Management of Primary Breast Cancer: An Update

Abstract

Based on results of trials emerged during the last 2 years and on data presented at the 8th International Conference on Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer held in 2003 in St. Gallen, a summary of current knowledge and controversies in the management of breast cancer is given. The following topics are covered: screening, biology, surgery, radiation therapy, primary systemic therapy, and adjuvant therapy (biological therapies, chemotherapy, endocrine therapies including ovarian ablation, and their interactions).

Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) as a Boost in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer – Acute Toxicity

“…Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) followed by postoperative whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) is the standard therapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer [1] and reduces the incidence of locoregional relapses after BCS by approximately 75% [2]. In several large randomized studies with a followup period of up to 20 years, equivalent results for relapse-free survival and overall survival were demonstrated after radical mastectomy and BCS followed by 50 Gy WBRT [3,4].…”

Breast Cancer Staging in a Single Session: Whole-Body PET/CT Mammography

“…Once breast cancer is diagnosed, the tumor stage must be accurately determined before therapy can be chosen and the prognosis can be known (3). So far, initial breast cancer staging has been based on a multimodality approach: x-ray mammography is the most widely used technique for diagnosis of the primary lesion in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (4,5).…”

PET-MRI Findings of Two Patients with Breast Carcinoma before Treatment

“…Clinical staging should be performed when determining disease prognosis and treatment for patients who are diagnosed as having breast cancer (4,5). Physical examination, mammography, ultrasonography, and when necessary, MRI help detect local and regional extension (6)(7)(8).…”