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Garcia-Etienne CA, Ferrari A, Della Valle A, Lucioni M, Ferraris E, Di Giulio G, Squillace L, Bonzano E, Lasagna A, Rizzo G, Tancredi R, Scotti Foglieni A, Dionigi F, Grasso M, Arbustini E, Cavenaghi G, Pedrazzoli P, Filippi AR, Dionigi P, Sgarella A. Management of the axilla in patients with breast cancer and positive sentinel lymph node biopsy: An evidence-based update in a European breast center. Eur J Surg Oncol 2019; 46:15-23. [PMID: 31445768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The surgical approach to the axilla in breast cancer has been a controversial issue for more than three decades. Data from recently published trials have provided practice-changing recommendations in this scenario. However, further controversies have been triggered in the surgical community, resulting in heterogeneous diffusion of these recommendations. The development of clinical guidelines for the management of the axilla in patients with breast cancer is a work in progress. A multidisciplinary team discussion was held at the research hospital Policlinico San Matteo from the Università degli Studi di Pavia with the aim to update recommendations for the management of the axilla in patients with breast cancer. An evidence-based approach is presented. Our multidisciplinary panel determined that axillary dissection after a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy may be avoided in cN0 patients with micro/macrometastasis to ≤2 sentinel nodes, with age ≥40y, lesions ≤3 cm, who have not received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and have planned breast conservation (BCS) with whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT). Cases with gross (>2 mm) ECE in SLNs are evaluated on individual basis for completion ALND, axillary radiotherapy or omission of both. Patients fulfilling the criteria listed above who undergo mastectomy, may also avoid axillary dissection after multidisciplinary discussion of individual cases for consideration of axillary irradiation. Women 70 years or older with hormone receptors positive invasive lesions ≤3 cm, clinically negative nodes, and serious or multiple comorbidities who undergo BCS with WBRT, may forgo axillary staging/surgery (if mastectomy or larger tumor, comorbidities and life expectancy are taken into account).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Garcia-Etienne
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alberta Ferrari
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelica Della Valle
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Lucioni
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferraris
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giulio
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luigi Squillace
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bonzano
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angioletta Lasagna
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Rizzo
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Richard Tancredi
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Scotti Foglieni
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dionigi
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maurizia Grasso
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eloisa Arbustini
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cavenaghi
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea R Filippi
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Dionigi
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adele Sgarella
- Breast Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Syed BM, Parks RM, Cheung KL. Management of operable primary breast cancer in older women. WOMENS HEALTH 2014; 10:405-22. [PMID: 25259901 DOI: 10.2217/whe.14.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A considerable number of breast cancer diagnoses are made in older women. Differing physiological needs of older patients and biology of tumors compared with younger patients may alter treatment options between surgery and nonsurgical primary approaches. Adjuvant therapies may benefit these patients; however, concerns about toxicity and physical demands of treatment may affect patient choice regarding treatment. Furthermore, quality of life may be more important to the older individual than curative treatment alone. Growing evidence is emerging for employing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment to determine other factors that may contribute to treatment decision-making in the older population. The way geriatric oncology is delivered varies, bringing the importance of the multidisciplinary team to the forefront of care delivery in this age group. Future research in this area should include combined consideration of tumor biology and geriatric needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binafsha M Syed
- Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
