In a nutshell
In this trial researchers examined whether the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery) influenced survival or recurrence rates in women undergoing breast conserving therapy for breast cancer.
Some background
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) refers to chemotherapy treatments received prior to surgery. This approach is often used to reduce the size of a large tumor, which then allows the patient to undergo conserving surgery rather than removing the entire breast. This is referred to as breast conserving therapy (BCT). Some doctors are concerned that NCT, rather than using surgery first, is more likely to lead to recurrence of the cancer (called local-regional recurrence, or LRR).
Methods & findings
Researchers examined LRR and survival among 1,589 breast cancer patients who were treated with BCT (removal of the tumor but not the entire breast). 72% of these patients underwent surgery first, while 28% received NCT followed by surgery. Patients were followed for 5 years after BCT. Although NCT patients had larger, more advanced, tumors at the start of treatment, there was no difference in survival or recurrence rates between the two groups. Overall only 3% of patients in this study experienced LRR, and in most of these cases recurrence was treatable. NCT did not increase the risk of untreatable recurrences or decreased survival after recurrence.
The bottom line
Breast conserving therapy is safe and efficient in the treatment of localized breast cancer. The use of NCT before surgery in order to perform BCT does not reduce survival or increase the risk of recurrence.
What’s next?
Consult with your doctor on the best treatment plan suitable for your condition.
Published By :
Annals of Surgical Oncology
Date :
May 30, 2013
