Scientific advice on the state of scientific knowledge regarding a possible connection between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma

WG on safety of breast implants in relation to anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
SCHEER members: Wim de Jong, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, Theodoros Samaras
Contact: SANTE-C2-SCHEERec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-C2-SCHEER[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
Adopted on: 19 October 2017

Conclusion of the scientific advice:

The SCHEER was requested by the European Commission to provide an advice on the state of scientific knowledge regarding a possible association between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and determine whether sufficient scientific information was available for conducting a full risk assessment on a possible association between breast implants and ALCL.

The scientific literature search has retrieved mainly case reports and case series and, in addition, a few epidemiological studies. The available information suggests that breast implants may be associated with an increased risk for ALCL.

Although the very low incidence of ALCL and the methodological limitations of the available information/studies do not currently allow for a robust risk assessment, the SCHEER recommends that a more in-depth evaluation be conducted on the possible association of breast implants with the development of ALCL.

Keywords:

breast implants, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, cancer, PIP breast implants

Scientific Advice to be cited as:

SCHEER (Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks), Scientific Advice on a Possible Association between Breast Implants and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, 19 October 2017.