incisions and adjuvant radiotherapy may contribute to this problem. The objective of this study is to identify the causes of delayed resolution of breast lymphoedema.

Methods A retrospective audit was carried out in women who underwent breast conserving surgery between 2011-2017.Only patients with breast oedema, seen in the lymphoedema clinic were included in the study. Data on body mass index (BMI), types of incisions, breast procedures, axillary surgery, histopathology, adjuvant treatment including the extent of adjuvant radiotherapy was collated from the hospital database.

Breast lymphoedema was diagnosed by clinical examination and/or by a Delfin lymph scanner (DLS). DLS is a mobile non-invasive device which uses tissue dielectric constant (TDC) for measuring subcutaneous tissue water. A reading of 45% or higher was accepted as indicative of breast lymphoedema in our unit. Percentage water content (PWC) value was recorded only in 55 patients using DLS.

ResultsDuring the study period, 1905 patients underwent breast conserving surgery, out of which 120 (6.3%) were documented as having breast lymphoedema. The median time from surgery to assessment in the lymphedema clinic was 11 months. On univariate analysis, a high BMI (>30) and radiotherapy with boost lead to non-resolution of breast oedema. The median time taken for resolution of symptoms was 18 months. Other factors such as lateral skin crease incisions, single incisions to perform both breast and axillary surgery, oncoplastic procedures and re-excisions were not statistically significant. Using a DLS, the median PWC value was 56% in this cohort.

Conclusions Our study shows that high BMI and radiotherapy with boost leads to delayed resolution of breast lymphoedema. The Delfin lymph scanner may be a potential tool for monitoring breast oedema but further prospective studies are required for validation of this tool.

Citation Format: Pragnya Chigurupati, Manoj Gowda, Rebecca Elwell, Arie Hawazie, Kirti Katherine Kabeer, Sekhar Marla, Sadaf Jafferbhoy, Soni Soumian, Sankaran Narayanan. Factors causing delayed resolution of breast lymphoedema [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS9-45.

Abstract PS1-34: Oncological safety and patient journey with magseed™ localised breast conserving surgery

Introduction: Wire localised wide local excision (W-WLE) has been the standard of care for impalpable breast lesions and requires insertion of the wire on the same day as the surgery. Logistics of same day localisation can lead to a chaotic morning for the patients with long uncomfortable waiting times prior to their surgery. Transporting patients across the hospital and at times between different sites can add to poor patient experience and inefficient theatre utilisation. Magseed localised wide local excision (M-WLE) is an alternative to W-WLE. Magseed is a 5mm non-radioactive paramagnetic seed inserted radiologically and in the UK it is licensed for insertion up to 30 days in advance. M-WLE was started for routine use in our Unit in July 2019. We compare the safety parameters and length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients undergoing M-WLE to W-WLE. Methods: All M-WLEs performed at a single institution over an 8 month period (Jul 19 - Feb 20) were included. These were compared to a historic matched cohort of W-WLEs performed over 8 months (Jan 18 - Aug 18) which would have been suitable for Magseed localisation. The suitability for Magseed localisation was decided by a breast radiologist based on local objective criteria. Intra-operative cavity shaves were performed based on specimen X-ray and re-excisions were performed where there was tumour at or < 1 mm from inked margin. Exclusion criteria for Magseed localisations included - i. multiple lesions requiring 2 or more wires and ii. Depth of lesion from skin (>3cm on ultrasound or >7cm deep in central breast on mammogram). Data including patient demographics, type of localisation, successful placements, pathology, re-excision rates, tumour size, and length of stay (LOS) was collected and analysed. Results: Over the 16 months, 319 patients underwent localised WLEs. 238 patients were included in the study and 81 excluded. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics are detailed in Table 1. There is no significant difference in the intra-operative cavity shaves between the two groups. A significant difference in the re-excisions rates favouring the M-WLE group despite no significant difference in the mean tumour to specimen ratio was seen. (Table 2) The median waiting time to surgery from the time of admission was observed to be significantly shorter in the M-WLE group (4h15mins vs 7h03mins, p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the median LOS between the two groups (M-WLE 13h44mins, W-WLE 13h56mins, p=0.36). The overall day surgery rates were comparable in the two groups (M-WLE 75.2%, W-WLE 75.1%, p=0.99). Conclusion: In the present series, M-WLE has been shown to be oncologically safe and non-inferior to W-WLE with a significantly lower re-excision rate. In addition to this, the reduced pre-operative waiting time on the day of surgery in the M-WLE group will have a positive effect on the patient journey. Further research should focus on the potential impact on day-bed utilisation and theatre efficiency.

