[Breast cancers. Epidemiology, pathology, staging, diagnosis, etiology, principles of treatment].
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
K B Clough
Publications and source records attributed to K B Clough.
[Relevance of combined radiation and surgical treatment of early invasive carcinoma of the cervix].
The aim of this study was to assess the result and the postherapeutic complications rates of preoperative radiation therapy and radical surgery in association, for stage IB to IIB cervical carcinoma. For 1983 to 1990, 314 patients were treated at the Institut Curie for stage IB to IIB cervical carcinoma. For small lesions, less than 4 cm, preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy was performed (60 to 65 Gy), followed, 6 weeks later, by a modified radical hysterectomy (Piver type 2) with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Larger tumors were treated with pelvic radiotherapy (36 Gy), then by brachytherapy (30 Gy), followed, 6 weeks later, by the same surgical procedure. 82% of the tumors were 4 cm or smaller. 64% of tumors were completely sterilised by the preoperative radiation. 5 and 10-year actuarial survival rates were respectively 81% and 70 %. 5-year actuarial survival rate was 87.5% for stage I and 63% for stage II patients. 5-year local disease free survival rate was 88% for stage I and 73% for stage II patients. All complications were prospectively recorded. The early post operative complication rate was 6.3%, with no urinary complications. The late complication rate was 3.3%, mainly grade 2 sequelae. No ureteral fistulas were observed. By combined preoperative radiotherapy and surgery, adapting the dosimetry and the radicality of the procedure, we obtained cure rates and recurrence rates identical to those obtained with exclusive surgery or radiotherapy alone. However, the complication rate of the association of both adapted treatments, has considerably reduced the early and late complication rate.
Adult↗
Familial invasive breast cancers: worse outcome related to BRCA1 mutations.
PURPOSE: Although all studies confirm that BRCA1 tumors are highly proliferative and poorly differentiated, their outcomes remain controversial. We propose to examine, through a cohort study, the pathologic characteristics, overall survival, local recurrence, and metastasis-free intervals of 40 patients with BRCA1 breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 183 patients with invasive breast cancer, treated at the Institut Curie and presenting with a familial history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, were tested for BRCA1 germ-line mutation. Tumor characteristics and clinical events were extracted from our prospectively registered database. RESULTS: Forty BRCA1 mutations were found among the 183 patients (22%). Median follow-up was 58 months. BRCA1 tumors were larger in size (P =.03), had a higher rate of grade 3 histoprognostic factors (P =.002), and had a higher frequency of negative estrogen (P =.003) and progesterone receptors (P =.002) compared with non-BRCA1 tumors. Overall survival was poorer for carriers than for noncarriers (5-year rate, 80% v 91%, P =.002). Because a long time interval between cancer diagnosis and genetic counseling artificially increases survival time due to unrecorded deaths, the analysis was limited to the 110 patients whose diagnosis-to-counseling interval was less than 36 months (19 BRCA1 patients and 91 non-BRCA1 patients). The differences between the BRCA1 and non-BRCA1 groups regarding overall survival and metastasis-free interval were dramatically increased (49% v 85% and 18% v 84%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that BRCA1 mutation was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly support that among patients with familial breast cancer, those who have a BRCA1 mutation have a worse outcome than those who do not.
Adult↗
[Sentinel node and operable breast cancer: utilization of blue dye injection. Pilot study].
STUDY AIM: Sentinel node detection in breast cancer can be realized with colorimetric and isotopic procedures often associated. The aim of this study was to report results obtained with blue dye injection only. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From September 1998 to July 1999, blue dye injection was performed in 73 consecutive patients (mean age: 51 years, range: 36-71 years); 51/70 70% were post-menopausal and half of them were under substitute hormonal treatment; 70% of cancers were discovered through routine mammography. There were 12 bilateral cancers, six of them synchronous, and 84% of cancers were located in the external quadrants. Individualization of sentinel node was performed through blue dye injection into the tumor in case of preoperative diagnosis or in the tumoral site in case of discovery of the cancer through extemporaneous histological examination. RESULTS: 71 out of 73 cancers were classified pT1 and 70% measured 10 mm and over. Individualization of sentinel node failed in two obese patients. Sentinel node invasion concerned one node (n = 7), two nodes (n = 1) and three nodes (n = 1). Conservative treatment was performed in 72 patients out of 73; in case of sentinel node invasion, axillary irradiation was performed without reoperation. CONCLUSION: Blue dye injection for sentinel node individualization is an accurate technique in selected patients in case of small tumors. Reoperation can be avoided and replaced by axillary irradiation in case of N+ tumors. Duration of hospitalization was 48 hours or under in 70/73 patients. Nevertheless isotopic procedure must be recommended as a routine technique in learning centers and for most surgical teams.
Adult↗
[Sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer. Experience of the Institut Curie].
