New figures from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show an increase in reports of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in the United Kingdom.
As of September 2018, the MHRA had received 57 reports of ALCL in patients with breast implants, 45 of which meet the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria for BIA-ALCL. At the end of June, 48 cases had been reported, with 40 confirmed.
Based on the figures, the estimated risk of BIA-ALCL for the UK population has been increased from one per 28,000 implants sold to one in 24,000.
Of the data reported to date, the number of deaths remains at 3, with 1 confirmed. The other 2 deaths did not meet the diagnostic criteria.
The independent Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Expert Advisory Group is continuing to review emerging evidence. To assist in the process, clinicians are being reminded to report all cases of ALCL in patients with breast implants. Reports should include diagnostic criteria (eg, CD30 and ALK status); device details (eg, manufacturer, model, surface texture); clinical symptoms and management; implantation details (eg, dates of initial implantation, revision, explanation); and details of previous implants.