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Morgan J, Wyld L, Collins KA, Reed MW. Surgery versus primary endocrine therapy for operable primary breast cancer in elderly women (70 years plus). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 5:CD004272. [PMID: 35658165 PMCID: PMC9645779 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004272.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of endocrine therapy alone in women aged 70 years or over with operable breast cancer and who are fit for surgery. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of surgery (with or without adjuvant endocrine therapy) in comparison to primary endocrine therapy in the treatment of operable breast cancer in women aged 70 years and over, both in terms of local progression and mortality. SEARCH METHODS We conducted an updated search of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group's Specialised Register (27th March 2013) and new searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE, EMBASE, the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (apps.who.int/trialsearch/) and www. CLINICALTRIALS gov, using the search terms 'early breast cancer', 'endocrine therapy', 'psychosocial' or 'surgery'. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing surgery, with or without adjuvant endocrine therapy, to primary endocrine therapy in the management of women aged 70 years or over with early breast cancer and who were fit for surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We assessed studies for eligibility and quality, and two review authors independently extracted data from published trials. We derived hazard ratios for time-to-event outcomes, where possible, and used a fixed-effect model for meta-analysis. We extracted toxicity and quality-of-life data, where present. Where outcome data were not available, we contacted trialists and requested unpublished data. MAIN RESULTS We identified seven eligible trials, of which six had published time-to-event data and one was published only in abstract form with no usable data. The quality of the allocation concealment was adequate in three studies and unclear in the remainder. In each case the endocrine therapy used was tamoxifen. Data, based on an estimated 1081 deaths in 1571 women, did not show a statistically significant difference in favour of either surgery or primary endocrine therapy in respect of overall survival. However, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of progression-free survival, which favoured surgery with (474 participants) or without endocrine therapy (164 participants). The hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival were: HR 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.20, P = 0.85; 3 trials, 495 participants) for surgery alone versus primary endocrine therapy; HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.00, P = 0.06; 3 trials, 1076 participants) for surgery plus endocrine therapy versus primary endocrine therapy. The HRs for progression-free survival were: HR 0.55 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.77, P = 0.0006) for surgery alone versus primary endocrine therapy; HR 0.65 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.81, P = 0.0001) for surgery plus endocrine therapy versus primary endocrine therapy (each comparison based on only one trial). Tamoxifen-related adverse effects included hot flushes, skin rash, vaginal discharge, indigestion, breast pain, sleepiness, headache, vertigo, itching, hair loss, cystitis, acute thrombophlebitis, nausea, and indigestion. Surgery-related adverse effects included paraesthesia on the ipsilateral arm and lateral thoracic wall in those who had axillary clearance. One study suggested that those undergoing surgery suffered more psychosocial morbidity at three months post-surgery, although this difference had disappeared by two years. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Primary endocrine therapy should only be offered to women with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumours who are unfit for surgery, at increased risk of serious surgical or anaesthetic complications if subjected to surgery, or who refuse surgery. In a cohort of women with significant co-morbid disease and ER-positive tumours it is possible that primary endocrine therapy may be a superior option to surgery. Trials are needed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors as primary therapy for an infirm older population with ER-positive tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Morgan
- The University of SheffieldAcademic Unit of Surgical Oncology, Department of OncologySheffieldSouth YorkshireUKS10 2RX
| | - Lynda Wyld
- The University of SheffieldAcademic Unit of Surgical Oncology, Department of OncologySheffieldSouth YorkshireUKS10 2RX
| | - Karen A Collins
- Sheffield Hallam UniversityCentre for Health and Social Care ResearchMontgomery House 32 Collegiate CrescentSheffieldUKS10 2BP
| | - Malcolm W Reed
- The University of SheffieldAcademic Unit of Surgical Oncology, Department of OncologySheffieldSouth YorkshireUKS10 2RX
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Morgan JL, Reed MW, Wyld L. Primary endocrine therapy as a treatment for older women with operable breast cancer - a comparison of randomised controlled trial and cohort study findings. Eur J Surg Oncol 2014; 40:676-84. [PMID: 24703110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2014.02.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One third of all breast cancers occur in women over the age of 70. Primary endocrine therapy (PET) is used in some women to minimise morbidity in a population with higher rates of comorbidity and frailty. In the UK up to 40% of women over 70 are treated with PET although there is a high rate of variability of practice between centres reflecting a lack of guidance about case selection. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed to try and establish if this form of treatment is still valid in modern breast practice. RESULTS Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 31 non-randomised studies were deemed eligible. Available data demonstrate an advantage for surgery over PET in terms of disease control and a likely survival benefit in patients with a predicted life expectancy of five years or more. Patients treated only with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) had superior rates of disease control when compared to Tamoxifen. CONCLUSIONS Guidelines to aid selection are needed but PET should be reserved for patients with reduced predicted life expectancy (e.g. less than five years), with AIs being preferable over Tamoxifen.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Morgan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, E Floor, Medical School, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