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a recently developed, minimally invasive technique for staging the axilla in breast cancer. This new procedure of selective lymphadenectomy has been the subject of several studies, and a consensus of opinion is starting to form to define indications and methods of identification concerning the use of this technique. At the Institut Curie since 1996, we have been using the Patenté blue dye technique and from 1998 we have used the combination of blue dye and technetium labeled sulfur colloid. This article summarizes the principales aspect of this technique.
Axilla↗
Detection of MUC1-expressing mammary carcinoma cells in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction.
We have prospectively analyzed blood samples of 122 patients with breast disease for the presence of circulating expressing MUC1 cells before and after treatment. Among them, 28 patients had histologically confirmed benign breast disease (group 1), 34 patients had operable breast cancer (group 2), and 60 patients had advanced breast cancer (group 3). Circulating epithelial cells were isolated with BerEP4-coated immunomagnetic beads. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed before analysis by real-time PCR of a MUC1-specific cDNA sequence. The sensitivity of the reverse transcription-PCR tested with blood spiked with MCF7 cells was one cell in 5 ml of blood. The immunomagnetic separation step was mandatory to obtain the maximum specificity. Control samples from healthy donors never displayed cycle threshold (Ct) values for MUC1 lower than 38. Circulating cells (Ct, <38) were detected in 3 of 28 (11%) cases in group 1, in 8 of 34 (24%) cases in group 2, and in 27 of 60 cases (45%) in group 3. A semiquantitative estimate of blood-borne cells could be derived from the Ct value when below 32 (the lowest was 28) or by the number of positive aliquots of the same blood sample. Thus, immunomagnetic separation, followed by MUC1-specific RT-PCR, allows the semiquantitative detection of circulating mammary cells. A significant correlation between the presence of MUC1-positive cells and the group of breast tumors was observed. The clinical significance of blood-borne cells in breast cancer, especially at the operable stage, may be investigated by following these patients.
Adult↗
[Autologous breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap].
The gold standard technique for autologous breast reconstruction is the transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM). Recently, techniques of harvesting a latissimus dorsi flap have been modified in such a way as to increase the flap and allow breast reconstruction without an associated implant. The aim of this study was to evaluate aesthetic results obtained with this method and to assess early morbidity related to the changes in the technique. Between January 1994 and August 1998, 43 patients underwent breast reconstruction with an autologous latissimus dorsi flap. Their postoperative outcome was compared to that of 30 patients who underwent reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap associated with an implant. These 43 patients were asked to come back for aesthetic evaluation by a physician and to answer a questionnaire about cosmetic results. Mean duration of follow-up was 18.6 months (range 8 to 60). Mean size of the breast reconstructed with this technique was 340 g (up to 835 g). Dorsal seroma was the most frequent complication (72%), followed by delayed dorsal healing (19%). The frequency of seroma was significantly increased when compared to a classic latissimus dorsi flap (P = 0.003), but frequency of skin slough was not. The aesthetic result was considered satisfactory in 93% of the cases by the patient and 77% of the cases by the physician. In conclusion, the extended latissimus dorsi flap allows reconstruction of small and medium size breasts, with a good aesthetic result. This flap appears to be an interesting alternative to the TRAM flap for autologous reconstruction in selected patients.
Adult↗
[Value of macroscopic analysis for authentification of axillary sentinel nodes detected by Patent Blue dye alone during breast cancer surgery].
Assessment sentinel node coloration by the patent blue dye technique during breast carcinoma surgery largely depends upon the surgeon. It would therefore be valuable to define a procedure to validate the quality of the surgical specimen. With this aim, we have analyzed a series of 141 cases of sentinel nodes and determined whether the blue color of the node persisted after formalin fixation and could be assessed by examination of the tissue blocks. The pathologist's macroscopic control confirmed blue coloring in 114/141 cases (81%). This rate was similar when the sentinel node was metastatic (82.5%) (40 cases) or non metastatic (81%) (101 cases). Checking the color of the lymph node is a simple method to verify the quality of the surgical specimen. This item should be included in the pathologist's report. Several mechanisms can account for the lack of coloring of true sentinel nodes.
Breast Neoplasms↗
Uterine sarcomas: the Curie Institut experience. Prognosis factors and adjuvant treatments.
