Evaluating Surgical Outcomes Between Estrogen Receptor Positive Invasive Lobular and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast-A Propensity Matched Analysis.

Introduction: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) contributes significantly to the global cancer burden and is the most common of the histological "special types" of breast cancer. ILC has unique features setting it apart from the more common invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Despite differences, treatment algorithms do not consider histological differences.

Evaluating the Necessity for Routine Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Postmenopausal Patients Being Treated for Clinically Node Negative Breast Cancer the Era of RxPONDER.

Introduction: Traditionally, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was performed to inform adjuvant chemotherapy prescription and prognosis in breast cancer. Following RxPONDER, the OncotypeDX Recurrence Score (RS) guides adjuvant chemotherapy prescription for all postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (ER+/HER2-) breast cancer with 0 to 3 positive lymph nodes (0-3 + LN).

Aims: To establish the oncological safety of omitting SLNB in postmenopausal patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer indicated to undergo SLNB and to evaluate the primary determinants of chemotherapy prescription for these patients.

Comparison of the Nottingham Prognostic Index and OncotypeDX© recurrence score in predicting outcome in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.

Introduction: Traditionally, Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) informed prognosis in patients with estrogen receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative, node negative (ER+/HER2-/LN-) breast cancer. At present, OncotypeDX© Recurrence Score (RS) predicts prognosis and response to adjuvant chemotherapy (AC).

Aims: To compare NPI and RS for estimating prognosis in ER + breast cancer.

A Novel Surrogate Nomogram Capable of Predicting OncotypeDX Recurrence Score©.

Background: OncotypeDX Recurrence Score© (RS) is a commercially available 21-gene expression assay which estimates prognosis and guides chemoendocrine prescription in early-stage estrogen-receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (ER+/HER2−) breast cancer. Limitations of RS testing include the cost and turnaround time of several weeks. Aim: Our aim is to develop a user-friendly surrogate nomogram capable of predicting RS.

Breast cancer recurrence: factors impacting occurrence and survival.

Background: Breast cancer mortality has decreased due to improved screening and treatment options. Nevertheless, 25-30% of patients develop disease recurrence and die from the disease dissemination. Patients who develop metastatic disease represent a heterogeneous group and management plans are dependent on molecular subtype, disease burden and metastatic site.

Schwannoma of the Appendix Orifice.

Schwannomas are rare mesenchymal tumors. They are usually diagnosed incidentally during endoscopic or diagnostic imaging for another reason. Malignant transformation is rare.

Clinicopathological response to neoadjuvant therapies and pathological complete response as a biomarker of survival in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 enriched breast cancer - A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is overexpressed in 20-25% of breast cancers. Complete eradication of disease following neoadjuvant therapies and chemotherapy has been referred to as pathological complete response (pCR).

Aims: To determine clinicopathological predictors of pCR to neoadjuvant therapies and to evaluate pCR as a surrogate to enhanced survival.

Clinicopathological correlates, oncological impact, and validation of Oncotype DX™ in a European Tertiary Referral Centre.

Oncotype DX™ (ODX) score estimates prognosis and predicts breast cancer recurrence. It also individualizes patient adjuvant chemotherapy prescription in breast cancer. This assay relies on genetic and molecular markers; the clinicopathological phenotype of which are tested routinely.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for luminal a breast cancer: Factors predictive of histopathologic response and oncologic outcome.

Background: The benefit of chemotherapy (NAC) for patients with ER/PR positive, HER2 negative breast cancer is unclear. Our aim was to determine factors associated with histopathologic response and oncologic outcome following NAC in this group.

Methods: Consecutive female patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy and surgery for locally advanced Luminal A breast cancer between 2010 and 2015 were studied.

Multidisciplinary approach to chest wall reconstruction in primary breast angiosarcoma resection.

Angiosarcomas account for less than 1% of primary breast cancers. Typically, they occur in young women with a low-risk personal or family history. Diagnosis, resection and reconstruction require a multidisciplinary team of breast surgeons, oncologists and plastic reconstructive surgeons.

A prospective feasibility study of MammoSite accelerated partial breast irradiation for early breast Cancer.

Background: Accelerated partial breast irradiation is a potential alternative to standard whole breast irradiation, following breast-conserving surgery, in the management of breast cancer. The MammoSite applicator-based technique allows for the delivery of a higher dose of radiation to the tumour bed and adjacent area, over a shorter treatment period.

Aims: To investigate the long-term feasibility of the MammoSite technique in early stage breast cancer in an Irish cohort.

