The HORIZON Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient Experience with Wire-Guided and Implantable Device-Guided Breast Cancer Surgery: The HORIZON Study (Highlighting patient Outcomes and Responses In breast localisatiON)
IRAS ID
348386
Contact name
Amtul R Carmichael
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The number of patients undergoing breast conserving surgery for impalpable breast cancer has steadily increased in the last decade due to the advancement of radiological techniques in detecting early breast cancers along with the increased availability of neoadjuvant therapies to decrease the size of breast cancer prior to surgery. For impalpable breast cancers, accurate localisation of the lesion is vital to precisely excise the cancerous tissue with clear margins while preserving the breast shape. The gold standard of impalpable breast cancer localisation is a guidewire. However, several complications, technical and logistical challenges with guidewires are well documented adding to the distress faced by patients.
To enhance patient experience, several implantable devices have been used to localise breast lesions, however there is a dearth of evidence regarding patient experience. Therefore, the proposed multicentre study will explore the impact of wire-guided and implantable device-guided breast surgery on patients' care. This improved understanding will guide the selection of localisation techniques and enhance the patient care pathway. This study will employ qualitative interviews, focus group discussions and quantitative questionnaires. Patients will be recruited from NHS Trusts offering breast surgery localised by guide-wire and implantable devices.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1730
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion