Our Summary

This research study was carried out to determine the safety and effectiveness of breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for women diagnosed with multiple ipsilateral breast cancer (MIBC), which means there are two to three areas of cancer in the same breast. BCT is a treatment that involves removing the tumor and a small area of healthy tissue around it, rather than the whole breast.

The study focused on women aged 40 and above who were eligible for this treatment. They went through lumpectomies (a type of BCT) with healthy margins (meaning no cancer was found in the edges of the removed tissue) and then received radiation therapy. The main goal was to see how many of these patients had a recurrence of cancer in the same area within a 5-year period, aiming for a recurrence rate of less than 8%.

The study was conducted on 270 women from November 2012 to August 2016. 204 women completed the treatment as described in the study. After an average follow-up period of about 5.5 years, only six women experienced a recurrence of cancer in the same area. This means the recurrence rate was 3.1%, which is much lower than the acceptable limit of 8%.

The researchers also found that the recurrence rate was much higher in patients who did not have a preoperative MRI (22.6%) compared to those who did (1.7%).

In conclusion, the study suggests that BCT is a safe and effective treatment for women with MIBC, especially if they have a preoperative MRI. This could potentially provide a less invasive treatment option for these patients.

FAQs

  1. What is breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and who can benefit from it?
  2. What was the recurrence rate of cancer in the same area for women who underwent BCT in this study?
  3. How did the use of a preoperative MRI affect the recurrence rate of cancer in patients who underwent BCT?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumpectomy is to follow up with regular mammograms and other recommended screenings to monitor for any signs of recurrence or new cancer development. It is important to stay proactive in your healthcare and communicate any changes or concerns with your healthcare team. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support your overall health and well-being during and after treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lumpectomy are those who have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, especially those with smaller tumors that have not spread to the surrounding tissues. Lumpectomy is often recommended for patients who want to preserve as much of their breast tissue as possible and avoid a mastectomy. Additionally, patients who are not good candidates for or do not want to undergo a mastectomy may also be recommended for lumpectomy.

Overall, lumpectomy is a suitable option for patients with early-stage breast cancer who have small tumors and are able to undergo radiation therapy after the procedure to ensure that all cancer cells are eliminated. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before lumpectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with multiple ipsilateral breast cancer (MIBC).
  2. Patient undergoes preoperative tests and evaluations to determine eligibility for breast-conserving therapy (BCT).
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare team and decides to undergo lumpectomy.
  4. Patient prepares for surgery and follows pre-surgery instructions provided by their healthcare team.

After lumpectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes lumpectomy surgery to remove the tumor and a small area of healthy tissue around it.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising post-surgery.
  3. Patient is monitored closely for any signs of complications or infection.
  4. Patient may undergo radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare team for regular check-ups and monitoring for any signs of recurrence.
  6. Patient may experience emotional and physical changes due to the treatment and recovery process.
  7. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes and follow-up care to maintain their overall health and well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lumpectomy for multiple ipsilateral breast cancer include:

  1. What is the success rate of lumpectomy for women with multiple areas of cancer in the same breast?
  2. How many women in similar situations have experienced a recurrence of cancer after undergoing lumpectomy?
  3. What are the potential risks and side effects of lumpectomy for MIBC?
  4. Will I need to undergo radiation therapy after the lumpectomy?
  5. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the procedure?
  6. Should I consider having a preoperative MRI to improve the success rate of the treatment?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for MIBC?
  8. How long is the recovery period after a lumpectomy for MIBC?
  9. What are the chances of needing further surgery or additional treatments after the lumpectomy?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific procedure and what to expect during and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Boughey JC, Rosenkranz KM, Ballman KV, McCall L, Haffty BG, Cuttino LW, Kubicky CD, Le-Petross HT, Giuliano AE, Van Zee KJ, Hunt KK, Hahn OM, Carey LA, Partridge AH. Journal: J Clin Oncol. 2023 Jun 10;41(17):3184-3193. doi: 10.1200/JCO.22.02553. Epub 2023 Mar 28. PMID: 36977292