Defining clinicopathological and radiological features of breast cancer in women under the age of 35: an epidemiological study.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer. Diagnosis in younger women (under 35 years) is different to their older counterparts, and mammography is not considered as sensitive in this cohort. Consequentially, younger patients may present later with more advanced disease.

A Review of the Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Breast Surgery Practice and Outcomes.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is increasingly used in locally advanced breast cancer as it facilitates breast conserving surgery (BCS) and allows surgical treatment of patients considered inoperable at baseline. The aim of this study was to assess the trends in breast cancer management with regard to the administration of NAC and adjuvant chemotherapy and the effect this has on surgical practice, patient outcomes, and patterns of disease recurrence.

Patients And Methods: Patients treated with chemotherapy from 2005 to 2014 were identified from a prospectively maintained database.

The changing cost of breast cancer care: lessons from a centralised modern cancer centre.

Background: The cost of new cancer technologies has been the subject of intense debate in recent years. There have been significant advances in therapeutic techniques for breast cancer over the past 20 years. This has been accompanied by the concentration of services in designated cancer centres.

The Impact of Surgical Complications on Cancer Recurrence Rates: A Literature Review.

Introduction: The inflammatory response to a post-operative infection can increase the risk of tumour recurrence in cancer through the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was review the literature to assess the relationship between post-operative complications and cancer recurrence.

Methods: We performed a literature review of the mechanism of such an association and looked at evidence in different cancer subtypes.

Differential impact of hormone receptor status on survival and recurrence for HER2 receptor-positive breast cancers treated with Trastuzumab.

Introduction: Hormone receptor status has major implications for treatment and survival of breast cancer. Yet the impact of hormone receptor status on outcome after Trastuzumab has received little attention. The objective here was to explore any differential effects of Trastuzumab treatment (Trast +ve) on Luminal B HER2 or HER2+(ER-) breast cancer subtypes.

An Appraisal of Inflammatory Markers in Distinguishing Acute Uncomplicated and Complicated Appendicitis.

Background: It remains difficult to distinguish between complicated appendicitis (CAP) and uncomplicated appendicitis (UAP). There is a paucity of studies utilizing inflammatory markers to stratify the severity of acute appendicitis. This study aimed to evaluate and demonstrate the potential clinical utility of inflammatory markers as adjuncts in distinguishing CAP and UAP.

Diagnostic dilemmas due to fish bone ingestion: Case report & literature review.

Introduction: The diagnosis of abdominal complications due to fish bone ingestion is particularly difficult as the presentation may mimic common abdominal pathologies.

Presentation Of Case: 65 year-old male presented with a two day history of right iliac fossa pain. He denied any nausea and vomiting.

Effects of age on the detection and management of breast cancer.

Currently, breast cancer affects approximately 12% of women worldwide. While the incidence of breast cancer rises with age, a younger age at diagnosis is linked to increased mortality. We discuss age related factors affecting breast cancer diagnosis, management and treatment, exploring key concepts and identifying critical areas requiring further research.

Metastatic ovarian carcinoma presenting as an incarcerated femoral hernia.

Introduction: Incarcerated femoral hernias usually contain a simple loop of bowel. Occasionally other abdominal structures may be found within the hernial sac. Rarely femoral hernias may contain metastatic tumour deposits.

Hospital tests and patient related factors influencing time-to-theatre in 1000 cases of suspected appendicitis: a cohort study.

Background: Acute appendicitis is increasingly being managed in the setting of a dedicated emergency theatre. However understanding of hospital factors that influence time-to-theatre (TTT) is poor. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify factors that influence TTT and to observe the effect of prolonged TTT on patient outcome.

The role of ultrasound guided core biopsy of axillary nodes in predicting macrometastases and avoiding overtreatment outside ACOSOG Z0011 parameters.

Background: Z0011 study suggests patients with minimal disease do not require axillary clearance. Exclusions include T3 tumours, mastectomy or neoadjuvant treatment. This study assessed the utility of pre-operative US-guided core biopsy of axillary nodes and its correlation with nodal macrometastases.

Is there a role for locoregional surgery in stage IV breast cancer?

Current guidelines do not recommend locoregional surgery for Stage IV breast cancer at presentation despite some studies suggesting a survival benefit. We aimed to assess outcomes in patients with Stage IV breast cancer who underwent surgery. In a cohort study of all Stage IV breast cancers diagnosed at our tertiary-referral specialist centre between 2006 and 2012, we assessed patient survival in the context of demographics, histopathology, metastatic burden, and type of surgery performed.