Table 1: Patient demographics and tumour characteristicsMagseed™Wirep valuen105133Median age (years)64 (34-87)60 (28-82)0.05Median BMI28.2 (17-54.4)28.3 (18.8-43.1)0.62PathologyInvasive+/-DCIS851100.31DCIS1715Others38Mean tumour diameter (mm)Invasive+/-DCIS15.19 (3-55)15.52 (1-15)0.82DCIS9.41 (3-45)17.12 (3-55)0.13

Table 2: Tumour to specimen ratio, further intra-operative cavity shaves and re-excision ratesMagseed™Wirep valuen102125Mean Tumour/Specimen RatioInvasive+/-DCIS8.8%18.1%0.20DCIS18.4%24.8%0.75Further intra-operative cavity shavesTotal48 (47.0%)68 (54.4%)0.27Invasive+/-DCIS28/64 (43.7%)56/102 (54.9%)0.16DCIS7/15 (46.6%)8/15 (53.3%)0.71Oncoplastic procedures: Invasive+/-DCIS12/21 (57.1%)4/7 (57.1%)1Oncoplastic procedures: DCIS1/2 (50%)0/1 (0%)NARe-excisions of marginsTotal3 (2.9%)13 (10.4%)0.03Invasive+/-DCIS3/64 (4.6%)8/102 (7.8%)0.4DCIS0/15 (0%)5/15 (33.3%)NAOncoplastic procedures: Invasive+/-DCIS0/21 (0%)0/7 (0%)NAOncoplastic procedures: DCIS0/2 (0%)0/1 (0%)NA

Citation Format: Kirti Katherine Kabeer, Manoj S Gowda, Zatinahhayu MohdIsa, Megan Thomas, Vallipuram Gopalan, Sadaf Jafferbhoy, Soni Soumian, Sankaran Narayanan, Robert Kirby, Sekhar Marla. Oncological safety and patient journey with magseed™ localised breast conserving surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-34.

Abstract PS1-60: Is immediate breast reconstruction safe in post neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients? A single centre audit

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is increasingly utilised in the treatment of aggressive breast cancers. There are concerns that this could impact patient recovery following extensive oncoplastic procedures. The literature regarding this is limited and conflicting. We aimed to assess the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on patients undergoing immediate breast reconstructions.

Method: A 5-year retrospective single centre audit of prospectively collected data on patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction following NACT, was completed. The oncoplastic procedures performed included myocutaneous and perforator flaps, therapeutic mammoplasty and implant based reconstruction. Demographic data, length of stay, biochemical measurements, rates of wound infection, haematoma, explantation rates and return to theatre, were collected. For comparison a matched cohort of patients who underwent primary reconstruction without NACT, during the same period, was selected.

Results: One hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study (52 post NACT vs 62 controls). There were 52% that underwent implant based reconstruction, 33% flaps and 15% mammoplasties. Overall, the NACT group appeared to have slightly improved outcomes including lower complication rates (19% vs 23%, p= 0.042) and length of stay (1.45 vs 1.59 days, p>0.05). Hypoalbuminemia (25.0%) and low WCC (65.2%) were significantly higher in the NACT group but this was not associated with increased complication rates. Conclusion: Our audit suggests that NACT does not cause a significant increase in post-operative morbidity. Further studies with larger numbers will be required to validate these results.

Citation Format: Fatima Mansour, Joseph Meilak, Kirti Kabeer, Manoj Gowda, Sadaf Jafferbhoy, Sekhar Marla, Vallipuram Gopalan, Sankaran Narayanan, Soni Soumian. Is immediate breast reconstruction safe in post neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients? A single centre audit [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-60.

