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An Improved Method for Collection of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Anesthetized Mice
Published on: March 19, 2018
Opportunities and priorities for breast surgical research
Ramsey I Cutress1, Stuart A McIntosh2, Shelley Potter3
1Faculty of Medicine and Breast Unit, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
Abstract:
The 2013 Breast Cancer Campaign gap analysis established breast cancer research priorities without a specific focus on surgical research or the role of surgeons on breast cancer research. This Review aims to identify opportunities and priorities for research in breast surgery to complement the 2013 gap analysis. To identify these goals, research-active breast surgeons met and identified areas for breast surgery research that mapped to the patient pathway. Areas included diagnosis, neoadjuvant treatment, surgery, adjuvant therapy, and attention to special groups (eg, those receiving risk-reducing surgery). Section leads were identified based on research interests, with invited input from experts in specific areas, supported by consultation with members of the Association of Breast Surgery and Independent Cancer Patients' Voice groups. The document was iteratively modified until participants were satisfied that key priorities for surgical research were clear. Key research gaps included issues surrounding overdiagnosis and treatment; optimising treatment options and their selection for neoadjuvant therapies and subsequent surgery; reducing rates of re-operations for breast-conserving surgery; generating evidence for clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of breast reconstruction, and mechanisms for assessing novel interventions; establishing optimal axillary management, especially post-neoadjuvant treatment; and defining and standardising indications for risk-reducing surgery. We propose strategies for resolving these knowledge gaps. Surgeons are ideally placed for a central role in breast cancer research and should foster a culture of engagement and participation in research to benefit patients and health-care systems. Development of infrastructure and surgical research capacity, together with appropriate allocation of research funding, is needed to successfully address the key clinical and translational research gaps that are highlighted in this Review within the next two decades.
Insights
This review identifies key research priorities in breast surgery to improve patient outcomes. It highlights the need for increased surgeon involvement and funding to address critical gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- The 2013 Breast Cancer Campaign identified research priorities but lacked focus on surgical research.
- Surgeons play a crucial role in breast cancer care, necessitating dedicated research efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and prioritize research opportunities in breast surgery.
- To complement the 2013 breast cancer research gap analysis with a surgical focus.
Main Methods:
- Convened research-active breast surgeons to identify research areas across the patient pathway.
- Incorporated expert input and consulted patient advocacy groups.
- Iteratively refined research priorities based on consensus.
Main Results:
- Identified key research gaps in overdiagnosis, neoadjuvant therapy optimization, breast-conserving surgery re-operations, breast reconstruction evidence, axillary management, and risk-reducing surgery indications.
- Highlighted the need for strategies to address these knowledge gaps.
Conclusions:
- Breast surgeons are well-positioned to lead research efforts.
- Developing surgical research infrastructure, capacity, and funding is essential to address identified gaps over the next two decades.
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