PURPOSE: With a retrospective study at a single institution, we propose to analyze the prognosis factors and adjuvant treatment for uterine sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1975 to 1995, 73 uterine sarcomas were treated at the Institut Curie, corresponding to 61 T1, 5 T2, and 8 T4 tumors. Thirteen patients had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The mean age was 58 years. In 71% of patients, the presenting sign was bleeding. This series consisted of 44% leiomyosarcomas (LMS), 19% endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), and 31% carcinosarcomas or mixed mesodermal sarcomas (MMS). For the grading classification, we used the classification of the Sarcoma Group of the French Federation of Cancer Centres for soft tissue sarcomas. Of the patients, 66% presented a high-grade tumor. RESULTS: The median overall survival was 42 months, with a 5-year survival of 45%. Histological grade, FIGO stage, histology types, and menopausal status were the four independent factors in multivariate analysis. Eighteen patients relapsed locally (25.7%), with 77% central pelvic sites. Patients with radiotherapy and ESS had better local control in multivariate analysis. Thirty-four patients developed metastases (48.6%), mainly pulmonary (58.8%). Eight patients presented with peritoneal disease. High grades and LMS had the worst survival without metastasis in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: This study validated our classification for sarcoma grading and confirmed the finding of worst prognosis for LMS and the importance of radiotherapy in local control.
Adult↗
Second look for ovarian cancer: laparoscopy or Laparotomy? A prospective comparative study.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate, for patients with ovarian cancer, the feasibility, reliability, and complications of a laparoscopic second look and to compare them with those of a second look by laparotomy. METHODS: Twenty patients treated by initial surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma underwent a laparoscopic second look, immediately followed by a comparative laparotomy. All were in complete remission after chemotherapy. Both operations were performed according to a predefined checklist, identical for both surgical techniques and for each patient: after liberation of adhesions, an exhaustive intraperitoneal inspection was performed, with systematic peritoneal cytology and biopsies. Each patient therefore was her own control for the two techniques. RESULTS: The positive predictive value of laparoscopy for the diagnosis of residual disease was 100% (6 of 6 cases), while the negative predictive value was 86% (2 false-negative cases out of 14). Because of the presence of postoperative adhesions, the rate of complete intraperitoneal investigation was 95% for laparotomy versus 41% for laparoscopy. The complication rate of laparoscopy requiring laparotomy was 5.3%. CONCLUSIONS: After treatment of ovarian cancer, a laparoscopic second look appears to be less reliable than one performed by laparotomy. The presence of severe postoperative adhesions is the main obstacle to an exhaustive, reliable, and safe laparoscopic second look.
Adult↗
[The sentinel lymph node in resectable cancer of the breast].
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Axilla↗
An approach to the repair of partial mastectomy defects.
In many cases, breast deformity caused by partial mastectomy can be reduced or corrected by plastic surgery. Partial breast reconstruction is best performed immediately after the partial mastectomy using an approach determined by the size of the breast and the defect. Small defects in large breasts usually need no reconstruction. For larger defects in large breasts, breast reshaping (similar to reduction mammaplasty) combined with a contralateral breast reduction is usually the best option. For medium-sized or smaller breasts with small to moderate-sized defects, local flaps from the subaxillary region are very useful. If the defect is too large for correction with local tissue, a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is usually the best choice. Using these techniques, patients can achieve aesthetically better outcomes from breast-conservation therapy, even when larger tumors are being treated or when wider margins are taken to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. By working together with an oncologic surgeon and facilitating the removal of larger tumors, the plastic surgeon can widen the indications for both breast-conservation therapy and breast reconstruction at the same time.
Breast↗
[Identification of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer: experience from the Institut Curie].
Sentinel lymph node (SN) biopsy is a recently developed, minimally invasive technique for staging the axilla in breast cancer. This new procedure of selective lymphadenectomy has been the subject of several studies, but there is not currently a consensus of opinion to define which is the best method of identification. At the Institut Curie since 1996, we have been using the Patent blue dye. The current series present the result of 122 patients with T1, T2, N0 or N1a breast cancer consecutively operated between december 1997 and august 1998. Sentinel nodes were identified in 107 out of 122 (87.7%) and accurately predicted axillary nodal status in 104 out of 107 (97.1%) cases. Three out of 35 node positive patients would have been missed with sentinel node biopsy alone, for a false negative rate of 8.5%. In all 3 cases, one lymph node presented with a micrometastases. In 15 cases out of 35 with metastatic axillary nodes, the only positive node was the SN (43%). The encouraging results of this study shows that it is possible to identify, in a large number of cases, the sentinel node by means of Patent blue dye only. This article detailed the technique used and reviews the literature concerning other methods of identification.
Adult↗
Solving the problem of color mismatch in nipple-areola reconstruction.
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Female↗
Conservative treatment of lower pole breast cancers by bilateral mammoplasty and radiotherapy.
