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Primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma associated with breast implants
Leslie Popplewell1, Sandra H Thomas, Qin Huang
1Department of Hematology/Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91030, USA.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|June 25, 2011
Summary
Primary breast anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is rare, often linked to breast implants. This study found ALCL associated with implants is typically T-cell, ALK-negative, and may require aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Primary T-cell anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) of the breast is a rare malignancy.
- ALCL has been reported in association with breast implants, suggesting a potential link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cases of primary breast ALCL associated with breast implants.
- To characterize the clinical and pathological features of these rare lymphomas.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes and disease course.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the City of Hope pathology database.
- Identification of patients with primary breast ALCL and breast implants.
- Review of clinical data, pathology reports, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Nine patients with primary breast ALCL were identified, eight with associated breast implants.
- Diagnosis occurred a median of 7 years post-implant surgery; median patient age was 45.5 years.
- Seven of eight ALCL cases were anaplastic large-cell kinase (ALK)-negative.
- Tissue-associated ALCL cases showed variable disease courses, with some requiring multiple treatments.
Conclusions:
- Primary breast lymphomas associated with implant capsules show a strong predilection for T-cell, ALK-negative ALCL.
- The disease course for tissue-associated ALCL is not always indolent, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment planning.