Hepatic resection for metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review

Surgery for liver metastases from primary breast cancer: A reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Currently, the outcomes of standard-of-care palliative treatment for BCLM remain poor. Recent literature has shown promising results of hepatic resection, however, not all studies concur. Given the lack of standardized international guidelines in this field, the aim of this study is to provide gold-standard evidence for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) through a reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis approach.

METHODS

Four databases were searched for articles comparing surgical and non-surgical treatment for BCLM. One-stage meta-analysis was performed using patient-level survival data reconstructed from Kaplan-Meier curves with plot digitizer software. Shared-frailty and stratified Cox models were fitted to compare survival endpoints.

RESULTS

Four propensity-score matched (PSM) studies involving 205 surgical and 291 non-surgical patients for BCLM were included. There was a significant difference between both groups for overall survival (OS) (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.40, 95%CI 0.32-0.51). Sensitivity analyses for hormone receptor status of breast cancer (HR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.31-0.55) and type of resection performed (HR = 0.45, 95%CI 0.33-0.61) yielded HRs in favor of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis concludes that surgery offers superior OS outcomes, compared to non-surgery, in a select group of patients. Future randomized controlled trials and PSM studies are warranted, using this study as a point of reference for similar parameters.

Role of Surgery in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Insights from a Narrative Review

Metastatic breast cancer is difficult to cure and has a worse prognosis with higher rates of mortality. Recently, breast surgery is believed to improve the survival rates among these women, but due to limited evidence, definite conclusions cannot be made. Therefore, we undertook this narrative review to synthesize the evidence from existing studies to assess the effectiveness of locoregional surgery and surgery of metastatic sites in improving the outcomes among women diagnosed with metastatic cancer disease along with the summary of current treatment guidelines. We reviewed PubMed and Embase and included both observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published in English between 2000 and 2021. Outcomes were either survival, quality of life, toxicity related to local treatment assessed by mortality at the end of one month, progression-free survival, and breast cancer-specific survival. The main effect size assessed was hazard ratio with their 95% CIs. After literature search, we found 8 observational studies and 3 RCTs. The findings of the observational studies revealed that breast cancer surgery improves survival from 30% to 50% among women. However, findings from RCTs were mixed for local and distant progression survival. Surgery improved the local progression-free survival but worsened the distant progression-free survival. Besides, there was no effect of breast surgery on quality of life. Regarding the surgery of metastatic site, studies are complex with mixed findings and variation in survival depending upon the type of metastatic site and response to initial systematic therapy and other factors. Based on the existing mixed evidence, it is not possible to make firm and definite conclusions about the effectiveness of breast surgery in improving the survival or quality of life among women with metastatic breast cancer. In future, more RCTs are required with a larger sample size to confirm the findings of observational studies.

Oligometastatic breast cancer and metastasis-directed treatment: an aggressive multimodal approach to reach the cure

Metastatic breast cancer (BC) is considered an incurable disease and is usually treated with palliative intent. However, about 50% of metastatic BCs present with only a few metastatic lesions and are characterized by longer overall survival. These patients, defined as oligometastatic, could benefit from a multimodal approach, which combines systemic therapy with metastasis-directed treatment (stereotactic ablative therapy or surgery). The current definition of oligometastatic seems incomplete since it is based only on imaging findings and does not include biological features, and the majority of relevant data supporting this strategy comes from retrospective or non-randomized studies. However, the chance of reaching long-term complete remission or even a cure has led to the development of randomized trials investigating the impact of combined treatment in oligometastatic BC (OMBC). The SABR-COMET trial, the first randomized study to include BC patients, showed promising results from a combination of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and systemic therapy. Considering the randomized trial's results, multidisciplinary teams should be set up to select OMBC patients who could achieve long-term survival with aggressive multimodal treatment.

Surgical Management of Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Mini Review

Breast cancer with distant metastases is a systemic disease. While systemic therapies are the main treatment strategy, locoregional therapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is generally palliative only. However, recent progress in systemic and local therapies has improved the prognosis of patients with MBC and some may expect long-term survival. More vigorous local therapies for MBC may, therefore, be clinically justified in selected patients. A number of clinical trials and studies have investigated the clinical significance of surgical therapy for primary tumors and distant metastases in patients with MBC. Four prospective randomized trials and multiple retrospective studies have investigated the benefit of surgical resection of primary lesions in patients with MBC, with conflicting results. There have been a number of case-control studies examining the impact of surgical resection of distant metastases, but the benefit of this approach in terms of survival is controversial because selection bias is unavoidable in retrospective studies. The present review discusses the state of the literature relating to local management of the primary breast cancer through surgical resection and surgical management of distant metastatic lesions including pulmonary and liver metastases with future perspectives.

Transarterial Yttrium-90 Glass Microsphere Radioembolization of Chemotherapy-Refractory Breast Cancer Liver Metastases: Results of a Single Institution Retrospective Study

Purpose

Our purpose was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial hepatic radioembolization (TARE) treatment with yttrium-90 labeled glass microspheres in patients with chemotherapy-refractory breast cancer with liver-dominant metastatic disease.

Methods and Materials

This retrospective single-institution study evaluated 31 female patients (mean age of 59.6 ± 13.2 years) who were treated with TARE. All patients received and progressed on systemic chemotherapy before TARE. Twenty-one patients also had extrahepatic metastases, including 13 patients who had metastases in bones only besides the liver. Survival data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. Imaging response to treatment was determined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.

Results

Median overall survival (OS) from the TARE was 13 months (95% confidence interval, 9.1-16.9 months). The survival probability at 1, 2, and 3 years was 60.1%, 36.7%, and 24.5%, respectively. The median hepatic progression-free survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval, 6.1-7.9 months). There was no 30-day mortality and 3 patients (9.4%) had grade 3 toxicity. Estrogen receptor (ER) positive status predicted prolonged survival (14 months for ER+ vs 9 months for ER-; P = .028). Patients who had bone-only extrahepatic disease had higher OS than patients with extraosseous metastases (23 vs 8 months, P = .02). At the 3-month follow-up the radiographic objective response rate was 46.6% and disease control rate was 70%.

Conclusions

The treatment of patients with liver-dominant chemotherapy-refractory breast cancer metastases with TARE using yttrium-90 labeled glass microspheres is safe and led to promising hepatic disease control and OS especially in patients with ER+ tumors and in patients without extrahepatic extraosseous metastases.

