Related Experiment Videos
Alternative therapy for elderly patients with breast cancer
1Division of General Surgery, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096.
The American Surgeon
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study compared quadrantectomy with tamoxifen to standard breast cancer therapy in older women. Quadrantectomy plus tamoxifen showed promising disease-free survival and no local recurrence, suggesting a less invasive treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Traditional Halstedian concepts of breast cancer management are being re-evaluated.
- Understanding of breast cancer biology and natural history has evolved.
- Preventing metastasis is the primary goal of breast cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of quadrantectomy with tamoxifen as sole therapy versus standard treatment for breast cancer in women over 65.
- To evaluate survival rates and local recurrence in elderly breast cancer patients receiving different treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 142 female patients over 65 with histologically confirmed breast cancer treated between 1982-1990.
- Cohort 1: 32 patients treated with quadrantectomy and tamoxifen only.
- Cohort 2: 110 patients treated with standard therapy (mastectomy or segmental resection, radiation, axillary dissection).
Main Results:
- Quadrantectomy + tamoxifen group (29 patients): 67% overall survival, 92% disease-free survival, 0% local recurrence (mean follow-up 52 months).
- Standard therapy group (88 patients): 82% overall survival, 83% disease-free survival, 5% local recurrence (mean follow-up 56 months).
Conclusions:
- Quadrantectomy with tamoxifen demonstrates high disease-free survival and no local recurrence in elderly breast cancer patients.
- This less invasive approach warrants consideration for selected older women with breast cancer.
- Further research may support de-escalation of breast cancer treatment in the geriatric population.