Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Breast Cancer Treatment Guideline
Breast Cancer Treatment Guideline
The mutual goal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and
the American Cancer Society (ACS) partnership is to provide patients with state-
of-the-art cancer treatment information in an easy to understand language. This
information, based on the NCCN’s Clinical Practice Guidelines, is intended to
assist you in a discussion with your doctor. These guidelines do not replace the
expertise and clinical judgment of your doctor.
NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines were developed by a diverse panel of experts.
The guidelines are a statement of consensus of its authors regarding the scientific
evidence and their views of currently accepted approaches to treatment. The NCCN
guidelines are updated as new significant data become available. The Patient
Information version is updated accordingly and available on-line through the
American Cancer Society and NCCN Web sites. To ensure you have the most
recent version, you may contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345
or the NCCN at 1-888-909-NCCN.
©2006 by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network. All rights reserved. The information herein may not be reprinted
in any form for commercial purposes without the expressed written permission
of the ACS. Single copies of each page may be reproduced for personal and non-
commercial uses by the reader.
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Making Decisions About Breast Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Inside Breast Tissue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Types of Breast Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Breast Cancer Work Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Breast Cancer Stages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Breast Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Treatment of Breast Cancer During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Treatment of Pain and Other Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Complementary and Alternative Therapies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Other Things to Consider During and After Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Clinical Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Work-Up (Evaluation) and Treatment Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Decision Trees
Stage 0 Lobular Carcinoma in Situ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma in Situ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Stage I, II, and Some Stage III Breast Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Axillary Lymph Node Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Additional Treatment (Adjuvant Therapy) After Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Invasive Ductal, Lobular, Mixed, or Metaplastic Cancers
with Small Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Invasive Ductal, Lobular, Mixed, or Metaplastic Cancers
with Larger Tumors or Lymph Node Spread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Tubular or Colloid Breast Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Adjuvant Hormone Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Treatment of Large Stage II or Stage IIIA Breast Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Stage III Locally Advanced Breast Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Follow-up and Treatment of Stage IV Disease or Recurrence of Disease . . . 70
Breast Cancer in Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Member Institutions
5
with breast cancer receive the same treat-
ment. Doctors must consider a woman’s Lobular cells Lobule
specific medical situation and the patient’s
preferences. This booklet can help you and
your doctor decide which choices best meet
Duct
your medical and personal needs. cells
Breast cancer can occur in men. Since the
incidence is very low, this booklet is for Duct
women with breast cancer. To learn more
Ducts
about breast cancer in men, speak with your
Areola
doctor and contact the American Cancer Nipple
Lobules
Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit our Web
site at www.cancer.org.
Fatty connective tissue
6
lobule walls. Breast cancer specialists do
not think that LCIS itself becomes an
Lymph
nodes invasive cancer, but women with this
condition do run a higher risk of devel-
oping an invasive cancer in either breast.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This
Lymph is the most common type of noninvasive
vessels breast cancer. In DCIS, cancer cells
Axillary inside the ducts do not spread through
lymph nodes the walls of the ducts into the fatty
Internal tissue of the breast. DCIS is treated
mammary with surgery and sometimes radiation,
lymph node
which are usually curative. If not
treated, DCIS may grow and become
an invasive cancer.
Normal Lymph Drainage
7
Invasive (also called Infiltrating) Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) Inflammatory breast cancer is a special
This type of cancer starts in the milk- type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells
producing glands. Like IDC, this cancer can have spread to the lymph channels in the skin
spread beyond the breast to other parts of the of the breast. Inflammatory breast cancer
body. About 10% to 15% of invasive breast accounts for about 1% to 3% of all breast
cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas. cancers. The skin of the affected breast is red,
swollen, may feel warm, and has the appear-
Mixed Tumors ance of an orange peel. The affected breast may
Mixed tumors describe those that contain become larger or firmer, tender, or itchy. IBC
a variety of cell types, such as invasive ductal is often mistaken for infection in its early stages.
combined with invasive lobular breast Inflammatory breast cancer has a higher
cancer. With this type, the tumor is usually chance of spreading and a worse outlook
treated as if it were an invasive ductal cancer. than typical invasive ductal or lobular cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer is always staged
Medullary Cancer as stage IIIB unless it has already spread to
This special type of infiltrating ductal other organs at the time of diagnosis which
cancer has a fairly well-defined boundary would then make it a stage IV. (See discussion
between tumor tissue and normal breast tis- of stage on page 14).