Survival Benefit of Surgical Treatment Added Into Systemic Treatment for Isolated Breast Cancer Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Compared with systemic treatment alone, whether surgical treatment combined with systemic treatment can improve survival outcomes of patients with isolated breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) is still controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for patients with isolated BCLM.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to May 13, 2021 was conducted for relevant studies. The primary outcome was overall survival. The meta-analysis was performed using R software. The quality of the pooled study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots and Begg's and Egger's tests. Fixed- and random-effects models were applied according to heterogeneity.

Results: 9 retrospective studies involving 13 cohorts (7 unmatched cohorts and 6 matched cohorts) were included in this study. The surgical cohorts had better overall survival than the systemic cohorts in the pooled analysis of all the included studies, in the subgroup analysis of liver resection, and in the subset of the matched cohorts.

Conclusions: Compared with systemic treatment alone, surgical treatment combined with systemic treatment was proven to be associated with superior survival outcomes, which should be considered in selected patients with isolated BCLM.

SABR in oligometastatic breast cancer: Current status and future directions

Oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) is a heterogeneous disease with intrinsic biological diversity. It is increasingly accepted in clinical practice that patients with OMBC could be treated with the expectation of long-term disease remission. Local ablative treatments, such as radiotherapy or surgery have a role in this setting. At present, patients that may benefit are characterised by low tumour burden, long disease-free interval and the capacity to completely ablate all sites of disease. In the future, biological or genomic classifiers may help predict which patients may benefit the most from local ablative treatments. This review provides an overview of the proposed classifications of oligometastatic disease and outlines the standard systemic treatment options of endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The evidence for localized treatment with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is presented. We discuss current active trials in oligometastatic cancer and discuss potential future directions for the use of SABR in the treatment of OMBC.

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The oligometastatic disease state is being increasingly recognised in breast cancer.

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Breast cancer is a heterogenous disease with varied subtypes and treatment paths.

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Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy in addition to systemic therapy has merit.

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Evidence suggests benefit for cure, stable disease maintenance, and symptom control.

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Study of targeted strategies to treat oligometastatic breast cancer is encouraged.

Clinical Outcome of Patients Submitted to Liver Resection in the Context of Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Study of a Tertiary Hospital Center

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most incident cancer in the world, accounting for 25% of new cancers per year in females. It is the most frequent malignancy in women, being the fifth cause of death from cancer worldwide. Approximately 5 to 10% of patients already present with metastases at diagnosis, and the liver is the site of metastases in half of these cases. Liver metastasis (LM) resection, performed after neoadjuvant systemic treatment, has been reported to increase median overall survival in this population. Aim: The aim of this analysis is to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing breast cancer liver metastasis surgical resection, including impact on survival, compared to patients where metastasectomy was not performed. Methods: retrospective review of 55 female patients with breast cancer liver metastases, diagnosed and treated in a single tertiary university hospital from January 2011 to December 2016 was performed. Results: In 32/55 patients (58.2%), multi-organ metastases were identified (the most common sites being bone, lungs, and lymph nodes). Of the remaining 23 patients, the liver was the unique metastatic site; thirteen patients had diffuse bilobar hepatic metastases. The remaining ten patients were proposed for surgical treatment; three of them had peritoneal carcinomatosis identified during surgery, and no hepatic metastasectomy was performed. As a result, only seven (12.7%) patients underwent liver metastasectomy. Overall survival was higher in patients who had LM surgery (65 months [Interquartile Range (IQR) 54–120]), in comparison to those diagnosed with diffuse bilobar hepatic metastases (17.5 months [IQR 11–41]), and with those showing concurrent liver and bone metastases (16.5 months [IQR 6–36]) (p = 0.012). In univariable analysis, the latter two groups showed worse overall survival outcomes (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 3.447, 95%CI: 1.218–9.756, p = 0.02 and HR = 3.855, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.475–10.077, p = 0.006, respectively) when compared to patients with LM. Conclusion: In our series, patients submitted to metastasectomy had a median overall survival after diagnosis of LM three times greater than the non-operated patients with isolated LM, or concurrent LM and bone metastases (65 vs. 17.5 and 16.5 months, respectively). As is vastly known for colorectal cancer liver metastasis, resection of breast cancer liver metastasis may reduce tumor burden, and therefore may improve patient outcome.

Diagnosis, biology and epidemiology of oligometastatic breast cancer

Does oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) deserve a dedicated treatment? Although some authors recommend multidisciplinary management of OMBC with a curative intent, there is no evidence proving this strategy beneficial in the absence of a randomized trial. The existing literature sheds little light on OMBC. Incidence is unknown; data available are either obsolete or biased; there is no consensus on the definition of OMBC and metastatic sites, nor on necessary imaging techniques. However, certain proposals merit consideration. Knowledge of eventual specific OMBC biological characteristics is limited to circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts. Given the data available for other cancers, studies on microRNAs (miRNAs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and genomic alterations should be developed Finally, safe and effective therapies do exist, but results of randomized trials will not be available for many years. Prospective observational cohort studies need to be implemented.

Proton stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver metastases-results of 5-year experience for 81 hepatic lesions

Background

To report on our institutional experience using Proton stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with liver metastases.

Methods

All patients with liver metastases treated with Proton SBRT between September 2012 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method calculated from the time of completion of Proton SBRT. LC was defined according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines (version 1.1). Toxicity was graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0.

Results

Forty-six patients with 81 lesions were treated with Proton SBRT. The median age was 65.5 years old (range, 33-86 years) and the median follow up was 15 months (range, 1-54 months). The median size of the gross tumor volume (GTV) was 2.5 cm (range, 0.7-8.9 cm). Two or more lesions were treated in 56.5% of patients, with one patient receiving treatment to a total of five lesions. There were 37 lesions treated with a biologically effective dose (BED) ≤60, 9 lesions with a BED of 61-80, 22 lesions with a BED of 81-100, and 13 lesions with a BED >100. The 1-year and 2-year LC for all lesions was 92.5% (95% CI, 82.7% to 96.8%). The grade 1 and grade 2 toxicity rates were 37% and 6.5%, respectively. There were no grade 3 or higher toxicities and no cases of radiation-induced liver disease (RILD).

