Early breast cancer. A review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• The management of early breast cancer has undergone significant transformation over the past decade.
• A multidisciplinary approach is now standard, with advancements across various specialties.
• Treatment strategies are increasingly tailored to specific patient subgroups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the multidisciplinary therapy of early breast cancer.
• To highlight new prognostic criteria for subgrouping patients.
• To discuss shifts in treatment paradigms, including breast-conserving therapy and systemic treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical data on early breast cancer management.
• Analysis of new prognostic factors related to tumor growth and metastatic potential.
• Evaluation of evidence supporting changes in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine manipulation.

Main Results:

• New prognostic criteria enable personalized treatment schedules for operable breast cancer.
• Screening data suggest a positive impact on national healthcare programs.
• Breast-conserving therapy is increasingly viable, though techniques require further refinement.
• Postoperative radiotherapy's role is shifting, becoming crucial for breast-conserving approaches.
• Chemotherapy and endocrine manipulation are confirmed effective for early breast cancer.

Conclusions:

• Personalized treatment strategies are enhancing early breast cancer care.
• Breast conservation is a feasible option for a significant proportion of patients.
• Ongoing research is crucial for optimizing breast-conserving techniques and reconstruction.
• Systemic therapies, including chemotherapy and endocrine manipulation, are integral to modern early breast cancer management.