Abstract P1-03-02: Clip placement after ultrasound guided biopsy in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Charlotte J. Yong-Hing, Chisato Ito, Lauren Corke, Christine Simmons, Bethina Abrahams
Journal: Cancer Research (2022)

Abstract Introduction: Most breast cancers are diagnosed after an image-guided biopsy. When performed under stereotactic guidance, biopsy markers (clips) are almost always placed. In comparison, clip placement after ultrasound (US) guided biopsy is variable. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) may be administered before surgery to shrink large tumors so breast conservation therapy (BCT) instead of mastectomy can be done. After NAT, tumors may no longer be clinically palpable or visible on imaging. The clip localizes tumors so that the site can be identified and less extensive and more precise surgery can be performed. If no clip is placed at the time of biopsy, NAT is delayed and mastectomy may be required in a patient who would have otherwise qualified for BCT. Most often, a second US procedure for clip placement will be required and sometimes a second biopsy prior to NAT. International and national guidelines state that clips should be placed when the radiologist suspects the patient is a candidate for NAT. The aim of this project was to decrease the number of patients presenting to the NAT clinic at BC Cancer Vancouver Center without a clip in situ to less than 5% by the end of 2020. Methods: Ethical risk assessed using the ARECCI screening tool were minimal. Initial data included all patients who presented for NAT at BC Cancer VCC from January 2018 to January 2019 and final data was from January 2021 to March 2021 (delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic). All lower mainland health authority sites (LMMI) were surveyed in regards to whether they perform US guided breast biopsies. An online survey about specific radiologist practices was sent out to radiologists at all LMMI sites, as well as in community imaging clinics (CICs) and other health authorities in the province. Patient interviews have been conducted through BC Cancer Patient Engagement. A fee code specific to CICs in the lower mainland, which perform over 60% of the US guided breast biopsies, to encourage and support appropriate clip use was proposed to the British Columbia ministry of health and was implemented in July 2019. Education was targeted at other community sites where surgeons were engaged to explain the impact on clinical outcomes when clips are not used. An online webinar about clip placement was developed in conjunction with a local surgeon and was hosted by the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging. Results: 19 LMMI sites perform US breast biopsies. 25% of radiologists surveyed stated anticipation of NAT as a reason for clip placement and 21% were aware of the national guidelines for clip placement. Initial data included 121 patients who presented for NAT clinic in our time frame and 77 were included in our analysis (received NAT and clip status was known). Final data included 33 patients who presented to the NAT clinic and 30 were include in our analysis. Before intervention, 49% of patients considered for NAT had a clip placed at the initial biopsy. Of 50 patients who did not have a clip at initial biopsy, 21 (42%) required a clip prior to NAT. There was a 5.5 day difference in time to NAT after biopsy for patients who had clips placed initially at the time of biopsy (34.7 days) and patients who did not (40.2 days). There was no difference in mastectomy rates. After intervention, 80% of patients considered for NAT had a clip placed at the initial biopsy. Though it is difficult to quantify the clinical impact a 5.5 day delay to start of therapy may have, patient interviews indicate significant anxiety associated with the time between diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: Targeted education on clip use with engagement of surgeons to explain the clinical implications, and development of a fee code to encourage and support appropriate use of clip placement, reduced the number of patients presenting for NAT without a clip in place. Future projects include exploring the financial costs or savings of increasing clip use. Citation Format: Charlotte J. Yong-Hing, Chisato Ito, Lauren Corke, Christine Simmons, Bethina Abrahams. Clip placement after ultrasound guided biopsy in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-03-02.