Breast Cancer Management Guidelines During COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 has brought about complex challenges in healthcare delivery. With the new rules of lockdown and social distancing and with resources diverted to the management of COVID-19, there are difficulties in continuing usual cancer care. Patients are at risk of contracting COVID-19 with a high chance of patient to healthcare transmission and vice versa. Hospital visits, investigations and all modalities of treatment have potential complications that put patients at risk, some more than others. In this situation, there is a need to change our approach in the management of breast cancer to deliver it safely. We present modified guidelines based on the available consensus statements and evidence.

Patient-reported Upper Limb Function After Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard procedure for axillary staging in breast cancer. There is a lack of consistency in studies reporting on upper limb morbidity after SLNB. We present a prospective study evaluating upper limb function after SLNB using the validated quickDASH questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent wide local excision and SLNB were included in the study. Arm function was assessed using the quickDASH questionnaire at 3 time points - prior to surgery and 2 weeks and 3 months after SLNB. The scores obtained were labeled as A, B, and C respectively. The mean and median scores were compared using the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The mean A, B, and C scores were 8.46, 16.05, and 13.36. The median A, B, and C scores were 2.27, 7.5, and 4.54. There was a statistically significant difference between mean and median A and B scores, B and C scores, and A and C scores. A similar trend was observed in patients with better preoperative upper limb function. Patients with a higher body mass index had significantly worse B and C scores.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant deterioration in upper limb function following SLNB. This improves at 3 months but does not reach baseline levels. Larger studies with long-term follow-up are required to establish the extent of upper limb functional morbidity and natural course of functional recovery after SLNB.

Acellular dermal matrix in implant-based immediate breast reconstructions: a comparison of prepectoral and subpectoral approach

Background

Implant-based immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is the most common technique for post-mastectomy reconstructions in the United Kingdom (UK). Subpectoral implant placement is the conventional method of reconstruction. Placement of implant in the subcutaneous pocket covered by an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is a relatively recent approach. We report a comparative analysis of prepectoral versus subpectoral approach for implant-based IBR from a single institution in the UK.

Methods

Retrospective analysis from a prospectively maintained data was conducted from January 2015 to May 2017 including all patients who underwent a mastectomy with immediate implant-based IBR in a single breast unit. The demographic details, operative details, immediate and delayed complications were recorded. Specific complications recorded were infection, seroma, unplanned readmission and loss of implant. Factors affecting complication rates and implant loss were analyzed.

Results

One hundred and fifty-four reconstructions were included in the analysis with a median follow-up of 11.8 months. Mean age of the cohort was 50 years with a mean BMI of 26.09 kg/m². Major implant-related complication rate was 12.3% with an implant loss rate of 7.8%. Age more than 50 years (P=0.037) and bilateral reconstructions (P=0.0001) had significant impact on complication rate, on multivariate analysis. Patients with bilateral implants had a significantly higher implant loss rate (P=0.0001). Implant loss rates in the prepectoral group (4.2%) and subpectoral group (10.8%) were not statistically significant (P=0.29).

Conclusions

Prepectoral and subpectoral techniques of IBR have comparable outcomes. Studies reporting on long-term outcomes are planned.

Early multicentre experience of pre-pectoral implant based immediate breast reconstruction using Braxon®

Background

The last two decades have seen significant changes in surgical management of breast cancer. The offer of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy is currently standard practice. Skin sparing and nipple sparing mastectomy with implant-based IBR have emerged as oncologically safe treatment options. Prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage of implant with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) eliminates the need to detach the muscle from underlying chest wall in contrast to the subpectoral technique. We report short-term outcomes of a multicentre study from the United Kingdom (UK) using Braxon^® in women having an IBR.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from December 2015 to October 2016 and included all patients from three breast units in the UK who underwent a mastectomy and an implant-based IBR using Braxon^®. The demographic details, co-morbidities, operative details, immediate and delayed complications were recorded. Specific complications recorded were infection, seroma, unplanned readmission and loss of implant. A comparison was made with complications reported in the National Mastectomy and Reconstruction Audit.

Results

Seventy-eight IBRs were included in the analysis with a median follow-up of 9.98 months. Mean age of the cohort was 50 years with a mean body mass index of 25.7 kg/m². Mean implant volume was 365 cc. The inpatient hospital stay was 1.48 days. About 23% of patients had a seroma, 30% had erythema requiring antibiotics and the explant rate was 10.2 percent. Bilateral reconstructions were significantly associated with implant loss and peri-operative complications on univariate analysis.

Conclusions

Our early experience with this novel prepectoral technique using Braxon^® has shown it to be an effective technique with complication rates comparable to subpectoral IBR. The advantages of prepectoral implant-based IBR are quicker postoperative recovery and short post-operative hospital stay. Long-term studies are required to assess rippling, post-operative animation, capsular contracture and impact of radiotherapy.

Patient outcome of emergency laparotomy improved with increasing "number of surgeons on-call" in a university hospital: Audit loop

AIM

Emergency laparotomy is a commonly performed high-mortality surgical procedure. The National Emergency Laparotomy Network (NELA) published an average mortality rate of 11.1% and a median length of stay equivalent to 16.3 days in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. This study presents a completed audit loop after implementing the change of increasing the number of on-call surgeons in the general surgery rota of a university hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of emergency laparotomy in a single UK tertiary centre after addition of one more consultant in the daily on-call rota.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study involving patients who underwent emergency laparotomy between March to May 2013 (first audit) and June to August 2015 (second audit). The study parameters stayed the same. The adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy under the general surgical take were included. Appendicectomy, cholecystectomy and simple inguinal hernia repair patients were excluded. Data was collected on patient demographics, ASA, morbidity, 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis including logistic regression was performed using SPSS.

RESULTS

During the second 3-month period, 123 patients underwent laparotomy compared to 84 in the first audit. Median age was 65(23-93) years. 56.01% cases were ASA III or above in the re-audit compared to 41.9% in the initial audit. 38% patients had bowel anastomosis compared to 35.7% in the re-audit with 4.2% leak rate in the re-audit compared to 16.6% in the first audit. 30-day mortality was 10.50% in the re-audit compared to 21% and median length of hospital stay 11 days in the re-audit compared to 16 days. The lower ASA grade was significantly associated with increased likelihood of being alive, as was being female, younger age and not requiring ITU admission post-operatively. However, having a second on-call consultant was 2.231 times more likely to increase the chances of patients not dying (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Our audit-loop suggests that adding a second consultant to the daily on-call rota significantly reduces postoperative mortality and morbidity. Age, ASA and ITU admission are other independent factors affecting patient outcomes. We suggest this change be applied to other high volume centres across the country to improve the outcomes after emergency laparotomy.

How to diagnose an acutely inflamed appendix; a systematic review of the latest evidence

Acute appendicitis is the most common condition that presents with an acute abdomen needing emergency surgery. Despite this common presentation, correctly diagnosing appendicitis remains a challenge as clinical signs or positive blood results can be absent in 55% of the patients. The reported proportion of missed diagnoses of appendicitis ranges between 20% and 40%. A delay or mis-diagnosis of appendicitis can result in severe complications such as perforation, abscess formation, sepsis, and intra-abdominal adhesions. Literature has shown that patients who had a negative appendectomy suffer post-op complications and infections secondary to hospital stays; there have even been reported cases of fatality. It is therefore crucial that timely and accurate diagnosis of appendicitis is achieved to avoid complications of both non-operating as well as unnecessary surgical intervention. The aim of this review is to systematically report and analyse the latest evidence on the different approaches used in diagnosing appendicitis. We include discussions of clinical scoring systems, laboratory tests, latest innovative bio-markers and radiological imaging.

Selective Use of (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography in the Management of Metastatic Disease from Colorectal Cancer: Results from a regional centre

OBJECTIVES

Computed tomography (CT) scans are routinely used for primary staging and disease surveillance in patients with colorectal cancer. However, these scans have limited sensitivity in some organs and can only detect lesions with morphological changes, whereas (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) scans are able to detect areas of metabolic change before morphological changes appear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scans over conventional imaging during preoperative work-ups or follow-ups in a selected group of patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study, which took place between July 2009 and May 2011, assessed 1,043 patient records from the South East Scotland Cancer Network colorectal cancer database. A total of 102 patients who underwent (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scans in addition to conventional imaging were included in the study. These patients had potentially resectable metastases, equivocal findings on CT scans and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels with negative conventional imaging.

