Surgical Management of De Novo Stage IV Breast Cancer
Management of the intact primary tumor in women presenting with stage IV breast cancer has classically been determined by the presence or absence of symptoms. However, multiple retrospective reviews completed over the past decade suggest a survival advantage with resection of the intact, asymptomatic primary tumor in these women. These reviews are not without bias, and recently completed randomized trials do not support a significant survival benefit, although local control benefits may exist. Completion of ongoing trials is needed to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the merit of primary tumor resection for local control and survival. Until unbiased data are available, local therapy for the asymptomatic primary cannot be routinely recommended, but may be considered in selected individuals, with multidisciplinary input, when systemic disease is well controlled.
Target Audience
This activity has been designated to meet the educational needs of physicians and nurses involved in the management of patients with cancer.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Assess the merit of primary tumor resection for local control and survival in women presenting with de novo stage IV breast cancer
- Discuss the QOL hazards that relate to the primary tumor, regardless of whether or not PSLT is used
Jilma Patrick, MD
Department of Surgery
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
Seema Ahsan Khan, MD
Department of Surgery
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
Available Credit
- 1.00 Participation
- 1.00 Nurse
- 1.00 Physician
Price
Required Hardware/software
To access this activity, users will need:
- A device with an Internet connection
- Adobe Reader or other PDF reader software for article and certificate viewing/printing