Conclusions

Proton SBRT for the treatment of liver metastases has promising LC rates with the ability to safely treat multiple liver metastases. Accrual continues for our phase II trial treating liver metastases with Proton SBRT to 60 GyE (Gray equivalent) in 3 fractions.

Prognostic Score for De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer With Liver Metastasis and Its Predictive Value of Locoregional Treatment Benefit

Background

There is a significant survival difference and lack of effective treatment among breast cancer patients with liver metastasis. This present study aimed to construct a novel prognostic score for predicting the prognosis and locoregional treatment benefit of de novo metastatic breast cancer with liver metastasis (BCLM).

Methods

In total, 2,398 eligible patients between 2010 and 2016 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. They were assigned to the training set including 1,662 patients (2010–2014) and validation set comprising 736 patients (2015–2016) depending on the time of diagnosis. The prognostic score was based on regression coefficients in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. And then, patients were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups by the prognostic score. The discrimination and calibration of prognostic score were evaluated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis and calibration curves, respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate locoregional surgery and chemotherapy benefit in different risk groups.

Results

Age, race, insurance and marital status, T stage, pathological grade, molecular subtypes, and extrahepatic metastasis were identified as independent prognostic variables in the prognostic score. The prognostic score showed high discrimination power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 and 0.72 and excellent agreement suggested by calibration plots in the training and validation sets, respectively. Intermediate-risk [hazard ratio (HR) 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.09–2.73, P<0.001] and high-risk groups (HR 4.88; 95% CI 4.13–5.76; P<0.001) had significantly worse prognosis in comparison with the low-risk group. The median overall survival (OS) in three prognostic groups were 44, 18, and 7 months, with a 3-year survival rate of 56, 23, and 7%, respectively. Apart from the high-risk group (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.56–1.10; P=0.157), the low-risk (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.49–0.84; P=0.001) and intermediate-risk groups (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.55–0.85; P=0.001) could benefit from the surgery of primary site, while chemotherapy improved prognosis in all risk groups.

Conclusions

A prognostic score was developed to accurately predict the prognosis of de novo BCLM patients. Moreover, it may be useful for further subdividing them into different risk groups and helping guide clinicians in treatment decisions.

Impact of Hepatic Metastasectomy in the Multimodal Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of hepatic metastases in patients with stage IV breast cancer remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of hepatic metastasectomy on long-term outcomes.

METHODS

The 2004-2015 National Cancer Database was queried for all patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer with metastases isolated to the liver. Patient demographics, disease-, treatment- and outcome-related data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 2,895 patients, only 90 (3.1%) underwent hepatic resection. Compared to patients who did not undergo metastasectomy, patients treated with metastasectomy tended to be younger (52 ± 12.7 versus 59.2 ± 14.6; P < 0.001) and have private insurance (74.4% versus 45.3%; P < 0.001). Independent predictors of metastasectomy included younger age (OR 0.98; CI 0.96-0.99; P = 0.01), lobular carcinoma (OR 2.26; CI 1.06-4.82; P = 0.03), and prior surgery of the primary site (partial mastectomy (OR 6.96; CI 3.47-13.95; P < 0.001) or total mastectomy (OR 5.74; CI 3.06-10.76; P < 0.001)). Compared to no metastasectomy, hepatic metastasectomy was independently associated with a 37% reduction in the risk of death (HR 0.63; CI 0.44-0.91; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Stage IV breast cancer with metastases to the liver is rare and few patients undergo hepatic resection. However, in this select patient population, hepatic metastasectomy was associated with a significant survival advantage when included in the multimodal treatment of synchronous stage IV breast cancer.

Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation of Breast Cancer Liver Metastases: Short- and Long-Term Results with Predicting Factors for Survival

PURPOSE

To evaluate safety, local oncological control, long-term outcome and potential prognostic factors of stereotactic RFA (SRFA) for the treatment of BCLMs.

METHODS

Between July 2003 and December 2019, 42 consecutive female patients with median age 54.0 years were treated with SRFA at our institution for 110 BCLMs in 48 ablation sessions. Median tumor size was 3.0 cm (0.8-9.0). Eighteen (42.9%) patients had extrahepatic metastasis at initial SRFA.

RESULTS

Technical success rate was 100%, i.e., all coaxial needles were inserted with appropriate accuracy within 10 mm off plan and 107/110 (92.3%) BCLMs were successfully ablated at initial SRFA. Four Grade 1 (8.3%, 4/48) and one Grade 2 (2.1%, 1/48) complications occurred. No perioperative deaths occurred. Local recurrence developed in 8 of 110 tumors (7.3%). Overall survival (OS) rates of all patients at 1, 3, and 5 years from the date of the first SRFA were 84.1%, 49.3%, and 20.8% with a median OS of 32.3 months. Univariable cox regression analyses revealed age > 60 years and extrahepatic disease (without bone only metastases) as significant predictors of worse OS (p = 0.013 and 0.025, respectively). Size and number of metastases, hormone receptor status and time onset did not significantly affect OS after initial SRFA.

CONCLUSIONS

SRFA is a safe, minimally invasive treatment option in the management of BCLMs, especially in younger patients without advanced extrahepatic metastasis, including those with large liver tumors.

Can we cure oligometastatic disease? A practical point of view

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To critically analyze the available evidence on oligometastatic breast cancer and to suggest therapeutic approaches for optimal management of these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Unlike metastatic breast cancer, which remains incurable, patients with a limited number and extent of metastatic lesions, that is, oligometastatic disease, might achieve disease control and long-term survival when radical therapy of the primary tumor, if present, and metastatic disease is added to standard systemic therapy. However, the lack of a clear definition, variety of presentations, and the absence of biomarkers makes oligometastatic breast cancer a poorly understood clinical entity for which there is no standard treatment.

SUMMARY

Improvements in systemic therapies along with radical treatment of the primary tumor and metastatic lesions, together with optimization in the use of imaging tools, may help to increase the percentage of patients with metastatic breast cancer who achieve no-evidence-of-disease status or, at least, chronification of the disease. However, the fundamental question remains: which patients may benefit the most from a radical therapeutic approach? In this article, we propose strategies for the appropriate selection and comprehensive management of these patients.

Renewed considerations on the utility (or the futility) of hepatic resections for breast cancer liver metastases

Importance

Indication for liver resection (LR) for localized hepatic metastases from breast cancer (BC) is still a matter of debate.

