COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new clinical trial at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) offers women with certain forms of early-stage breast cancer and inherited genetic risk factors a new breast cancer surgery option with potential to result in improved cosmetic outcomes without compromising cancer control and recurrence risk. Led by OSUCCC – James breast surgical oncologist Ko Un (Clara) Park, MD, this clinical trial will enroll up to 20 women who will undergo a robotic-assisted, nipple-sparing mastectomy. When a woman undergoes a traditional mastectomy, the nipple and the area around it (areola) are typically removed. This can result in a loss of certain sensations in the chest wall and in less optimal cosmetic outcomes. The robotic-assisted, nipple-sparing mastectomy allows surgeons to preserve the blood supply to skin flaps and the nipple areolar complex. “While cancer control and reducing the risk of recurrence are always priorities for women undergoing mastectomies, the accompanying change in physical appearance and loss of sexual identity can be traumatic for many patients, who already are facing the stress of having cancer,” says Park, who specializes in breast cancer surgery, including oncoplastic surgery, at the OSUCCC – James. “With advances in microsurgical and robotic breast reconstruction techniques, we believe it is possible for some women to safely choose a different breast surgery approach that yields strong cancer control but also results in more natural cosmetic outcomes.” Robotic-Assisted Breast Surgery Concept The robotic-assisted, nipple-sparing mastectomy is performed through a small incision with a robotic camera and small instruments attached to a robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon at a computer console. Recent peer-reviewed medical studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of performing minimally invasive, robotic-assisted, nipple-sparing mastectomies. This clinical study will further evaluate the safety, effectiveness and potential risks of the procedure in women age 18 or older. Park will use the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system to perform this procedure, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform other forms of cancer surgery; however, its use in this trial is considered investigational. “This is a technically demanding procedure, but the introduction of robotic surgery systems gives us superior visualization that allows for extreme finesse in dissecting delicate tissues to achieve the best outcomes for our patients,” says Park. Park notes that breast reconstruction post-mastectomy is a careful balance between cancer control and anatomical outcomes, and that every patient’s unique situation requires an approach that is right for her. For More Information The clinical study is funded by a Pelotonia Idea Grant and the OSUCCC – James. Learn more about this work in the following video. To learn more about breast cancer treatment and clinical trials at the OSUCCC – James, visit cancer.osu.edu/breastcancer or call 614-293-5066. -30-