sue. It also has a number of special features,
including the presence of immune system Colloid Carcinoma
cells at the edges of the tumor. It accounts for This rare type of invasive ductal breast
about 5% of all breast cancer. It can be diffi- cancer, also called mucinous carcinoma, is
cult to distinguish medullary breast cancer formed by mucus-producing cancer cells.
from the more common invasive ductal breast Colloid carcinoma has a better outlook and a
cancer. Most cancer specialists think that lower chance of metastasis than invasive lob-
medullary cancer is very rare, and that cancers ular or invasive ductal cancers of the same size.
that are called medullary cancer should be
treated as invasive ductal breast cancer. Tubular Carcinoma
Tubular carcinoma is a special type of
Metaplastic Tumors invasive ductal breast carcinoma. About 2%
Metaplastic tumors are a very rare type of of all breast cancers are tubular carcinomas.
invasive ductal cancer. These tumors include Women with this type of breast cancer have a
cells that are normally not found in the better outlook because the cancer is less likely
breast, such as cells that look like skin cells to spread outside the breast than invasive
(squamous cells) or cells that make bone. lobular or invasive ductal cancers of the same
These tumors are treated similarly to invasive size. The majority of tubular cancers are hor-
ductal cancer. mone receptor positive and HER-2 negative.
(See discussion of tumor tests, on page 12.)
8
Breast Cancer Work Up Breast Imaging
After completing the physical examination
Evaluating a Breast Lump or and medical history, the doctor will recommend
Abnormal Mammogram Finding tests to look at the breast. A mammogram will
An evaluation of a breast lump or an abnormal likely be done first, unless this has already
mammogram finding includes a thorough been done or if the woman is very young.
medical history, a physical examination, and Women with a lump in the breast, other
breast imaging (such as x-rays). A biopsy is suspicious symptoms, or with a change found
needed for a suspicious finding, though often on a screening mammogram, will often have
these suspicious areas prove to be benign (not a procedure called a diagnostic mammogram.
cancer). If cancer is found, other x-rays and A diagnostic mammogram includes more
blood tests are needed. Exactly which tests mammogram images of the area of concern
are helpful depends on the type of cancer, and to give more information about the size and
if and where it has spread. These sections character of the area. A breast ultrasound or
provide a summary of the steps, tests, and sonogram also may be done. Ultrasound
types of biopsy that may be suggested. examination uses high frequency sound waves
to further evaluate a lump or mammogram
Doctor Visit and Examination finding. Most importantly, ultrasound helps
A women’s first step in having a new breast determine if the area of concern is a fluid-
lump, symptom, or mammogram change filled simple cyst, which is usually not cancer,
evaluated is to meet with her doctor. The or is solid tissue that may be cancer.
doctor will take a medical history, including Some women may have a breast magnetic
asking a series of questions about symptoms resonance imaging (MRI) procedure in addition
and factors that may be related to breast to a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.
cancer risk (such as family history of cancer). In some cases, breast MRI may help define
The physical examination should include a the size and extent of cancer within the breast
general examination of the woman’s body as tissue. It can also spot other tumors. It may be
well as careful examination of her breasts especially useful in women who have dense
(called palpation). The doctor will examine: breast tissue that makes it more difficult to
• the breasts, including texture, size, find tumors with a mammogram.
relationship to skin and chest muscles,
and the presence of lumps or masses Breast Biopsy
• the nipples and skin of the breasts If a woman or her doctor finds a suspicious
• lymph nodes under the armpit and breast lump, or if imaging studies show a
above the collarbone suspicious area, the woman must have a
• other organs to check for obvious biopsy. This procedure takes a tissue sample
spread of breast cancer and to help to be examined under the microscope to see
evaluate the general condition of the if cancer is present.
woman’s health
9
There are several different types of breast needle during the biopsy. The mammogram-
biopsies. Biopsy may be done by a needle, directed technique is called stereotactic nee-
where the doctor removes a piece of breast dle biopsy. In this procedure, a computerized
tissue by placing a needle through the skin view of the mammogram helps the doctor
into the breast. With a surgical biopsy a sur- guide the tip of the needle to the right spot.
geon uses a scalpel to cut through the skin Ultrasound can be used in the same way to
and remove a larger piece of breast tissue. guide the needle. The choice between a
Each type of biopsy has advantages and dis- mammogram directed stereotactic needle
advantages. The type of biopsy procedure biopsy and ultrasound guided biopsy depends
used is tailored to each woman’s situation on the type and location of the suspicious
and the experience of her health care team. area, as well as the experience and preference
In most cases, a needle biopsy is preferred of the doctor.
