In a nutshell
This study analyzed the occurrence of distance metastasis (the spread of the cancer to distant organs) in early stage breast cancer patients after breast conservation therapy (BCT). This study also showed the pattern of spread to these distant organs.
Some background
Early-stage breast cancer is used to describe breast cancer that is early in its growth, and has not spread beyond the breast. Early stage breast cancer is often treated by breast conserving therapy (BCT). BCT normally includes a lumpectomy (a surgical operation in which only the cancer cells and some surrounding tissue are removed, without removing the entire breast), followed by radiation therapy. At times, BCT fails, and recurrence or distant metastasis occurs. Metastasis from breast cancer commonly affects the bones, brain, lungs and liver.
Methods & findings
A total of 1754 patients were involved in this study. All had early stage breast cancer and were treated with BCT.
Results show that, 15 years after BCT, the most common adverse event was not related to breast cancer at all (death from other causes occured in 16.5% of patients). In 10.3% of the patients breast cancer recurred in the opposite breast, and in 6.2% of the patients cancer recurred in the same breast as the original cancer. The most common site of metastasis was to the bones (occurring in 5.9% of patients 15 years after BCT).
The bottom line
In summary, the study showed that a minority of patients treated with BCT experience recurrence or metastasis. Bone metastasis is the most common site of organ spread.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the option of breast conserving therapy.
Published By :
Clinical Breast Cancer
Date :
Dec 05, 2012
