Breast Implant-Associated ALCL Research

Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a cancer of the lymphoid system that occurs in the context of a breast implant. The causes of this lymphoma are unknown although are speculated to be due to chronic infection, shedding of particulates and/or toxins leached from the implants. Our research focuses on the latter mechanism whereby we hypothesise that toxins induce hyper-proliferation of T cells surrounding the breast implant. Whether these toxins are secreted by bacteria and/or the implants themselves remains to be determined. Our research, conducted at the University of Cambridge aims to dissect the mechanisms responsible in order to prevent BIA-ALCL from occurring in the future. We receive no funding from industry and have no conflicts of interest - we are an academic research lab that wants to uncover the causes of this cancer independently. Please support us!