Background. Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour in women in the whole world. Despite significant developments in the early diagnosis of breast cancer, there is no effective method which would assure total recovery of the patient. Currently available clinical data and laboratory tests indicate a possibility to introduce photodynamic therapy (PDT) to the supplementary treatment of breast cancer. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of PDT with Photolon as a photosensibilizator on the expression of apoptosis associated genes (BCL-2, BAX, TP53) in human breast cancer cell lines, preceded by assessment of survivorship and proliferative activity in the tested cells after PDT. Material and Methods. In the present study human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T-47D were used. Photolon (chlorin e6 complex: PVP 1:1) was used as a photosensitizer. Assessments of survivorship and proliferative activity of cells under the influence of PDT (WST-1 test) were conducted along with the expression of selected genes involved in the process of apoptosis: BCL-2, BAX, TP53 (RT-QPCR). Results. PDT limited both survivorship and proliferative activity of breast cancer cells in the two tested lines. In case of T-47D cell line was found increase of BAX and BCL-2 genes expression after PDT and sustained activity of TP53 gene. Conversely, in MCF-7 cell line a decrease in expression was found for both BAX and TP53 genes, but also an increase of BCL-2 gene expression. Conclusions. A progressing decrease (24, 48 and 72 h after PDT) in the count of culture cells, which suggests the occurrence of apoptosis initiated by a photodynamic reaction with simultaneous increase of BCL-2/BAX index, indicates activation of a different endogenous apoptosis pathway than the one examined, namely pointing to sui-

Background Epidemiologic studies on Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) currently estimate the risk between 1:300 and 1:30,000, assessed mainly in large breast reconstruction populations. Objectives Aims of the study was to assess BIA-ALCL epidemiology in a cohort of patients who have received textured implants for cosmetic indications. Methods In a prospective cohort observational study, 1,501 patients who received a cosmetic breast augmentation, between 2006 and 2016, were monitored recording any implant-related complication, including BIA-ALCL. Cross-checking clinical, pathology and external records data was used to identify cases. Prevalence, Implant-Specific Prevalence (I-SP), Incidence Rate (IR), Event Free Time (EFT) and Kaplan Meier survival estimate were calculated. Results All but 2 patients received macrotextured or microtextured devices bilaterally. Mean follow-up was 3.2 years (1 months to 16.4 years). Five BIA-ALCL cases were investigated, prevalence was 1:300 patients, I-SP was 6.9 cases/1000 individuals/BIOCELL and 1.3 cases/1000 individuals/Siltex devices, IR was 1.07 cases/1,000 women/year. Mean (SD) EFT was of 9.2 years. Conclusions When using a denominator based on a cohort of cosmetic patients, BIA-ALCL occurrence is higher than previously reported, particularly with macrotextured devices. Given the similar IR between reconstructive and cosmetic cohorts, their even distribution can be consequent to underreporting due to poorer follow up and lower awareness in the latter group. The genetic predisposition in oncologic cohort reasonably affects the early onset more than the IR. Importance of accurate follow-up is confirmed. Stratification risks analysis can guide surgeons during patient’s counseling in the decision for prophylactic explantation.