Dr. Paola Ghione, the lead researcher, advises women to be aware of their implant types and maintain open communication with healthcare providers regarding their medical history.

A recent study published in Blood Advances marks the first large-scale investigation into the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) among women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

The research reveals that women with breast cancer carrying these mutations face a 16-fold increased risk of developing BIA-ALCL when using textured breast implants.

Conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the study involved over 3,000 breast cancer survivors, with 520 tested for BRCA mutations, revealing an 8.3% carrier rate.

Among the 520 women, those with BRCA mutations showed a significantly higher age-adjusted incidence of BIA-ALCL compared to those without mutations.

BIA-ALCL is a rare T-cell lymphoma that typically arises in the tissue surrounding textured breast implants, often developing 7 to 10 years after implantation.

The FDA reported 1,264 cases of BIA-ALCL and 63 related deaths in 2023, with textured implants used in a significant percentage of reconstructive surgeries.

While the study emphasizes that current implants are considered safe, it underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and discussions about implant types for women with a history of breast cancer.

Routine removal of implants is not recommended unless symptoms such as pain, swelling, or changes in breast shape occur.

The study did not include women with BRCA mutations who underwent prophylactic mastectomy, but ongoing monitoring of the cohort is planned.

Interestingly, the study found no correlation between BIA-ALCL risk and factors such as implant filling type, patient age, or previous cancer treatments.

Although the research is limited to a single institution, it included a diverse population and long follow-up, with plans for further studies to continue monitoring participants.