A new report by the Mayo Clinic proposes that breast cancer patients with multiple tumors in one breast might not require a mastectomy. Instead, breast-conserving therapy, which involves a lumpectomy and whole-breast radiation therapy, may be possible if surgeons remove the tumors while preserving enough breast tissue.
Having many alternatives great for breast cancer patients
Judy Boughey, breast surgical oncologist and lead study author, said he is thrilled with the findings because it will allow multidisciplinary care teams and patients to consider breast preservation for women looking to keep their breasts. Although some patients may still choose mastectomy, having more choices is a positive step forward.
In a single-arm trial, researchers studied 204 women aged 40 or older with two or three different areas of breast cancer in the same breast who were interested in preserving their breasts. All patients received the same treatment, which included a preoperative mammogram and ultrasound, with some also receiving breast MRI. Patients underwent lumpectomies to remove the tumors, followed by whole-breast radiation therapy, including radiation boost to each lumpectomy site.
In a single-arm trial, researchers studied 204 women aged 40 or older with two or three different areas of breast cancer in the same breast who were interested in preserving their breasts. All patients received the same treatment, which included a preoperative mammogram and/or ultrasound, with some also receiving breast MRI. Patients underwent lumpectomies to remove the tumors, followed by whole-breast radiation therapy, including radiation boost to each lumpectomy site.
The local breast cancer recurrence rate was 3.1%
Six patients experienced local breast cancer recurrence out of 193 patients after an average follow-up period of 66.4 months. The local recurrence rate was 3.1%, comparable to those who received breast-conserving therapy for a single tumor in the breast. Dr. Boughey considers this a remarkable outcome.
Historically, doctors recommended mastectomy for women with multiple tumors in a breast. However, these new findings suggest that many patients can opt for a less invasive option, resulting in better patient satisfaction, cosmetic outcomes, and faster recovery.
