International consensus provides clinical toolbox for breast surgery after neoadjuvant therapy
An international consortium developed expert guidance on locoregional management of early-stage breast cancer patients receiving primary systemic therapy, addressing diagnosis through to surgery. Consensus was reached on 42% of statements, with a majority on another 38%, resulting in a practical clinical toolbox covering response assessment, surgical planning, and targeted de-escalation. The guidance aims to reduce surgical morbidity while maintaining oncological safety.
The original study
Breast conservation and axillary management after primary systemic therapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer: the Lucerne toolbox.
- Authors
- Dubsky P, Pinker K, Cardoso F, Montagna G, Ritter M, Denkert C, et al.
- Journal
- The Lancet. Oncology
- Type
- Consensus Statement, Journal Article, Practice Guideline, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
- PMID
- 33387500
Original abstract
Primary systemic therapy is increasingly used in the treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer, but few guidelines specifically address optimal locoregional therapies. Therefore, we established an international consortium to discuss clinical evidence and to provide expert advice on technical management of patients with early-stage breast cancer. The steering committee prepared six working packages to address all major clinical questions from diagnosis to surgery. During a consensus meeting that included members from European scientific oncology societies, clinical trial groups, and patient advocates, statements were discussed and voted on. A consensus was reached in 42% of statements, a majority in 38%, and no decision in 21%. Based on these findings, the panel developed clinical guidance recommendations and a toolbox to overcome many clinical and technical requirements associated with the diagnosis, response assessment, surgical planning, and surgery of patients with early-stage breast cancer. This guidance could convince clinicians and patients of the major clinical advancements purported by primary systemic therapy, the use of less extensive and more targeted surgery to improve the lives of patients with breast cancer.