Seung Pil Jung

Lee GB, et al. J Breast Cancer. 2026 ;29:e42. https://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2026.0077

Objectives: Kinesin family member 11 (KIF11), also known as Eg5, is a kinesin motor protein that plays a critical role in mitotic spindle organization and cell division. Although KIF11 has been implicated in promoting cell proliferation and invasive behavior across various cancer types, its regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer remain poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying KIF11 regulation and evaluated the therapeutic potential of its selective inhibitor, ispinesib, in breast cancer models. Methods: Prognostic correlations were investigated using clinical cohorts and publicly available datasets. Gene Ex-pression Omnibus (GEO) data were analyzed to examine the relationship between KIF11 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression. In addition, functional experiments employing genetic modifications and pharmacological inhibitors were conducted in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells. Results: High KIF11 expression was significantly linked to inferior survival outcomes in ER+ breast cancer patients and was more frequently observed in those with lymph node-positive (LN+) and advanced-stage disease, supporting its potential contribution to tumor progression. Moreover, KIF11 levels showed a positive association with MAPK1. Pharmacologic blockade of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) markedly suppressed KIF11 expression, whereas overexpression of constitutively active MEK1 (CA-MEK1) enhanced its expression, indicating that KIF11 is regulated through MAPK-dependent signaling pathways. Finally, we investigated the impact of the pharmacological inhibitor ispinesib, as well as genetic silencing of KIF11, on cell cycle dynamics and tumor cell proliferation. Both KIF11 knockdown and ispinesib treatment induced gap2/mitosis (G2/M) arrest and substantially curtailed the growth of ER+ breast cancer cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that KIF11 may serve as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in ER+ breast cancer, and that its expression is, at least in part, modulated through MAPK-dependent signaling pathways.

Lee J, et al. J Breast Cancer. 2026 ;29:e29. https://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2026.0035

Song SE, et al. J Breast Cancer. 2026 ;29:e11. https://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2025.0206

Phyllodes tumors are rare biphasic fibroepithelial breast neoplasms classified as benign, borderline, or malignant. Despite their rarity, malignant variants carry higher risks of recurrence and metastasis. This review synthesizes current evidence on their clinical, histopathological, and molecular characteristics, including treatment strategies and prognostic factors, emphasizing tailored management. We performed a comprehensive literature review to summarize knowledge on clinical presentation, imaging, histopathological features, surgical treatment, adjuvant therapy, and outcomes. Recent genomic and molecular research was also evaluated to identify future directions. Persistent challenges include a lack of consensus on optimal surgical margins, adjuvant radiotherapy, and follow-up protocols, highlighting the need for larger, high-quality studies. Advances in molecular profiling suggest potential for targeted therapies, especially in aggressive or metastatic cases. Due to clinical heterogeneity and the limited accuracy of core biopsies, definitive grading based on surgical histopathology remains essential for treatment planning. This review offers an updated perspective on phyllodes tumor management, identifies critical gaps, and suggests priorities for future research.

Background: A surgical therapy for breast cancer, robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (RANSM) has gained popularity because it may offer better cosmetic results than traditional nipple-sparing mastectomy (CNSM). Data regarding RANSM’s viability and security are still scarce, nevertheless. Comparing the surgical results of RANSM and CNSM in a single-center experience was the goal of this study. Methods: 57 patients who had nipple-sparing mastectomy procedures performed at our facility between January and December 2021 were included in this retrospective research. Of them, 49 patients had CNSM, and 8 patients had RANSM. Analysis was performed on pain scores, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, patient demographics, and operating time. Results: The mean total operative time was longer for RANSM group was 148 min compared to 117 min for the CNSM group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.083). The mean duration of hospital stay was shorter for the RANSM group than for the CNSM group (10.75 days vs. 2.92 days, respectively; p = 0.302). Both groups had similar pain scores on postoperative day 3 (RANSM: 3.50, CNSM: 3.54, p = 0.926). No patient in the RANSM group received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, whereas 32.6% of patients in the CNSM group received chemotherapy. The RANSM and CNSM groups experienced complications at rates of 12.5% and 18.4%, respectively (p = 0.571). In contrast to 14.3% in the CNSM group, there were no documented incidences of skin necrosis in the RANSM group. Conclusions: RANSM demonstrated comparable safety to CNSM with potential benefits, including a shorter hospital stay and lower complication rates. These findings support the feasibility of RANSM, particularly in patients prioritizing cosmetic outcomes. To validate these initial findings, more research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up times is necessary.

