BIA-ALCL Epidemiology in an Aesthetic Breast Surgery Cohort of 1501 Patients

Jerzy Kolasiński; Michail Sorotos; Guido Firmani; Demosthenes Panagiotakos; Justyna Płonka; Małgorzata Kolenda; Fabio Santanelli di Pompeo

doi:10.1093/asj/sjad181

BIA-ALCL Epidemiology in an Aesthetic Breast Surgery Cohort of 1501 Patients

Aesthet Surg J. 2023 Oct 13;43(11):1258-1268. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjad181.

Authors

Jerzy Kolasiński, Michail Sorotos, Guido Firmani, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, Justyna Płonka, Małgorzata Kolenda, Fabio Santanelli di Pompeo

PMID: 37289985
DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjad181

Abstract

Background: Epidemiologic studies on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) currently estimate the risk between 1:300 and 1:30,000, assessed mainly in large breast reconstruction populations.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess BIA-ALCL epidemiology in a cohort of patients who have received textured implants for cosmetic indications.

Methods: In a prospective cohort observational study, 1501 patients who received a cosmetic breast augmentation between 2006 and 2016 were monitored, recording any implant-related complications, including BIA-ALCL. Cross-checking of clinical, pathology, and external records data identified cases. Prevalence, implant-specific prevalence (I-SP), incidence rate (IR), event-free time (EFT), and the Kaplan-Meier survival estimate were calculated.

Results: All but 2 patients received macrotextured or microtextured devices bilaterally. Mean follow-up was 3.2 years (1 months to 16.4 years). Five BIA-ALCL cases were investigated. Prevalence was 1:300 patients; I-SP was 6.9 cases/1000 individuals/Allergan BIOCELL devices and 1.3 cases/1000 individuals/Mentor Siltex devices; and IR was 1.07 cases/1000 females/year. Mean (SD) EFT was 9.2 years.

Conclusions: When using a denominator based on a cohort of cosmetic patients, BIA-ALCL occurrence is higher than previously reported, particularly with macrotextured devices. Given the similar IRs in reconstructive and cosmetic cohorts, their even distribution could be consequent to underreporting due to poorer follow-up and lower awareness in the latter group. The genetic predisposition in the oncologic cohort reasonably affects the early onset more than the IR. The importance of accurate follow-up is confirmed. Stratification risks analysis can guide surgeons during patient counseling regarding the decision for prophylactic explantation.