Locally advanced breast cancers: the EUSOMA experience
Peter van Dam1, Mariano Tomatis2, Antonio Ponti3
1Multidisciplinary Oncologic Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
Summary
This study analyzed locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) cases, finding multimodal treatment is crucial for better survival outcomes. Radiotherapy and endocrine therapy significantly reduced local recurrence rates in LABC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) presents unique challenges in treatment and prognosis.
- Understanding clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment patterns is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinicopathologic features of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).
- To evaluate treatment modalities employed for LABC patients.
- To determine the outcomes associated with LABC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Data from the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA) data warehouse were analyzed.
- Patients with clinically locally advanced breast cancer (cLABC) staged cT4a-d between 2013-2022 were included.
- Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.
Main Results:
- Out of 132,269 patients, 2427 had cT4abc breast cancer (BC) and 977 had inflammatory (T4d) BCs; 20.1% and 25.6% presented with metastatic disease, respectively.
- Surgery and endocrine therapy were utilized in over 88% of cT4abcM0 and cT4dM0 patients.
- Multivariable analysis identified younger age (<70), specific subtypes (luminal A, HER-2 pure), surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy as predictors of improved overall survival (OS).
- Radiotherapy or endocrine therapy significantly lowered the local recurrence rate (LRR).
- No significant differences in OS or LRR were observed between cT4abc and T4d BC patients.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms known characteristics of cLABCs.
- Multimodal treatment approaches are vital for managing LABC.
- There is an observed underutilization of comprehensive multimodal treatment in LABC patients, highlighting a need for improved therapeutic strategies.