over a surgical biopsy as the first step in Some patients need a surgical (excisional)
making a cancer diagnosis. A needle biopsy biopsy. The surgeon generally removes the
provides a diagnosis quickly and with little entire lump or suspicious area and includes a
discomfort. In addition, it gives the woman a zone of surrounding normal appearing breast
chance to discuss treatment options with her tissue called a margin. If the tumor cannot be
doctor before any surgery is done. In some felt, then the mammogram or ultrasound is
patients, a surgical biopsy may still be needed used to guide the surgeon through a technique
to remove all or part of a lump for microscopic called wire localization. After numbing the area
examination after a needle biopsy has been with a local anesthetic, x-ray or ultrasound
done, or it may be necessary to do a surgical pictures are used to guide a small hollow
biopsy instead of needle biopsy. needle to the abnormal spot in the breast. A
Several types of needle biopsies are used thin wire is inserted through the center of the
to diagnosis breast cancer. The most common needle, the needle is removed, and the wire is
is a core needle biopsy that removes a small used to guide the surgeon to the right spot.
cylinder of tissue. A suction device attached Most breast biopsies cause little discomfort.
to the needle can also be used to remove Only local anesthesia (numbing of the skin)
breast tissue. Another type of biopsy is fine is necessary for needle biopsies. For surgical
needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). FNA uses a biopsies, most surgeons use a local anesthetic
smaller needle than a core biopsy and plus some intravenous medicines to make the
removes a small amount of cells for evaluation patient drowsy. A general anesthetic is not
under the microscope. FNA also is used to needed for most breast biopsies.
remove fluid from a suspicious cyst.
A doctor can do a core needle or FNA Tissue examination and pathology report
biopsy in the office, without the aid of breast After a breast biopsy, the biopsy tissue is
x-rays to guide the needle, if the lump can be sent to a pathology lab where a doctor trained
felt. If a lump cannot be felt easily, ultrasound to diagnose cancer (pathologist) examines it
or mammograms can be used to guide the under the microscope. This process may take
10
several days. This examination of the breast symptoms of spread to the bone, including
tissue determines if cancer is present. new pains or changes on blood tests, a bone
The pathology report is a key part of your scan is not recommended except in patients
cancer care. This report tells your doctor what with advanced cancer. To do a bone scan, a
type of cancer you have, and includes many small dose of a radioactive substance is
facts that will determine the best treatment injected into your vein. The radioactive sub-
for you. stance collects in areas of new bone formation.
Your doctor should give you your pathology These areas can be seen on the bone scan
results. You can ask for a copy of your pathology image. Other than the needle stick for the
report and to have it explained carefully to you. injection, a bone scan is painless.
If you want, you can obtain a second opinion Computerized tomography (CT) scans:
of the pathology of your tissue by having the CT scans are done when symptoms or other
microscope slides from your tissue sent to a findings suggest that cancer has spread to
consulting breast pathologist at an NCCN other organs. For most women with an early
cancer center or other laboratory suggested stage breast cancer, a CT scan is not needed.
by your doctor. But if the cancer appears more advanced, a
CT of the abdomen and/or chest may be done
Other Tests after Cancer Has to see if the cancer has spread. CT scans take
Been Diagnosed multiple x-rays of the same part of the body
If the breast biopsy results show that cancer from different angles to provide detailed
is present, the doctor may order other tests pictures of internal organs. Except for the
to find out if the cancer has spread and to injection of intravenous dye, necessary for
help determine treatment. For most women most patients, this is a painless procedure.
with breast cancer, extensive testing provides Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
no benefit and is not necessary. There is no MRI scans use radio waves and magnets to
test that can completely reassure you that the produce detailed images of internal organs
cancer has not spread. The NCCN Guidelines without any x-rays. MRI is useful in looking at
describe which tests are needed based on the the brain and spinal cord, and in examining
extent (spread) of the cancer and the results any specific area in the bone. A special MRI
of the history and physical examination. Tests procedure called a breast MRI with dedicated
that may be done include: breast coils can also be used to look for tumors
Chest x-ray: All women with invasive in the breast. Routine MRIs for all patients with
breast cancer should have a chest x-ray before breast cancer are not helpful and not needed.