| | - M W Reed
- Department of Surgical Oncology, E Floor, Medical School, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
| | - L Wyld
- Department of Surgical Oncology, E Floor, Medical School, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
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Cheung K, Wong A, Parker H, Li V, Winterbottom L, Morgan D, Ellis I. Pathological features of primary breast cancer in the elderly based on needle core biopsies—A large series from a single centre. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2008; 67:263-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2007] [Revised: 01/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Scalliet PG, Kirkove C. Breast cancer in elderly women: Can radiotherapy be omitted? Eur J Cancer 2007; 43:2264-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2007] [Revised: 04/05/2007] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bouchardy C, Rapiti E, Blagojevic S, Vlastos AT, Vlastos G. Older female cancer patients: importance, causes, and consequences of undertreatment. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:1858-69. [PMID: 17488984 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.10.4208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increased interest in treatment of senior cancer patients, older patients are much too often undertreated. This review aims to present data on treatment practices of older women with breast and gynecologic cancers and on the consequences of undertreatment on patient outcome. We also discuss the reasons and validity of suboptimal care in older patients. Numerous studies have reported suboptimal treatment in older breast and gynecologic cancer patients. Undertreatment displays multiple aspects: from lowered doses of adjuvant chemotherapy to total therapeutic abstention. Undertreatment also concerns palliative care, treatment of pain, and reconstruction. Only few studies have evaluated the consequences of nonstandard approaches on cancer-specific mortality, taking into account other prognostic factors and comorbidities. These studies clearly showed that undertreatment increased disease-specific mortality for breast and ovarian cancers. For other gynecological cancers, data were insufficient to draw conclusions. Objective reasons at the origin of undertreatment were, notably, higher prevalence of comorbidity, lowered life expectancy, absence of data on treatment efficacy in clinical trials, and increased adverse effects of treatment. More subjective reasons were putative lowered benefits of treatment, less aggressive cancers, social marginalization, and physician's beliefs. Undertreatment in older cancer patients is a well-documented phenomenon responsible for preventable cancer deaths. Treatments are still influenced by unclear standards and have to be adapted to the older patient's general health status, but should also offer the best chance of cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Bouchardy
- Geneva Cancer Registry, Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Valassiadou K, Morgan DAL, Robertson JFR, Pinder SE, Cheung KL. Successful management of elderly breast cancer patients treated without radiotherapy. World J Surg Oncol 2007; 5:62. [PMID: 17543132 PMCID: PMC1892555 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-5-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 06/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer in the elderly may follow a less aggressive course. There are data suggesting that radiotherapy (RT) following breast conserving surgery (BCS) for invasive carcinoma may not be necessary in some elderly patients. The addition of RT to surgery might constitute an imposition to such patients due to age-related factors. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of BCS without adjuvant RT in this group of patients. Patients and methods A retrospective review of 92 elderly (median age 75 years; range: 70 – 87 years) patients (analysed as 93 'patients' due to one patient having bilateral cancers) managed in a dedicated breast clinic and who underwent BCS for invasive carcinoma was carried out. Eighty-three patients did not receive postoperative RT to the breast (no-RT group) whereas the remaining 10 had RT (RT-group). Results The median age in this group was 75 (range 70 – 87) years. The mean tumour size was 18 mm with a median follow-up of 37 (range 6 – 142) months. In the no RT group, adjuvant endocrine therapy with tamoxifen was given to 40/53 patients. No patients in the oestrogen receptor (ER) negative group received tamoxifen. The local recurrence (LR) rate in this group was 8.4% (2.4% per year, n = 7/83), with median time to LR of 17 months. In this no-RT group LR was correlated to ER status (2/53 ER+, 5/26ER-, p = 0.024) and margins of excision (n = 1/54 >5 mm, 2/17 1–5 mm, 4/12 <1 mm, p = 0.001). Within the ER positive group the LR rate was 0.92% per annum (0.62% per annum in patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen, regardless of margin status). Breast cancer specific survival was correlated to histological grade (p < 0.05) and ER status (p < 0.05). Conclusion It would appear that omission of RT following successful BCS in elderly patients with ER positive tumours receiving adjuvant tamoxifen may be acceptable. The LR rate as shown in this retrospective study is highly comparable to that of younger patients treated by conventional therapy. This concept is now being evaluated prospectively following a change in treatment practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David AL Morgan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Nottingham City Hospital, UK
