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Published on: January 12, 2017
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implants: a systematic review
Benjamin Kim1, Carol Roth, Kevin C Chung
1Santa Monica and Los Angeles, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Ann Arbor, Mich. From RAND Health and Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation; the Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Body Aesthetic Research Center; and the Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System.
Concerns exist regarding non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and breast implants. A review found 36 NHL cases in patients with breast implants, predominantly anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), often ALK-negative with an indolent course.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
- Hematology
Background:
- Growing concerns link non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), particularly anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), with breast implants.
- This highlights a need to investigate the potential association between breast implants and NHL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and analyze all reported cases of NHL in patients who have breast implants.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was performed, identifying relevant publications through searches and nominations.
- Case data were abstracted, reconciled, and analyzed by multiple investigators.
Main Results:
- Thirty-six cases of NHL in patients with breast implants were identified; 29 (81%) were ALCL.
- ALCL cases often involved the capsule or presented as seroma/mass, were ALK-negative, and showed an indolent clinical course.
Conclusions:
- A distinct form of ALCL associated with breast implants may exist, clinically resembling the less aggressive, ALK-negative primary cutaneous ALCL.
- Further research is essential to understand the epidemiology and biology of this rare condition.
