The Food and Drug Administration today, January 26, 2011, released a report showing a possible link between increased cases of a certain non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma type and breast implants. The cancer, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, or ALCL, is a very rare type of cancer that has been shown to have increased occurrence in women who have received silicone or saline implants over the past several years. In reviewing data from the years 1997 to 2010, researchers have found approximately 60 cases worldwide of this type of cancer in women with the implants.
Protecting Breast Health
The FDA is recommending that women become very vigilant in monitoring their breast health, especially if they are implant clients. ALCL can become apparent when patients notice changes in their breasts including pain in the surgical site, lumps, bumps, or breast asymmetry which all develop after the initial healing of the implant. As with any screen for breast cancer, those with implants should check the health of their breasts on a regular basis to note changes early in the disease process.
Current ALCL Drug Trials
According to the website, “ALCL.com,” sponsored by Seattle Genetics, new cases of ALCL occur in the United States in approximately 2000 to 5000 patients per year. Most who develop this disease are younger and in their late teens or 20s. Another spike in incidence occurs in the elderly population. ALCL can be in one of two forms, cutaneous or systemic. The ALCL that occurs in patients with implants seems to develop in the scar tissue that forms around the implants.
Currently, Seattle Genetics is involved in two Phase II research trials for this disease. A Phase II trial means that the drug has gone through a study on a small group of individuals and has shown enough progress and safety to be tried on a larger group of patients with ALCL. Research being conducted is on a particular protein marker, CD30, which is found uniquely on ALCL cancer cells. The new drug will target this cell marker to hopefully destroy cells that are identified with it. Anyone interested in applying for acceptance into the study should contact Seattle Genetics for more information.
FDA Recommendations for Implant Clients
Women who have had breast implants and are currently not experiencing symptoms are advised to keep their implants. Surgical intervention is not being suggested at this time unless it is recommended by a patient’s physician and due to suspicious symptoms that may indicate cancer.
Join the Conversation