| | - John FR Robertson
- Division of Breast Surgery, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sarah E Pinder
- Division of Histopathology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kwok-Leung Cheung
- Division of Breast Surgery, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Truong PT, Bernstein V, Lesperance M, Speers CH, Olivotto IA. Radiotherapy omission after breast-conserving surgery is associated with reduced breast cancer–specific survival in elderly women with breast cancer. Am J Surg 2006; 191:749-55. [PMID: 16720143 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2005.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Revised: 07/29/2005] [Accepted: 07/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of radiotherapy (RT) omission on survival in older breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery. METHODS Data were analyzed for 4836 women aged 50 to 89 with T1-T2, N0-N1, M0 breast cancer. Tumor and treatment factors, relapse rates, and overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were compared between women treated with and without RT in 3 age categories: 50 to 64 (n = 2398), 65 to 74 (n = 1665), and > or = 75 years (n = 773). RESULTS Median follow-up was 7.5 years. Rates of RT omission significantly increased with advancing age (7%, 9%, and 26% in age 50-64, 65-74, and > or = 75 years respectively, P < .0001). RT omission was associated with significantly reduced local control, BCSS, and OS. Despite similar tumor characteristics and higher rates of systemic therapy use, women aged > or = 75 years were observed to have lower 5-year OS and BCSS when RT was omitted. CONCLUSION These findings support the hypothesis that inadequate local therapy is associated with reduced survival in elderly women treated with breast-conserving therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline T Truong
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver Island Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada V8R 6V5.
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Grube BJ. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the older woman. J Am Coll Surg 2006; 202:495-508. [PMID: 16500255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2005.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2005] [Revised: 10/28/2005] [Accepted: 11/08/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Baiba J Grube
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Breast Health Program, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0737, USA.
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Hind D, Wyld L, Beverley CB, Reed MW. Surgery versus primary endocrine therapy for operable primary breast cancer in elderly women (70 years plus). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006:CD004272. [PMID: 16437480 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004272.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of endocrine therapy alone in women aged 70 years or over and who are fit for surgery. OBJECTIVES To identify and review the evidence from randomised trials comparing primary endocrine therapy (endocrine therapy alone) to surgery, with or without adjuvant endocrine therapy, in the management of women aged 70 years or over with operable breast cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register was searched on 21st August 2003 using the codes for "early breast cancer", "endocrine therapy", "psychosocial" or "surgery". Details of the search strategy applied to create the register and the procedure used to code references are described in the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group module on The Cochrane Library. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing primary endocrine therapy with surgery, with or without adjuvant endocrine therapy, in the management of women aged 70 years or over with early breast cancer and who are fit for surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Studies were assessed for eligibility and quality, and data from published trials were extracted by two independent reviewers. Hazard ratios were derived for time-to-event outcomes, where possible, and a fixed-effect model was used for meta-analysis. Toxicity and quality-of-life data were extracted, where present. Where outcome data were not available, trialists were contacted and unpublished data requested. MAIN RESULTS Seven eligible trials were identified of which six had published time-to-event data and one was published only in abstract form with no usable data. The quality of the allocation concealment was adequate in three studies and unclear in the remainder. In each case the endocrine therapy used was tamoxifen.Data, based on an estimated 869 deaths in 1571 women, were unable to show a statistically significant difference in favour of either surgery or primary endocrine therapy in respect of overall survival. However, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of progression-free survival, which favoured surgery with or without endocrine therapy.The hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival were: 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 1.30, P value 0.9) for surgery alone versus primary endocrine therapy; 0.86 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.00, P value 0.06) for surgery plus endocrine therapy versus primary endocrine therapy. The HRs for progression-free survival were: 0.55 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.77, P value 0.0006) for surgery alone versus primary endocrine therapy; 0.65 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.81, P value 0.0001) for surgery plus endocrine therapy versus primary endocrine therapy (each comparison based on only one trial). Tamoxifen-related adverse effects included hot flushes, skin rash, vaginal discharge, indigestion, breast pain, sleepiness, headache, vertigo, itching, hair loss, cystitis, acute thrombophlebitis, nausea, and indigestion. Surgery-related adverse effects included paresthesia on the ipsilateral arm and lateral thoracic wall in those who had axillary clearance. One study suggested that those undergoing surgery suffered more psychosocial morbidity at three months postsurgery, although this difference had disappeared by two years. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Primary endocrine therapy should only be offered to women with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive tumours who are unfit for or who refuse surgery. In a cohort of women with significant co-morbid disease and ER-positive tumours it is possible that primary endocrine therapy may be a superior option to surgery. Trials are needed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors as primary therapy for an infirm older population with ER-positive tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hind
- University of Sheffield, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, S1 4DA.
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12
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Truong PT, Wong E, Bernstein V, Berthelet E, Kader HA. Adjuvant Radiation Therapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery in Elderly Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Controversy or Consensus? Clin Breast Cancer 2004; 4:407-14. [PMID: 15023241 DOI: 10.3816/cbc.2004.n.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Breast-conservation therapy (BCT), which consists of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and postoperative radiation therapy (RT), provides similar levels of local control and survival compared with mastectomy. Although the incidence of breast cancer increases with age and the proportion of elderly women in the population continues to increase, clinical trials of BCT have included few women aged > or = 65 years, limiting the ability to establish clear consensus regarding optimal therapy in this population. This article examines the literature on BCT in elderly women with early-stage breast cancer. A systematic search of the Medline and CancerLit databases was conducted to identify articles specifically addressing BCT in elderly women. The outcomes evaluated were local control, disease-free survival, overall survival, and treatment-related toxicities. The lack of consensus in breast-conservation management in elderly patients is highlighted by a paucity of prospective data and numerous retrospective series reporting diverse treatment approaches with conflicting results. The available evidence from BCT trials with and without age subgroup analyses support BCS with postoperative RT as the standard approach associated with the most favorable local control outcomes. A low-risk subset of patients in whom RT may be omitted without compromising local control remains to be defined. Despite these findings, the use of standard therapy significantly decreases with advancing patient age. Although data specifically addressing BCT in elderly patients are limited, age should not preclude consideration of standard treatment strategies to optimize local disease control. Modern clinical trials with representative samples of elderly patients evaluating cancer recurrence and survival as well as functional and quality-of-life outcomes are needed to define optimal breast-conservation management for this important patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline T Truong
- Radiation Therapy Program, Vancouver Island Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency and the University of British Columbia, Victoria, Canada.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a major source of morbidity and mortality in elderly women. Despite this, many trials on which clinical practice is based have under-represented the elderly. Consequently there is little evidence to guide best practice in this age group. METHODS A search of the major literature databases was performed using the search terms 'breast cancer' and 'elderly'. Articles relevant to the treatment of breast cancer in the elderly were selected. RESULTS The elderly receive less aggressive treatment for breast cancer compared with younger patients. Primary endocrine therapy is sometimes substituted for operation, and axillary surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy are commonly omitted. Evidence for and against such treatment strategies is inadequate, making it difficult to determine what constitutes best practice. CONCLUSION There is a need for research to be targeted at the older age group of patients with breast cancer to enable the development of specific treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wyld
- Academic Surgical Oncology Unit, University of Sheffield, K Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, UK
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