Background The nipple is a potential source of pathogens because its lactiferous ducts act as direct conduits from the nipple–areolar complex to the breast parenchyma. Our previous studies identified breast microbiota as a factor in postoperative complications following immediate breast reconstruction using silicone implants and acellular dermal matrix. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between preoperative nipple swab microbiota and the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) after autologous breast reconstruction.Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction following total mastectomy. Preoperative nipple swab cultures were obtained. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complication rates were compared between culture-positive and culture-negative groups. Microbiological data, including antibiotic‑resistance profiles, were collected.Results Among 39 reconstructed breasts, 18 (46.9%) had positive preoperative nipple cultures. The mean duration of drain placement was significantly longer in the culture‑positive group (14.39±3.96 days) than in the culture‑negative group (12.14±2.76 days, P=0.045). Methicillin‑susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis accounted for 55.0% of isolates. Of the four SSIs observed, three occurred in patients with positive preoperative cultures.Conclusions Although pathogen strains differed between preoperative and postoperative settings, obtaining preoperative nipple microflora cultures and determining antibiotic‑resistance profiles can guide immediate antibiotic selection for SSIs and enhance postoperative management.

Jung JJ, et al. J Breast Cancer. 2025 Nov;28:e42. https://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2025.0157

Taxanes are effective chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer care, but adverse effects pose a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Taxane-induced fluid retention and lower-extremity edema are two of the important dose-limiting toxicity and result in decreased quality of life (QoL). However, there is no standard of care to alleviate the symptoms. We conducted a clinical study to assess the efficacy of short-term aroma lymphatic tressage therapy (ALTT) in reducing taxane-induced edema in breast cancer patients. In this phase 2 clinical trial, patients with edema of CTCAE grade 2 or higher were enrolled and conducted 8 sessions of ALTT. The primary endpoint was to determine the proportion of patients with a reduction in lower extremity circumference of 3% or more before and 6 weeks after starting ALTT. The change in QoL was assessed as the secondary endpoint using QoL questionnaires. A total of 37 breast cancer patients completed the protocol and were analyzed. The median sum of the 3-point circumference (thigh, calf, and ankle) was 230.8 cm (IQR 218–243) in the baseline and 220.2 cm (IQR 212–236) at the end of the study. The average decrease of circumference was 3.8%. About, 23 patients (62%) experienced a circumference decrease of 3% or more. An improvement in every scale of FACT-TAXANE and EORTC-QLQ-C30 was observed when comparing questionnaire results before and at the end of the intervention (P < 0.0001). Eight sessions of ALTT over 4 weeks were effective in reducing lower-extremity edema and resulted in improvement of QoL in patients with breast cancer.

Background: Capsular contracture is one of the most common and severe complications after implant-based breast reconstruction. Recently, prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become an alternative to subpectoral implant-based reconstruction. However, risk factors for capsular contracture associated with recent prepectoral reconstruction trends are not well refined yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine risk factors for capsular contracture, and share our experience of treating capsular contracture in prepectoral reconstruction. Methods: This retrospective comparative study focused on 110 patients who underwent prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with ADM. Risk factors of capsular contracture were analyzed by comparing a capsular contracture group (27 cases) and a non-capsular contracture group (83 cases). Secondary treatment after capsular contracture development was analyzed in capsular contracture group. Results: According to univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for capsular contracture, single staged implant-based reconstruction (direct-to-implant), infection, and postoperative radiotherapy were significantly related to the development of capsular contracture. Also, surgical intervention including capsulectomy and capsulotomy with implant change showed a significant higher remission rate than other groups. Conclusions: Our study provides insights into risk factors and treatment choices for capsular contracture after prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with ADM. These findings can aid selection of patients, postoperative care and preventative treatment before reconstruction.