Objective

A literature review of recent scientific papers pertaining to hepatectomies for BC liver metastases (LM).

Evidence Review

We based our systematic review on case series on literature reviews, comparative studies and cost-utility analysis which have been selected based on criteria regarding surgery, possible prognostic factors and evaluation of long-term survival.

Findings

There is a strong inhomogeneity in the reported data, with 5-year survivals ranging from 21% to 58%. There is no agreement in the evaluation of prognostic variables predicting good survival, with the only exception of the time of treatment of the primary BC until the diagnosis of metastases. Three out of the four comparative studies report better survivals for patients who underwent a hepatectomy in comparison to those treated with chemotherapy alone, but their strength in terms of scientific evidence is weak. The only cost-utility analysis revealed that 2 out of the 3 scenarios considered were in favor of the treatment with surgery followed by conventional chemotherapy.

Conclusions

There is no definitive proof on the effectiveness of LRs for BC LM. Surgery can be proposed when it is possible to perform radical surgery, with R0 margins and saving at least 30% of the liver with its vascular and biliary connections. Stable skeletal metastases are not a contraindication. The interval between treatment of the primary location and diagnosis of hepatic metastases is the only prognosis criteria available.

Liver Metastases-directed Therapy in the Management of Oligometastatic Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

In the context of metastatic breast cancer, dissemination to the liver is a frequent occurrence. We aimed to evaluate the outcome and toxicity of metastatic breast cancer with liver oligometastases treated with metastases-directed therapies (MDTs), including surgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, or thermal ablation (radiofrequency or microwaves).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included patients with diagnosis of 1 to 5 liver metastases. Selection criteria included also age > 18 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2; absence of extra-hepatic disease or other controlled metastatic sites. Endpoints were liver progression-free survival (LPFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients were included. Previous local treatments were performed in 13 (18.1%) patients, whereas systemic therapy was used in 81.9% of cases. Treatment of choice was stereotactic body radiation therapy in 54 (75%) patients followed by surgery (13 patients; 18%) and thermal ablation (5 patients; 7%). With a median follow-up of 26.2 months, LPFS at 1 and 2 years was 52.4% and 38.8%, respectively. The number of metastases predicted LPFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; P = .004). Rates of PFS were 38.7% and 22% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Systemic therapy before MDT (HR, 2.89; P = .016) was correlated with PFS. Overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 95.5% and 76.9%, respectively. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status correlated with survival (HR, 1.82; P = .010).

CONCLUSION

Combination of systemic therapy with liver MDT in oligometastatic breast cancer results in durable disease control in a significant proportion of patients. Tumor biology, prior treatment, and extent of disease may be useful to guide the decision to add MDT to standard therapy.

Surgical therapy for breast cancer liver metastases

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. If diagnosed early, patients generally have good outcomes. However, approximately 20% to 30% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer develop metastatic disease. Metastatic breast cancer is incurable, but there is growing evidence that resection or other local therapy for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) may improve survival. We aimed to review indications for and outcomes of perioperative liver resection and other local therapies for BCLM. In this series, we reviewed 11 articles (605 patients) focusing on surgical resection and 7 articles (266 patients) describing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for BCLM. Median disease-free survival (DFS) after surgical resection was 23 months (range, 14–29 months) and median overall survival (OS) was 39.5 months (range, 26–82 months). One, 3- and 5-year survivals were 89.5%, 70%, and 38%, respectively. The factors favoring better outcomes are hormone receptor positive primary breast cancer status, R0 resection, no extrahepatic metastases (EHM), small BCLM, and solitary liver metastases. On the other hand, the median DFS with RFA was 11 months, median OS was 32 months, and the 3- and 5-year OS were 43% and 27%, respectively. The clinical features that are indications for RFA are smaller tumor and higher EHM rate than those favoring surgical resection (2.4 vs. 4.0 cm and 46% vs. 27%). The merits of RFA are its high technical success rate, low morbidity, short hospital stay, and that it can be repeated. Although results are as yet limited, in carefully selected patients, resection or other local therapies such as RFA, render BCLM potentially provide prognostic improvement.

Predictors of Progression-Free Survival and Local Tumor Control after Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Oligometastatic Breast Cancer: Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

To describe ablation of bone, liver, lung, and soft tissue tumors from oligometastatic breast cancer and to define predictors of local progression and progression-free survival (PFS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 33 women (mean age 52 ± 12 years old; range, 28-69 years), underwent 46 thermal ablations of liver (n = 35), lung (n = 7), and bone/soft tissue (n = 4) metastases. Mean tumor diameter was 18 ± 15 mm (range, 6-50 mm). Ablations were performed to eradicate all evident sites of disease (n = 24) or to control growing sites in the setting of other stable or responding sites of disease (n = 22). Patient characteristics, ablation margins, imaging responses, and cases of PFS were assessed. Follow-up imaging was performed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or positron-emission tomography/ CT.

RESULTS

Median PFS was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2 -14.5 months), and time to local progression was 11 months (95% CI, 5-16 months). Eight patients (24%) maintained no evidence of disease during a median follow-up period of 39 months. Ablation margin ≥5 mm was associated with no local tumor progression. Longer PFS was noted in estrogen receptor-positive patients (12 vs 4 months; P = .037) and younger patients (12 vs 4 months; P = .039) treated to eradicate all sites of disease (13 vs 5 months; P = .05). Eighteen patients (55%) developed new metastases during study follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Thermal ablation of oligometastatic pulmonary, hepatic, bone, and soft tissue tumors can eliminate local tumor progression if margins are ≥5 mm. Longer PFS was observed in patients who were estrogen receptor-positive and patients who were younger and in whom all sites of disease were eradicated.

The role of surgical intervention for isolated breast cancer liver metastasis: Results of case-control study with comparison to medical treatment

Background

Combined with systemic therapy, the surgical intervention for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) is increasingly accepted but lacks convincing evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the disease control efficacy of hepatic surgery in isolated BCLM patients.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2017, metastatic breast cancer patients with isolated liver metastasis and regular follow‐up were identified. Cohort design was conducted to compare the progression‐free survival (PFS) between the surgical and nonsurgical BCLM patients. Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression survival analyses were performed to identify significant prognostic factors.