surgery and to see if there is evidence that the Positron emission tomography (PET):
breast cancer has spread to the lungs. PET scans use a form of sugar (glucose) that
Bone scan: This may provide information contains a radioactive atom. A small amount
about spread of breast cancer to the bone. of the radioactive material is injected into a
However, many changes that show up on a vein. Then you are put into the PET machine
bone scan are not cancer. Unless there are where a special camera can detect the
11
radioactivity. Because of the high amount of many breast cancers. Cancer cells
energy that breast cancer cells use, areas of respond to these hormones through
cancer in the body absorb large amounts of the estrogen receptors (ER) and prog-
the radioactive sugar. Newer devices combine esterone receptors (PR). ER and PR are
PET scans and CT scans. cells’ “welcome mat” for these hormones
Blood Tests: Some blood tests are needed circulating in the blood. The tumor is
to plan surgery, to screen for evidence of tested for these receptors in a test
cancer spread, and to plan treatment after called a hormone receptor assay. If a
surgery. These blood tests include: cancer does not have these receptors,
• Complete blood count (CBC). This it is referred to as hormone receptor
determines whether your blood has the negative (estrogen-receptor negative
correct type and number of blood cells. and progesterone-receptor negative).
Abnormal test results could reveal other If the cancer has these receptors, it is
health problems including anemia, and referred to as hormone receptor positive
could suggest the cancer has spread to (estrogen- receptor positive and/or
the bone marrow. Also, if you receive progesterone-receptor positive) or just
chemotherapy, doctors repeat this test ER-positive or PR-positive.
because chemotherapy often affects the The hormone receptors are impor-
blood forming cells of the bone marrow. tant because cancer cells that are ER
• Blood chemicals and enzyme tests. or PR-positive often stop growing if the
These tests are done in patients with woman takes drugs that either block
invasive breast cancer (not needed with the effect of estrogen and progesterone
in situ cancer). They can sometimes tell or decrease the body’s levels of estrogen.
if the cancer has spread to the bone or These drugs lower the chance that the
liver. If these test results are abnormal, cancer will come back (recur) and
your doctor will order imaging tests, improve the changes of living longer.
such as bone scans or CT scans. Most women whose breast cancer is
ER-positive or PR-positive will take
Tumor tests (estrogen receptor, proges-
these drugs as part of their treatment.
terone receptors, and HER-2/neu): Testing
However, these hormone-active drugs
the tumor itself for certain features is an
are not effective if the cancer does not
important step in deciding what treatment
contain these receptors.
options are best for your particular cancer.
All breast cancers, with the exception
The pathology lab tests the cancer tissue that
of lobular carcinoma in situ, should be
is removed, either from a biopsy or the final
tested for hormone receptors. Each
surgery.
woman should ask her doctor for these
• Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors:
test results, and if hormone-like drugs
Two hormones in women—estrogen and
or blocking her own hormones should
progesterone—stimulate the growth of
be part of the treatment.
normal breast cells and play a role in
12
• HER-2/neu: About 15-25% of breast chemotherapy. At the present time more
cancers have too much of a growth- studies are needed on this new strategy before
promoting protein called HER-2/neu specific recommendations can be made.
and too many copies (more than 2) of Breast Cancer Grade: Pathologists look
the gene that instructs the cells to at breast cancers under a microscope and
produce that protein. Tumors with determine how much they look like normal
increased levels of HER-2/neu are breast tissue. This is called the grade of the
referred to as “HER-2 positive.” tumor. Cancers that closely resemble normal
HER-2 positive tumors tend to grow breast tissue get a lower number grade and
and spread more rapidly than other tend to grow and spread more slowly. In gen-
breast cancers. They can be treated with eral, a lower grade number indicates a cancer
a drug called trastuzumab that prevents that is slightly less likely to spread, and a higher
the HER-2/neu protein from stimulating number indicates a cancer that is slightly
breast cancer cell growth. Recent studies more likely to spread.
have shown that trastuzumab given Grade is based on the arrangement of the
after breast cancer surgery for HER-2 cells in relation to each other; whether they
positive tumors reduces the risk of form tubules, how closely they resemble
recurrence when the tumor measures normal breast cells (nuclear grade), and how
larger than 1 cm in diameter or when many of the cancer cells are in the process of
the cancer has spread to the lymph dividing (mitotic count). A low grade (Grade 1)
nodes. Studies also suggest that chemo- cancer may also be called “well-differentiated”
therapy containing certain drugs (such because it more closely resembles normal breast
as doxorubicin or epirubicin) may be cells. Similarly a high grade tumor (Grade 3)
especially effective against breast may also be called “poorly differentiated,”
cancers that are HER-2 positive. since the cells have lost their resemblance
to normal breast cells. A moderate grade
Genetic Analysis of Tumor: Treatment
(Grade 2) cancer is in between low grade and
decisions today are primarily based on hor-
high grade.
