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Neoadjuvant approach in patients with early breast cancer: evaluation of the breast cancer patient (patient assessment, staging, planning)
Breast ; 56:S12-S13, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1768660
ABSTRACT
Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) has become a standard treatment in locally advanced breast cancer and an option in early stage (stage I–II) breast cancer (EBC). It is known that patients who achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) have better long-term out comes, especially Her2 positive and triple negative (TN) breast cancer. Selection of patients for NAT in early stage breast cancer rely in several factors, as patient characteristics (i.e., age and comorbid ities), tumor histology, stage at diagnosis and the potential changes in surgical or adjuvant treatments when NAT is administered. Early stage breast cancer patients that are not candidates for breast conservative surgery (BCS) at front, may benefit from NAT to reduce tumor size and facilitate surgery. In other cases, as young patients with TN tumors between 1–2 cm may benefit from NAT, even if BCS can be performed up front, as chemotherapy will be given anyway along the treatment and there is a high likelihood of pCR. Patients with a positive axilla at diagnosis, regardless of tumor size, may also benefit from less axillary surgery if axillary pCR is achieved. Rates of axillary pCR are especially high in TN and Her2 positive tumors. A distinct approach is suggested in luminal tumors subtypes. In these patients, besides the factors already mentioned, intensity of hormone receptor expression would help to decide on neoadjuvant hormone or chemotherapy treatment. Immunohistochemistry differentiation between luminal A and B by Ki67 assessment and in some cases, the use of genomic platforms may help defining type of NAT. Assessing breast cancer patients for NAT include incorporating all factors into the decision making process. In the COVID era, we have witnessed the use of NAT in patients who may be directed to surgery, unable to have it performed, as surgery has been reserved for emergency cases only. In this situation, it has been a great challenge managing breast cancer patients and tailoring individualized treatment decisions. Besides physical examination, breast imaging is performed to assess extent of disease and to determine BCS eligibility before NAT. Breast imaging should include mammogram with tomosynthesis, breast and axillary US and in most of cases MRI. MRI may be omitted in S12 Speakers’ s / The Breast 56S1 (2021) S1–S16 selected cases (i.e. fatty breasts, neoadjuvant hormone therapy). Contrast enhanced mammogram is an emerging technique, whether it will add accuracy to the MRI findings or replace it in selected cases is still to be defined. Shear wave elastography is under investigation for assessment of response to neoadjuvant therapy as well as for predicting response. Generally, in EBC no further body imaging (CT or bone scan) is needed unless metastatic disease is suspected. PET scan is reserved for patients with inconclusive metastatic dissemination or with more advanced disease. Pathology confirmation by core biopsy and evaluation of estrogen and progesterone receptor, Her2, and Ki67 must be obtained before treatment. Axillary US will characterize axillary lymph nodes and will guide biopsy of axillary nodes. If planning NAT, markers need to be placed in breast tumor/s and in biopsy proven positive axillary node. Same breast imaging should be repeated after NAT to assess response and to determine type of breast and axillary surgery. Sentinel lymph node biopsy after NAT is the preferred method. After NAT, surgical plan is delineated taking into account baseline characteristics, tumor response and patient desire. Conflict of Interest Honoraria Agendia. Advisory Board Sirius medical.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Breast Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Breast Year: 2021 Document Type: Article