Breast Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Breast Cancer, including details on symptoms, genetics, screening, treatment, information.

Multidisciplinary management of ductal carcinoma in situ: a 10-year experience.

West JG, Qureshi A, Liao SY, Sutherland ML, Chen JW, Chacon M, Fanning C

Department of Surgery, Breast Care Center at the Cordelia Knott Center for Wellness, 230 S Main St, Orange, CA 92868, USA. jwest@breastcare.com

BACKGROUND: Two ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treatment controversies are (1) what is the preferred margin for patients undergoing lumpectomy plus radiation, and (2) is there a subgroup that can be safely treated with lumpectomy alone? A multidisciplinary team was established to evaluate these issues. METHODS: Patients with DCIS who were candidates for breast-conservation were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 had a minimum 5-mm margin and received radiation, and group 2 had a minimum 10-mm margin and received no radiation. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients (153 cancers) met the inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 8.2 years. Overall, there were 6 recurrences (3.92%); 1 of 71 recurred in group 1 (1.40%), and 5 of 82 recurred in group 2 (6.01%). CONCLUSION: Five-millimeter margins plus radiation results in low rates of recurrence. A subgroup of DCIS patients can be identified in which radiation can be safely avoided. The multidisciplinary team approach to managing DCIS enhances the potential for improved outcomes.

Published 10 September 2007 in Am J Surg, 194(4): 532-4.
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