Minimal Invasive Breast Cancer Excision Using the Breast Lesion Excision System Under Ultrasound Guidance

Rationale: In the Netherlands, ≥7000 women are operated for small breast cancers yearly. In this study, we will evaluate under which conditions it is possible to excise small breast cancers using the Breast Lesion Excision System (BLES) under ultrasound (US) guidance. When successful, this will allow ambulatory treatment of women with small breast cancers, improving the cosmetic outcome and quality of life. Objective: Our study aim is to assess whether it is feasible to remove small breast cancers completely using the BLES system under US guidance. Study design: This is a multi-centre, translational clinical phase II study in 125 women with cancers ≤1.5 cm based upon US measurements, and without mammographic evidence of more extensive disease (e.g. microcalcifications). Study population: Women with cancers ≤1.5 cm based upon US measurements, if there is no mammographic evidence of more extensive disease (e.g. microcalcifications or extensive architectural distortion), and the tumor lies ≥6 mm away from the dermis, nipple or pectoral muscle, are eligible for this study. Intervention: In 125 women with cancers ≤1.5 cm based upon US measurements, and without mammographic evidence of more extensive disease (e.g. microcalcifications), we will conduct additional preoperative breast MRI to ascertain lesion size, after informed consent has been obtained. If the lesion is confirmed ≤1.5 cm on MRI and lying ≥6 mm away from the dermis, nipple and pectoral muscle, the patient is eligible. Moreover, patients will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, detailing their risk profile and comorbidity index. Under general anaesthesia for the normal surgical procedure, the tumor is first removed using the BLES system under US guidance, through a small skin incision (\<1 cm). Next, the normal surgical procedure is performed, excising the BLES excision cavity and a ≥ 1cm margin of surrounding tissue, also guided by the US appearance after the BLES procedure. Margin assessment will be performed separately for the BLES excision and the surgical specimen of the surrounding tissue. Main study parameters/endpoints: Main endpoint of the study is the frequency of successful complete tumor excision by the BLES system, where successful is defined as 'having tumor free margins, and no residual (in situ) cancer in the surgical specimen'. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Our approach allows to test the feasibility of this highly innovating approach to remove breast cancer, with minimal negative effects or possible complications. While there is no direct benefit nor detrimental effect from this study to the patients participating, the study has large implications for many women, as breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women, and due to screening, most cancers are small. Further reduction of the impact of local treatment is still desired as the psychosocial and somatic effects of breast deformation can be substantial.