RESULTS

Of the 102 patients included in the study, 22 underwent a preoperative (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scan and 80 underwent a follow-up 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan. In the preoperative scan group, the (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scan had a major impact on 16 patients (72.75%) and no impact on six patients (27.25%). In the follow-up scan group, the (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scan had a major impact on 51 (63.75%), a minor impact on four (5%), no impact on 22 (27.5%) and a negative impact on three (3.75%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated that (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scans have a considerable effect on disease management when undertaken among indicated colorectal cancer patients.

Synchronous gist, colon and breast adenocarcinoma with double colonic polyp metastases

INTRODUCTION

Long term survivors of breast cancer are at risk of developing distant metastasis years after the initial treatment. We report a case of breast adenocarcinoma with colonic polyp metastases, as well as synchronous primary colonic adenocarcinoma and a gastric GIST.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An 83 year old female underwent colonoscopy for rectal bleeding. This showed a primary colonic adenocarcinoma, a pedunculated polyp in the ascending colon and two polyps in the sigmoid colon. A staging CT scan did not show distant metastasis, but revealed a small gastric GIST which was managed conservatively. A right hemicolectomy showed a T3N0 colonic adenocarcinoma and a polyp contained metastatic adenocarcinoma from a breast primary. The patient had undergone surgery 30 years ago for an invasive lobular carcinoma. Further clinical assessment demonstrated an impalpable grade II Invasive ductal carcinoma in the contralateral breast. She was started on hormonal treatment and at 18 months follow-up, she was well with stable disease.

DISCUSSION

Invasive lobular cancer is the most common histological type of breast cancer that metastasizes to the colon. There is no consensus on the management of breast cancer metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract. Co-existence of a GIST and an adenocarcinoma at two separate locations is uncommon. These are two different cancer entities and it is unclear whether these two are related by as causal relationship.

CONCLUSION

This is a rare case of three distinct tumours; association between them is unlikely. However, the case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment.

Managing Gastric Linitis Plastica: Keep the scalpel sheathed

Gastric linitis plastica is a diffuse type of cancer which is characterised by a thickening and rigidity of the stomach wall. It is notorious for its failure to cause early symptoms, and patients with symptoms generally have a more advanced form of the disease. We report our 18-month-long experience of managing gastric linitis plastica at Barnsley District General Hospital, UK. In our series of 8 patients, only one patient was offered surgery; the rest were offered palliative or supportive treatment. The findings in our series were consistent with the available evidence that curative treatment is not an option for the majority of cases with linitis plastica.

Clinical significance and management of sentinel node micrometastasis in invasive breast cancer

Axillary node status is one of the most important prognostic indicators in patients with invasive breast cancer. Sentinel node biopsy allows an exhaustive examination of the lymph node and has led to an increased detection rate of small tumor deposits. Patients with micrometastatic deposits can have nonsentinel node involvement, including macrometastatic deposits. Sentinel node micrometastases are associated with an adverse impact on disease recurrence and survival. Axillary dissection does not offer an advantage in reducing the incidence of disease recurrence or survival. However, the long-term outcomes can be improved with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, and it would be reasonable to consider systemic treatment in these patients.

Chronic Umbilical Discharge: An unusual presentation of endometriosis

Umbilical endometriosis is an important differential diagnosis of any umbilical lesion. A 35-year-old type 2 diabetic woman presented with intermittent umbilical discharge which failed to respond to various antibiotics. An ultrasound scan and MRI scan failed to show any obvious abnormality. The umbilicus was excised and histology confirmed endometriosis. Surgical excision provides a definitive diagnosis and curative treatment for isolated endometriosis.

Support expectations of cancer patients

Patients' satisfaction is a paramount in the delivery of health care provisions, particularly in patients with poor prognosis. Effective communication with such patients helps in achieving a better satisfaction score. A survey was conducted on upper gastrointestinal cancer patients to assess their perceived satisfaction regarding the healthcare received. A frank but supportive communication helps in meeting the expectations of these patients in their cancer journey.