Result

In all, 148 isolated BCLM patients were enrolled and 95 participants received hepatic surgery for metastatic lesions. With median follow‐up of 36.47 months, there was no significant difference between hepatic surgical group and nonsurgical group for PFS (median PFS: 11.17 months vs 10.10 m, P = .092). Based on the multivariate analysis, the disease‐free interval (DFI) was an independent prognostic factor for isolated BCLM patients. Among the surgical group, BCLM patients who had ideal response after first salvage systemic treatment experienced the best long‐term survival (median PFS: 14.20 months).

Conclusion

For isolated BCLM patients with ideal response in first‐line medical treatment, surgical intervention (hepatectomy, radiofrequency ablation) combining with systemic treatment could bring improved progression‐free survival compared to sole systemic treatment, indicating that hepatic surgery may be considered as a therapeutic choice for selected isolated BCLM patients in clinical practice.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization for unresectable hepatic metastases of breast cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Liver metastases secondary to breast cancer are associated with unfavourable prognosis. Radioembolization with ytrrium-90 is an emerging option for management of liver metastases of breast cancer when other systemic therapies have failed to achieve disease control. However, unlike the case of other liver tumours (colorectal/melanoma metastases/cholangiocarcinoma), its role in the management of breast liver metastases is yet to be elucidated.

AIM

The aims of this systematic review were to (1) assess the effect of radioembolization with yttrium-90 on tumour response; and (2) to estimate patient survival post radioembolization.

METHODS

The review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed and EMBASE databases from January 2007 to December 2018. The initial search yielded 265 reports which were potentially suitable for inclusion in this review. Studies published in English reporting at least one outcome of interest were considered to be suitable for inclusion. Conference abstracts; case reports, animal studies and reports not published in English were excluded from this review. Data was retrieved from each individual report on the name of primary author, year of publication, patient demographics, type of microspheres used, radiation dose delivered to tumour, duration of follow-up, disease control rate (%), tumour response, and overall patient survival.

RESULTS

The final number of studies which met the inclusion criteria was 12 involving 452 patients. There were no randomized controlled trials identified after the literature search. The age of the patients included in this review ranged from 52 to 61 years. The duration of the follow up period post-radioembolization ranged from 6 to 15.7 mo. The total number of patients with breast metastases not confined to the liver was 236 (52.2%). Cumulative analysis revealed that radioembolization with yttrium-90 conferred tumour control rate in 81% of patients. Overall survival post-radioembolization ranged from 3.6 to 20.9 mo with an estimated mean survival of 11.3 mo.

CONCLUSION

Radioembolization with ytrrium-90 appears to confer control of tumour growth rate in most patients, however its effect on patient survival need to be elucidated further. Furthermore, quality evidence in the form of randomized trials is needed in order to assess the effect of radioembolization in more depth.

Surgical treatment of breast cancer liver metastases - A nationwide registry-based case control study

INTRODUCTION

The benefit of liver resection or ablation for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine survival after isolated BCLM in nationwide cohorts and compare surgical versus systemic treatment regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Swedish register for cancer in the liver and the bile ducts (SweLiv) and the National register for breast cancer (NBCR) was studied to identify patients with 1-5 BCLM without extrahepatic spread diagnosed 2009-2016. Data from the registers were validated and completed by review of medical records. A Kaplan-Meier plot and log rank test were used to analyse survival. Prognostic and predictive factors were evaluated by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A surgical cohort (n = 29) was identified and compared to a control cohort (n = 33) receiving systemic treatment only. There was no 90-day mortality after surgery. Median survival from BCLM diagnosis was 77 months (95% CI 41-113) in the surgical cohort and 28 months (95% CI 13-43) in the control cohort, (p = 0.004). There was a longer disease-free interval and more oestrogen receptor positive tumours in the surgical cohort. Surgery was a significant positive predictive factor in univariate analysis while a multivariable analysis resulted in HR 0.478 (CI 0.193-1.181, p = 0.110) for surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for BCLM is safe and might provide a survival benefit in selected patients but prospective trials are warranted to avoid selection bias.

Oligometastatic Breast Cancer: Is This a Curable Entity? A Contemporary Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) remains a poorly understood entity for which no standard of care exists at this time. This review will focus on our biologic understanding of OMBC and provide an update on current treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The introduction of micro RNA expression profiling has advanced our understanding of the biologic underpinnings of OMBC. Although most of the data regarding treatment have come from retrospective studies, there are now prospective randomized trials reporting progression-free survival and overall survival improvements with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Ongoing studies designed to evaluate addition of SABR as well as other novel agents will further develop this field and provide new treatment options. A "cure" for OMBC remains elusive. With further basic research coupled with novel prospective trials, patients will hopefully enjoy increased progression-free survival and overall survival, and ideally a delay to more toxic systemic therapy.

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for bone only oligometastatic breast cancer: A prospective clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is an emerging noninvasive approach for the treatment of oligometastases. Limited prospective evidence is available in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and feasibility of single fraction SABR for patients with bone only oligometastatic breast cancer. Secondary endpoints were local and distant progression-free survival (LPFS and DPFS), toxicity and response assessment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this single institution prospective trial we screened patients with computed tomography, bone scan, and sodium fluoride positron emission tomography. Eligible patients had one to three bone only oligometastases. All patients were treated at a dose of 20Gy in 1 fraction to each metastasis. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to determine local and distant progression free survival (LPFS and DPFS). Toxicity was graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event version 4.0.

RESULTS

15 eligible patients were recruited to the study. Median follow-up time was 24 months. The treatment was feasible in 12 (80%) of patients with 3 (20%) of patients having treatment delayed by more than 3 days. 10 (67%) of patients experienced grade 1 treatment related toxicity, 4 (27%) experienced grade 2 toxicity and no patients experienced grade 3 or 4 treatment related toxicity. The two-year LPFS was 100%, DPFS was 67%.

CONCLUSION

We observed that SABR is feasible, well tolerated and effective in this cohort with two thirds of patients disease-free at two years. In selected patients with bone-only oligometastatic disease, SABR could be considered a treatment option. Randomised trials are required to assess the impact of SABR on overall survival when compared to the standard of care.

Appraisal of disease-specific benefits of minimally invasiveness in surgery of breast cancer liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The primary endpoint of this study is to analyze short term benefit of laparoscopic approach (minimally invasive liver surgery [MILS]) over the open techniques in patients submitted to surgery for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) within a disease-specific perspective.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection for BCLM constituted the Study group (MILS group) and was matched in a ratio of 1:2 with patients who underwent open surgery for BCLM (Open group, constituting the Control group).

