Improved Survival in Breast Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases
Author Information
Author(s): Carsten Nieder, Kirsten Marienhagen, Astrid Dalhaug, Jan Norum
Primary Institution: University Hospital of North Norway
Hypothesis
Newly developed systemic treatment regimens might lead to improved survival in breast cancer patients with brain metastases.
Conclusion
The study suggests that improved systemic therapy may contribute to longer survival in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Survival after whole-brain radiotherapy has remained unchanged in patients without further active treatment.
- 1-year survival rates have almost doubled in patients receiving active treatment.
- Median survival from first diagnosis of breast cancer was significantly higher in contemporary patients.
Takeaway
Doctors found that new treatments for breast cancer can help patients live longer, even if the cancer has spread to the brain.
Methodology
A matched pairs analysis was performed comparing contemporary patients treated after new drugs were introduced with historical patients treated 10 years earlier.
Potential Biases
Potential imbalances in treatment assignment and lack of data on certain prognostic factors in the historical group.
Limitations
The historical group lacked information on hormone receptor status and HER-2 status, which could influence survival results.
Participant Demographics
The contemporary group had a median age of 55 years, with 60% lymph node positive, 42% hormone receptor positive, and 69% HER-2 positive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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