Nodal positivity in patients with clinically and radiologically node-negative breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: multicentre collaborative study.

Background: The necessity of performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with clinically and radiologically node-negative breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been questioned. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of nodal positivity in these patients and to identify clinicopathological features associated with lymph node metastasis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ypN+).

Methods: A retrospective multicentre study was performed.

A pilot study investigating feasibility of mainstreaming germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing in high-risk patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer in three tertiary Cancer Centres in Ireland.

In the Republic of Ireland (ROI), BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing has been traditionally undertaken in eligible individuals, after pre-test counselling by a Clinical Geneticist/Genetic Counsellor. Clinical Genetics services in ROI are poorly resourced, with routine waiting times for appointments at the time of this pilot often extending beyond a year. The consequent prolonged waiting times are unacceptable where therapeutic decision-making depends on the patient's BRCA status.

Fibromatosis of the breast: a 10-year multi-institutional experience and review of the literature.

Background: Breast fibromatosis is a rare clinical entity, but poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In light of recent changes in management practices, the aim was to review our institutional experience of breast fibromatosis and provide a review of current available literature on such management.

Methods: A search of pathological databases within two tertiary institutions for all patients diagnosed with fibromatosis of the breast over a 10-year period (2007-2016) was performed.

Impact of progesterone receptor status on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients.

Introduction: Breast cancer patients respond differently to neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) based on receptor subtype. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of progesterone receptor (PgR) status on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in estrogen receptor (ER)+, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)- breast cancer patients.

Methods: ER+ and HER- patients receiving NAC over a 7-year period (2011-2017) were identified.

Breast reconstruction post mastectomy- Let's Google it. Accessibility, readability and quality of online information.

Introduction: This study evaluated the readability, accessibility and quality of information pertaining to breast reconstruction post mastectomy on the Internet in the English language.

Methods: Using the Google search engine the keywords "Breast reconstruction post mastectomy" were searched for. We analyzed the top 75 sites.

Is satisfaction with surgeon a determining factor in patient reported outcomes in breast reconstruction?

Background: Patient reported outcomes are increasingly being taken into account in planning health service provision. Few studies have examined how the process of care influences patients' perception of outcome. The aim of the current study was to quantify patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction and to examine the demographic, disease and process-of-care variables that contributed to satisfaction with breasts and overall outcome.

Breast cancer outcomes following a national initiative in Ireland to restructure delivery of services for symptomatic disease.

Background: A national initiative in Ireland in 2000 defined 13 designated Units to provide care for symptomatic breast cancer, and resources, including an ability to develop audit programmes, were provided. In the absence of a national audit of breast cancer outcomes, the aim of this study is to provide a detailed report of one Unit's subsequent experience, in particular comparing process and outcome data with international norms and benchmarks, and to infer on the likely impact of the national initiative.

Methods: A 5-year prospective audit of patients presenting to the Symptomatic Breast Clinic from 2001 to 2005 was conducted.