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Changes in margin re-excision rates: Experience incorporating the "no ink on tumor" guideline into practice. J Surg Oncol 2017 Dec;116(8):1040-1045

Date

07/28/2017

Pubmed ID

28750136

DOI

10.1002/jso.24770

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85026404886 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   21 Citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Prior to the "no ink on tumor" SSO/ASTRO consensus guideline, approximately 20% of women with stage I/II breast cancers undergoing breast conservation surgery at our institution underwent margin re-excision. On May 20, 2013, our institution changed the definition of negative margins from 2 mm to "no ink on tumor."

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who had surgery at our institution with clinical stage I/II breast cancers between June 1, 2011 and May 1, 2015. In the pre-guideline cohort (pre) and post-guideline cohort (post), negative margins were 2 mm and "no ink on tumor," respectively.

RESULTS: Implementation of the guideline resulted in a significant decrease in the positive/close margin rate (29.6% pre vs 10.1% post; P < 0.001) and numerical decrease in re-excision rate (20.4% pre vs 16.3% post; P = 0.104). No significant difference was found in local recurrence between the cohorts with limited follow-up (1.2% pre vs 1.5% post; P = 0.787).

CONCLUSION: The implementation of the "no ink on tumor" guideline at our institution has resulted in a significant decrease in positive margin rates and a numerical decrease in margin re-excisions. In addition to margin status, surgeons continue to use individual patient and histologic factors to decide for or against margin re-excision.

Author List

Patten CR, Walsh K, Sarantou T, Hadzikadic-Gusic L, Forster MR, Robinson M, White RL Jr

Author

Caitlin R. Patten MD, FACS Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Breast Neoplasms
Humans
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
Neoplasm Staging
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Retrospective Studies