RESULTS

MILS approach resulted in a statistically significant lower blood loss (150 vs 300 mL; P < .05). The rate of postoperative complications was similar (13.3% and 16.6% in the MILS and Open groups, respectively). MILS approach was associated with a shorter length of postoperative stay (4 ± 2 days) compared with the Open group (7 ± 3 days), allowing a faster return to adjuvant treatments. Both MILS and open groups showed adequate oncological radicality, with comparable long-term results.

CONCLUSION

MILS approach to BCLM represents the optimal instrument to obtain an adequate disease clearance in the selected group of patients candidates to surgery: the type of procedure (minor resections for limited hepatic disease) and characteristics of patients contribute to enhance the feasibility and the benefits of the laparoscopic technique.

Experience with eribulin in patients with metastatic breast cancer and associated hepatic impairment: case studies

Hepatic impairment in breast cancer arises from metastatic spread of tumor cells to the liver and signals a poor prognosis. Systemic therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Three women with hepatic dysfunction secondary to breast cancer who were treated with eribulin are presented herein. In the first case, third-line eribulin at the time of acute liver failure due to metastases maintained response for up to 9 months with good tolerability. In the second case, a woman with secondary bone and liver disease had progression-free survival of 5 months to third-line eribulin and, upon rechallenge after a drug holiday, had almost four more months of stable disease. Last, a heavily pretreated patient with secondary bone and hepatic involvement showed a response to fourth-line eribulin.

The role of liver resection in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review examining the survival impact

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 10% of breast cancer patients will present with solid organ metastases, while up to 30% will develop metastatic disease during their treatment course. Liver metastases are usually treated with systemic chemotherapy. Although colorectal liver metastases are routinely resected, this is not yet the standard of care for breast cancer-related liver metastases. This review examines the evidence for resection of breast cancer-related liver metastases.

METHODS

A systematic review identified 25 articles for inclusion, 12 papers concerning patients with isolated liver metastases, and 13 papers concerning patients with extrahepatic metastases. Data from 1080 patients were included.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty patients underwent hepatic resections for breast cancer-associated metastases with no extrahepatic metastases. Reported 5-year survival ranged from 24.6 to 78%. Median overall survival ranged from 29.5 to 116 months. For patients with oligometastatic disease undergoing resection, 5-year survival ranged from 21 to 57%, with median overall survival ranging from 32 to 58 months. Reported 30-day morbidity ranged from 14 to 42% for isolated and multiple metastases.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic resection can be considered in the management of breast cancer patients with isolated liver metastases as well as those with oligometastatic disease.

A phase I trial of Proton stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver metastases

Background

A phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Proton stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver metastases in anticipation of a subsequent phase II study.

Methods

An institutional IRB approved phase I clinical trial was conducted. Eligible patients had 1-3 liver metastases measuring less than 5 cm, and no metastases location within 2 cm of the GI tract. Dose escalation was conducted with three dose cohorts. The low, intermediate, and high dose cohorts were planned to receive 36, 48, and 60 respectively to the internal target volume (ITV) in 3 fractions. At least 700 mL of normal liver had to receive <15. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) included acute grade 3 liver, intestinal or spinal cord toxicity or any grade 4 toxicity. The MTD is defined as the dose level below that which results in DLT in 2 or more of the 6 patients in the highest dose level cohort.

Results

Nine patients were enrolled (6 male, 3 female): median age 64 years (range, 33-77 years); median gross tumor volume (GTV) 11.1 mL (range, 2.14-89.3 mL); most common primary site, colorectal (5 patients). Four patients had multiple tumors. No patient experienced a DLT and dose was escalated to 60 in 3 fractions without reaching MTD. The only toxicity within 90 days of completion of treatment was one patient with a grade 1 skin hyperpigmentation without tenderness or desquamation. Two patients in the low dose cohort had local recurrence and repeat SBRT was done to previously treated lesions without any toxicities.

Conclusions

Biologically ablative Proton SBRT doses are well tolerated in patients with limited liver metastases with no patients experiencing any grade 2+ acute toxicity. Results from this trial provide the grounds for an ongoing phase II Proton SBRT study of 60 over 3 fractions for liver metastases.

Ten-Year Survival after Liver Resection for Breast Metastases: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

The role of liver resection for metastatic breast carcinoma is still debated.

METHODS

Fifty-one resected patients were reviewed. All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of the primary tumor. Clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemistry expression of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), human epidermal growth factor (HER2), or Ki67 were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median number of metastases was 2; single metastases were present in 24 (47%) patients. The median tumor diameter was 4 cm. Major hepatectomies were performed in 31 (61%) patients. Postoperative mortality was null. Postoperative morbidity was 13.7%. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 92, 36, and 16% respectively. Eleven (21.6%) patients survived longer than 5 years and 8.9% are alive without recurrence 10 years after surgery. At the univariate analysis, tumor diameter, lymph node status, PR receptor status, and triple positive receptors (ER+/PR+/Her2+) were significantly related to survival. At the multivariate analysis, tumor diameter, PR receptor, and triple negative status were significantly related to the long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection seems to be a safe and effective treatment for metastases from breast cancer, and encouraging long-term survival can be obtained with acceptable risk in selected patients. Tumors less than 5 cm and positive hormone receptor status are the best prognostic factors.

First site of recurrence after breast cancer adjuvant treatment in the era of multimodality therapy: which imaging for which patient during follow-up?

PURPOSE

We evaluated the relation between first site of recurrence of early breast cancer and disease profile at presentation and reported survival results, suggesting a personalized diagnostic imaging guidance during follow up.

METHODS

Among 1400 early breast cancer treated from 2000 to 2010, 324 relapses were divided into 4 groups according to first site: A-locoregional, B-bone, C-Brain and D-visceral. We analyzed redictive factors of each group compared to a control group of 100 non relapsing patients and the remaining groups matched.

