Regulator to hold evidence gathering hearings following Implant Files findings

French regulator Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament (ANSM) has announced it will hold evidence gathering hearings following the Implant Files Scandal, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

The watchdog became so concerned that in November it had ordered surgeons to stop using silicone implants with textured surfaces because of potential links to a rare form of cancer.

The hearings will take place from 7-8 February and will focus on health risks associated with textured-surface silicone implants that some studies have suggested have been associated with the cancer, breast-implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

The regulator has also said it will hold a separate evidence gathering session on 22 January to hear from patients and clinical experts on the safety of vaginally-inserted surgical mesh products.

Concerns were raised in November about a number of faulty medical implants potentially harming patients which led to calls for changes in regulation, including from the Royal College of Surgeons.