Surgical management of primary tumors in metastatic breast cancer review of literature

ABSTRACT

The local control of the primary breast cancer in metastatic patients yields a survival benefit attributed to the reduction of the tumor cell load and activation of the immune system. Clinical studies do not firmly support this theory and oncologists and oncological surgeons are facing dilemmas in the management of these patients. In this paper, we review the optimal patient profile as well as the type and timing of surgery for primary tumor resection of metastatic breast cancers