RESULTS

In group A, patients were more likely to have histological tumor size above >2 cm, grade 1-2, HR positive and 0-3 involved lymph nodes. In group B, patients had more commonly grade 2-3, 1-3 positive lymph nodes and HR positive tumors. In group C, patients were more frequently young, with large tumor size, grade3, positive lymph nodes and HER2 positive tumors. In group D, patients were more likely to have tumors>2 cm in size, with nodal involvement, grade 3, HR negative and HER2 positive tumors. Annual recurrence rate in group A, was stable ranging between 15%-18%, within the first 3 years and peaked at 19.4% in the interval [1-2]year in group B. Median survival was 46 months in group A, 43 months in group B, with no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Outcome of loco-regional and bone relapses was good, suggesting that both systematic mammography and bone-scan/CT scan for high risk patients (N+, gradeIII) during the first 2-3 years may represent a tailored relevant follow-up protocol for breast cancer patients.

Survival outcomes following aggressive treatment of oligometastatic breast cancer: a systematic review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of aggressive treatment of oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) on survival outcomes by conducting a meta-analysis of current available evidence.More specifically, the objectives are to identify the effectiveness of intensified multidisciplinary treatment with aggressive locoregional therapies on survival time, five-year survival rates and disease free survival. The population is adult women (18 years and over) with OMBC defined as single or few (five or less) metastases limited to a single organ and the comparative group is conventional palliative treatment aimed at disease control. Secondary objectives to be assessed will be adverse outcomes associated with intensified treatment regimes.

Hepatic Resection or Ablation for Isolated Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis: A Case-control Study With Comparison to Medically Treated Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for patients with isolated breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM).

BACKGROUND

Single-arm retrospective studies have shown promising results associated with surgery for isolated BCLM; however, this treatment remains controversial and its role is not well-defined.

METHODS

A review of 2150 patients with BCLM who underwent treatment in a single institution was conducted, and 167 (8%) patients with isolated BCLM were identified. A case-control study was conducted to compare outcomes in patients with isolated BCLM who underwent surgery and/or ablation to patients who underwent conventional medical therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients were included (surgery/ablation: 69; medical: 98), with a median follow-up for survivors of 73 months. Patients in the surgical cohort more frequently had estrogen receptor-positive tumors and received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for their primary breast tumor. The hepatic tumor burden was less and the interval from breast cancer diagnosis to BCLM was significantly longer (53 vs 30 months) in the surgical cohort. Patients undergoing surgical treatment had a median recurrence-free interval of 28.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 19-38) with 10 patients (15%) recurrence free after 5 years. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the surgical and medical cohorts (median OS: 50 vs 45 months; 5-year OS: 38% vs 39%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic resection and/or ablation was not associated with a survival advantage. However, significant recurrence-free intervals can be accomplished with surgical treatment. Surgical intervention might be considered in highly selected patients with the goal of providing time off of systemic chemotherapy.

Initial Surgery and Survival in Stage IV Breast Cancer in the United States, 1988-2011

IMPORTANCE

Management of the primary tumor site in patients with metastatic breast cancer remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the patterns of receipt of initial breast surgery for female patients with stage IV breast cancer in the United States, with particular attention to women who survived at least 10 years.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cohort study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Female patients diagnosed as having stage IV breast cancer between 1988 and 2011 and who did not receive radiation therapy as part of the first course of treatment were included (N = 21 372). Kaplan-Meier estimates of median survival and descriptive statistics were used to compare patient and tumor characteristics by receipt of breast surgery at diagnosis. A Royston-Parmar survival model and logistic regression analysis assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with survival and prolonged survival (of at least 10 years).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Differences in survival, particularly survival of at least 10 years, by receipt of initial surgery to the primary tumor.

RESULTS

Among the 21 372 patients, the median survival increased from 20 months (1988-1991) to 26 months (2007-2011). During this time, the rate of surgery declined (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% CI, 0.12-0.21). Even so, receipt of surgery was associated with improved survival in multivariate analysis, which controlled for patient and clinical characteristics, along with time period (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.57-0.63). For women diagnosed as having cancer before 2002 (n = 7504), survival of at least 10 years was seen in 9.6% (n = 353) and 2.9% (n = 107) of those who did and did not receive surgery, respectively (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 2.89-4.50). In multivariate analysis, survival of at least 10 years was associated with receipt of surgery (odds ratio, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.08-3.77), hormone receptor-positive disease (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.25-2.48), older age (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32-0.54), larger tumor size (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.27-0.51), marital status of being separated at the time of diagnosis (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.88), and more recent year of diagnosis (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.02-1.99).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Survival in stage IV breast cancer has improved and is increasingly of prolonged duration, particularly for some women undergoing initial breast surgery. As systemic therapy advances provide better control of distant disease in stage IV breast cancer, and as women present with lower distant disease burdens, these findings on initial surgery to the primary tumor may be of importance.

Liver Resection for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases: A Cost-utility Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of liver resection followed by adjuvant systemic therapy relative to systemic therapy alone for patients with breast cancer liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND

Data on cost-effectiveness of liver resection for advanced breast cancer with liver metastasis are lacking.

METHODS

A decision-analytic Markov model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of liver resection followed by postoperative conventional systemic therapy (strategy A) versus conventional therapy alone (strategy B) versus newer targeted therapy alone (strategy C). The implications of using different chemotherapeutic regimens based on estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status was also assessed. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life months (QALMs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and net health benefit (NHB).

RESULTS

NHB of strategy A was 10.9 QALMs compared with strategy B when letrozole was used as systemic therapy, whereas it was only 0.3 QALMs when docetaxel + trastuzumab was used as a systemic therapy. The addition of newer biological agents (strategy C) significantly decreased the cost-effectiveness of strategy B (conventional systemic therapy alone). The NHB of strategy A was 31.6 QALMs versus strategy C when palbociclib was included in strategy C; similarly, strategy A had a NHB of 13.8 QALMs versus strategy C when pertuzumab was included in strategy C. Monte-Carlo simulation demonstrated that the main factor influencing NHB of strategy A over strategy C was the cost of systemic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection in patients with breast cancer liver metastasis proved to be cost-effective when compared with systemic therapy alone, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive tumors or when newer agents were used.