AIMS: This series analyses the results of conservative surgery for large lower pole breast cancers by lumpectomy associated with a bilateral remodelling mammoplasty, in order to avoid residual deformities. METHODS: This retrospective study concerns 50 patients with a lower pole breast cancer treated between 1986 and 1996 by lumpectomy, mammoplasty and irradiation. The contralateral breast was immediately made symmetrical in all cases. The mean tumour size was 32.5 mm. RESULTS: The mean weight of the lumpectomy specimen was 270 g. Resection margins were tumour-free in 90% of cases. The main complication observed was delayed healing, thus postponing post-operative treatment in 6.5% of cases. The median follow-up was 48 months. The 5-year actuarial ipsilateral local recurrence rate was 7% and 5-year actuarial metastasis-free and overall survival rates were 81 and 97%, respectively. Cosmesis was satisfactory in 85% of patients. We observed better results when radiotherapy was performed after rather than prior to surgery (92 vs. 67%: NS). CONCLUSIONS: Performing a bilateral mammoplasty at the time of initial surgery for large breast cancers situated in the lower quadrants of the breast facilitates larger lumpectomies with good cosmetic results.
Adult↗
Cosmetic sequelae after conservative treatment for breast cancer: classification and results of surgical correction.
After conservative treatment for breast cancer, 20% to 30% of patients have a residual deformity that sometimes requires surgical correction. Thirty-five of these patients were operated between 1990 and 1995 at the Institut Curie. The authors classify these sequelae into three types: type I, asymmetrical breasts with no deformity of the treated breast; type II, deformity of the treated breast, compatible with partial reconstruction and breast conservation; and type III, major deformity of the breast, requires mastectomy. Fourteen patients had a type I deformity; all but 1 patient were treated with mammaplasty. Seventy-one percent underwent unilateral surgery contralateral to the irradiated breast; 80% had a satisfactory cosmetic result (good or very good). Seventeen patients had a type II deformity. They were treated by various techniques (implant, mammaplasty, latissimus dorsi flap, or transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap). Only 43.8% of patients in this group had a late satisfactory cosmetic result. Four patients had a type III deformity. They were treated with mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using a musculocutaneous flap. All 4 patients had a very good cosmetic result. This classification is a valuable guide for technique selection. For type I deformities, surgery to the irradiated breast should be avoided when possible. Type II deformities raise the most difficult therapeutic problems. Because they are mainly postoperative, optimal treatment should be preventive--by performing immediate remodeling of the treated breast before radiotherapy. This pleads for integration of plastic surgical techniques at the time of the original lumpectomy, thus reducing the need for delayed reconstructive surgery.
Adult↗
[Indications for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions].
The increasingly widespread use of mammographic screening for breast cancer has induced a considerable increase in the number of surgical biopsies. Fine-needle aspiration and microbiopsies can allow to reduce this number. 1) In patients with nodular densities of benign or indeterminate appearance, a negative fine-needle aspiration indicates that no further investigations are needed. In contrast, complete surgical excision is indicated in cases of stellate images. 2) In patients with potentially malignant microcalcifications, fine-needle aspiration is to little value, and microbiopsies should be performed. Indeterminate (type II or III) calcifications are the best indication, since negative microbiopsies may obviate the need for lumpectomy, if the negative predictive value of microbiopsies is sufficiently high in this indication. Focal suspicious microcalcifications (type IV or V) should be removed surgically for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Type IV or V microcalcifications involving a large area of the breast can be investigated by initial microbiopsy; a positive result allows to recommend immediate mastectomy without prior lumpectomy. Fine-needle aspiration and microbiopsies should be performed as part of a multidisciplinary diagnostic strategy involving radiologists, surgeons, cytopathologists, and pathologists. This approach is the only means of improving the management of non palpable mammographic lesions and of reducing the number of unnecessary operation.
Biopsy↗
[Breast cancers with central localization: conservative treatment by tumorectomy with ablation of the areolar plaque].
OBJECTIVES: In breast cancer, retroareolar tumors are observed in 5 to 20% of cases; mammectomy is the conventional treatment. Conservative surgery was used in this series of 36 patients with retroareolar cancer situated less than 2 cm from the areola. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tumorectomy with resection of the areolar plaque was followed by radiotherapy. Six patients had Paget's disease of the nipple, 64% were in classes T0 or T1 and 36% in T2. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy was given for tumor reduction prior to surgery in 8 patients. Wide tumorectomy with resection of the areolar plaque and gland remodeling was performed in all patients. Three plastic surgery techniques were used. Mean tumor size was 17.3 mm (8 to 33 mm). The areola was invaded in 16 patients (44%) and the derma or retroareolar ducts in 26 (72%). RESULTS: The mean distance between the tumor and skin surface was 3.8 mm. The section surface was in healthy tissue in 31 patients and 2 patients underwent subsequent surgery for mammectomy. All patients had either pre-operative (n = 4) or post-operative (n = 32) radio-therapy. Secondary reconstruction of the nipple was performed in 14 patients. CONCLUSION: Histology findings and esthetic results suggested that this conservative approach can be proposed when the tumor is located close to the areola, as confirmed by our series and results from other teams using the same technique.
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