BIA-ALCL in patients with genetic predisposition for breast cancer: our experience and a review of the literature

Eur J Cancer Prev. 2023 Jul 1;32(4):370-376. doi: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000809. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

Abstract

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an emerging non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that occurs exclusively in patients with breast implants. The estimated risk of developing BIA-ALCL from exposure to breast implants is largely based on approximations about patients at risk. There is a growing body of evidence regarding the presence of specific germline mutations in patients developing BIA-ALCL, rising interest regarding possible markers of genetic predisposition to this type of lymphoma. The present paper focuses attention on BIA-ALCL in women with a genetic predisposition for breast cancer. We report our experience at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy, describing a case of BIA-ALCL in a BRCA1 mutation carrier who developed BIA-ALCL 5 years after implant-based post mastectomy reconstruction. She was treated successfully with an en-bloc capsulectomy. Additionally, we review the available literature on inherited genetic factors predisposing to the development of BIA-ALCL. In patients with genetic predisposition to breast cancer (mainly TP53 and BRCA1/2 germline mutations), BIA-ALCL prevalence seems to be higher and time to onset appears to be shorter in comparison to the general population. These high-risk patients are already included in close follow-up programs allowing the diagnosis of early-stage BIA-ALCL. For this reason, we do not believe that a different approach should be followed for postoperative surveillance.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics
  • Breast Implants* / adverse effects
  • Breast Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / surgery
  • Mastectomy / adverse effects

Substances

  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein