FDA Links Breast Implants To A Rare Form Of Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday a causal relationship between breast implants and a rare form of cancer, according to an NBC News report.

The disease, a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), is believed to have killed at least nine people with silicone and saline implants — but the FDA is investigating 350 additional reports. FDA initiated its study in 2011, and its recent announcement corresponds with similar findings from the World Health Organization.

"All of the information to date suggests that women with breast implants have a very low but increased risk of developing ALCL compared to women who do not have breast implants," the FDA said in a statement.

The Specifics

Cases of ALCL associated with breast implants are generally treatable by removal of the implants, chemotherapy and radiation. WHO researchers reported the disease can take an average of 10 years to develop after implant installation.

While the FDA continues its research into additional cases, it may open a concurrent investigation into other alleged side effects.

Earlier in March, a former Playboy playmate, Karen McDougal, began an educational campaign against implants. McDougal said her recent implant removal diminished symptoms of previous blackouts, dizzy spells, allergies and vision problems.

Who Will Be Impacted?

Impending disruptions in the silicone and saline market are likely to affect Sientra Inc SIEN, Johnson & Johnson JNJ and Allergan plc Ordinary Shares AGN, which are large players in the industry.

Following the NBC report, Sientra was trading up 1.1 percent, Johnson & Johnson was down 0.9 percent and Allergan was down 2 percent in post-market activity.