title: Evaluation of changes in breast architecture after preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although use of preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer is increasing, resultant changes in breast architecture have not been described. The purpose of this study was to examine breast architecture changes in response to chemotherapy by the placement of 4 peripheral clips.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective case-series of breast cancer patients selected to undergo preoperative chemotherapy, 4 clips were placed peripherally to each mass using sonographic guidance. Mammograms documented tumor size and clip locations both before chemotherapy and after chemotherapy. Percentage reduction in area was calculated based on the tumor dimensions and distances between clips.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 16 participants, 87.5% of lesions had a significant response to chemotherapy. Changes in clip measurements varied widely from significant reduction to significant increase and did not correlate with changes in tumor size. The Pearson correlation coefficient comparing changes in tumor size and clip measurements was .036 (P = .895).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no correlation between reduction in tumor size and change in clip measurements. Further research should be conducted using noncompression breast imaging modalities to eliminate possible distortion caused by mammographic compression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 929 N. Saint Francis St., Room 3082, Wichita, KS 67214, USA.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: McConeghey
authors.forename: Therese E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cusick
authors.forename: Stephen D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Helmer
authors.forename: Patty L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Tenofsky
authors.forename: Jacqueline S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Osland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents