Metastatic breast cancer is a complex disease that is traditionally treated using systemic therapy. There is mounting evidence that locoregional therapy (LRT), such as resection of the primary tumour and/or localised radiotherapy could be associated with improvements in survival. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to inform decision making.
Using the PubMed, Cochrane and Ovid SP databases, a literature review and meta-analysis was undertaken in order to assess whether LRT of the primary tumour in metastatic breast cancer prolongs survival.
43 studies were analysed for the impact of LRT on survival which shown a significant 33.3% reduction in mortality with LRT (HR = 0.667:95% CI 0.617-0.721) and 37.3% with resection alone (N = 41; HR = 0.623: 95% CI 0.586-0.661).
This is the largest meta-analysis regarding this question to date. LRT seems to improve overall survival in de novo disease and should be considered in selected patients after a multidisciplinary discussion.
London Breast Institute.
Has not received any funding.
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.