Long-term remission of hormone receptor-positive/HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer due to combined treatment with everolimus/trastuzumab/exemestane: A case report

The present case report describes a postmenopausal patient with hormone receptor (HR)⁺/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)⁺ metastatic breast cancer, who experienced progression of disease in bilateral lungs, lymph nodes and the liver under previous endocrine therapy and trastuzumab. Following the failure of two lines of endocrine-based treatment, the patient was administered the combined treatment of everolimus, trastuzumab and exemestane following surgical resection of the liver metastasis. A durable partial remission was achieved, which has continued for >27 months. This prominent clinical outcome in this patient demonstrates that the combined administration of endocrine therapy, trastuzumab and everolimus is clinically effective, and may induce long-term remission in patients with HR⁺/HER2⁺ metastatic breast cancer.

The safety and effectiveness of liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases: A systematic review

Breast cancer liver metastases have traditionally been considered incurable and any treatment given therefore palliative. Liver resections for breast cancer metastases are being performed, despite there being no robust evidence for which patients benefit. This review aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of liver resection for breast cancer metastases. A systematic literature review was performed and resulted in 33 papers being assembled for analysis. All papers were case series and data extracted was heterogeneous so a meta-analysis was not possible. Safety outcomes were mortality and morbidity (in hospital and 30-day). Effectiveness outcomes were local recurrence, re-hepatectomy, survival (months), 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- year overall survival rate (%), disease free survival (months) and 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- year disease free survival rate (%). Overall median figures were calculated using unweighted median data given in each paper. Results demonstrated that mortality was low across all studies with a median of 0% and a maximum of 5.9%. The median morbidity rate was 15%. Overall survival was a median of 35.1 months and a median 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival of 84.55%, 71.4%, 52.85% and 33% respectively. Median disease free survival was 21.5 months with a 3- and 5-year median disease free survival of 36% and 18%. Whilst the results demonstrate seemingly satisfactory levels of overall survival and disease free survival, the data are of poor quality with multiple confounding variables and small study populations. Recommendations are for extensive pilot and feasibility work with the ultimate aim of conducting a large pragmatic randomised control trial to accurately determine which patients benefit from liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases.

Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Advanced, Unresectable Breast Cancer Liver Metastases-A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

To determine value of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for palliative treatment of unresectable liver-dominant breast metastases (LdBM) and to determine prognostic parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of patients undergoing TARE for progressing LdBM between June 2006 and March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed; 44 female patients (mean age 56.1 y; range, 34.9-85.3 y) underwent 69 TAREs (56 resin-based, 13 glass-based). Of 44 patients, 42 had bilobar disease. Mean administered activity was 1.35 GBq ± 0.71. Median clinical and imaging follow-up times were 121 days (range, 26-870 d; n = 42 patients) and 93 days (range, 26-2,037 d; n = 38 patients). Clinical and biochemical toxicities, imaging response (according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors), time to progression, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Data were analyzed with stratification according to clinical and procedural parameters.

RESULTS

Toxicities included 1 cholecystitis (grade 2) and 1 duodenal ulceration (grade 3); no grade ≥ 4 clinical toxicities were noted. Objective response rate (complete + partial response) was 28.9% (11/38); disease control rate (response + stable disease) was 71.1% (27/38). Median time to progression of treated liver lobe was 101 days (range, 30-2,037 d). During follow-up, 34/42 patients died (median OS after first TARE: 184 d [range 29-2,331 d]). On multivariate analysis, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status of 0 (P < .0001, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.146) and low baseline γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels (P = .0146, HR = 0.999) were predictors of longer OS.

CONCLUSIONS

TARE can successfully delay progression of therapy-refractory LdBM with low complication rate. Nonelevated baseline ECOG status and low GGT levels were identified as prognostic factors.

Liver Resection for Non-Colorectal Liver Metastases - Standards and Extended Indications

Background

Due to the uncertain benefit of liver resection for non-colorectal liver metastases (NCLM), patient selection for surgery is generally difficult. Therefore, the aim of this article was to propose standard and extended indications for liver resection in this heterogeneous disease collective.

Methods

Review of the literature.

Results

The myriad of biologically different primary tumor entities as well as the mostly small and retrospective studies investigating the benefit of surgery for NCLM limits the proposal of general recommendations. Only resection of neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) appears to offer a clear benefit with a 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) of 74 and 51%, respectively, in the largest series. Resection of liver metastases from genitourinary primaries might offer reasonable benefit in selected cases – with a 5-year OS of up to 61% for breast cancer and of 38% for renal cell cancer. The long-term outcome following surgery for other entities was remarkably poorer, e.g., gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma reached a 5-year OS of 20-42, 17-25, and about 20%, respectively.

Conclusion

Liver resection for NELM can be defined as a standard indication for the resection of NCLM while lesions of genitourinary origin might be defined as an extended indication.

Safety, Efficacy, and Prognostic Factors After Radioembolization of Hepatic Metastases from Breast Cancer: A Large Single-Center Experience in 81 Patients

The present study evaluated safety, efficacy, and prognostic factors for (90)Y-yttrium microsphere radioembolization of unresectable liver metastases from breast cancer.

METHODS

Eighty-one patients were treated with radioembolization. Acute toxicity was monitored through daily physical examination and serum tests until 3 d after radioembolization; late toxicity was evaluated until 12 wk after radioembolization. Overall survival and response according to (18)F-FDG PET (>30% decrease of tracer uptake) and CA15-3 serum level (any decline) were recorded. Pretherapeutic characteristics, including pretreatment history, liver function tests, and PET/CT parameters, were assessed by univariate and subsequent multivariate Cox regression for predicting patient survival.

RESULTS

A toxicity grade of 3 or more based on clinical symptoms, bilirubin, ulcer, pancreatitis, ascites, or radioembolization-induced liver disease occurred in 10% or less of patients. Two patients eventually died from radioembolization-induced liver disease. Sequential lobar treatment and absence of prior angiosuppressive therapy were both associated with a lower rate of serious adverse events. On the basis of PET/CA15-3 criteria, 52/61% of patients responded to treatment. Median overall survival after radioembolization was 35 wk (interquartile range, 41 wk). Pretherapeutic tumor burden of the liver greater than 50% or more (P< 0.001; hazard ratio, 5.67; 95% confidence interval, 2.41-13.34) and a transaminase toxicity grade of 2 or more (P= 0.009; hazard ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-3.80) independently predicted short survival.

CONCLUSION

Radioembolization for breast cancer liver metastases shows encouraging local response rates with low incidence of serious adverse events, especially in those patients with sequential lobar treatment or without prior angiosuppressive therapy. High hepatic tumor burden and liver transaminase levels at baseline indicate poor outcome.