mone receptor status, HER-2/neu status,
The tumor grade is most important in
appearance of the cancer under the micro-
patients with small tumors without lymph node
scope, size of the breast cancer, and extent of
involvement. Patients with well-differentiated
spread of the breast cancer. Recently, there
tumors may require no further treatment,
has been interest in studying the genes in
while patients with moderately or poorly dif-
breast cancers to see if the tumors can be
ferentiated tumors usually receive additional
divided into good prognosis and poor prog-
hormonal therapy or chemotherapy.
nosis tumors. This information has the
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is graded
potential to identify those patients whose
in a different way. DCIS is given a nuclear
breast cancers have not spread to the lymph
grade, which describes how abnormal the
nodes and who may not need additional
13
part of the cancer cells that contain the genetic Each woman’s outlook with breast cancer
material appears. Sometimes other features differs, depending on the cancer’s stage and
of DCIS are also used by the pathologist to other factors such as hormone receptors, her
determine the grade. general state of health, and her treatment.
You should talk frankly with your doctors
about your cancer stage and prognosis, and
Breast Cancer Stages how they affect treatment options.
Cancers are divided into different groups, System to Define Cancer Stage
called stages, based on whether the cancer is The system most often used to describe the
invasive or non-invasive, the size of the extent of breast cancer is the TNM staging
tumor, how many lymph nodes are involved, system. In TNM staging, information about
and whether there is spread to other parts of the tumor (T-Stage), nearby lymph nodes (N-
the body. Stage), and distant metastases (M-Stage) is
Staging a cancer is the process of finding combined and a stage is assigned to specific
out how far the cancer has progressed when TNM groupings. The TNM stage groupings
it is diagnosed. Doctors determine the stage are described using Roman numerals from 0
of a cancer by gathering information from to IV.
physical examinations and tests on the tumor, The clinical stage is determined by what the
lymph nodes, and distant organs. doctor learns from the physical examination
A breast cancer’s stage is one of the most and tests. The pathologic stage includes the
important factors that may predict prognosis findings of the pathologist after surgery. Most
(outlook for cure versus the chance of cancer of the time, pathologic stage is the most
coming back or spreading to other organs). important stage since involvement of the lymph
A cancer’s stage, therefore, is an important nodes can only be accurately determined by
factor in choosing the best treatment. examining them under a microscope.
Tumor Sizes
1 cm 2 cm 3 cm 5 cm
15
Breast Cancer Stages
Stage I T1 N0 M0
Stage IIA T0 N1 M0
T1 N1 M0
T2 N0 M0
Stage IIB T2 N1 M0
T3 N0 M0
Stage IIIA T0 N2 M0
T1 N2 M0
T2 N2 M0
T3 N1 M0
T3 N2 M0
Stage Grouping for Breast Cancer see if the breast cancer has spread. The treat-
Once the T, N, and M categories have been ment for cancer cells that may have spread
assigned, this information is combined to beyond the breast and lymph nodes in the
assign an overall stage of 0, I, II, III or IV as armpit is a combination of either hormone
seen in the table. The stages identify tumor therapy and/or chemotherapy.
types that have a similar outlook and thus are
treated in a similar way. Treatment of the Breast
Most women with breast cancer will have
surgery. The 2 common types of surgery are
Breast Cancer Treatment breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy.
16
If cancer cells are present at the outside edge • women whose tumors are larger than
of the removed breast tissue (the margin), 5 centimeters (2 inches) and can’t be
more surgery is usually needed to remove any shrunk by treatment before surgery
remaining cancer. Most often this additional
Radiation therapy as a part of breast-
surgery is a repeat lumpectomy, but some-
conserving therapy for invasive cancer can
times it requires removal of the entire breast
sometimes be omitted. Women who may
(mastectomy).
consider lumpectomy without radiation
Radiation therapy is usually given after
therapy have all of the following:
these types of surgery. Side effects of these
• age 70 years or older; and
operations include temporary swelling and
• a tumor 2 cm or less that has been
tenderness and hardness due to scar tissue
completely removed; and
that forms in the surgical site.
• a tumor that contains hormone
For most women with stage I or II breast
receptors; and
cancer, breast conservation therapy (lumpec-
• no lymph node involvement; and
tomy and radiation therapy) is as effective as
• who receive treatment with hormone
mastectomy. Survival rates of women treated
therapy
with these 2 approaches are the same. However,
breast conservation therapy is not an option
Mastectomy
for all women with breast cancer (see section,
Mastectomy is removal of the entire breast,
“Choosing Between Breast-Conserving Surgery
including the nipple. Mastectomy is needed
and Mastectomy” on page 18.) Those who may
for some cases, and some women choose
not have breast-conserving therapy include:
mastectomy rather than lumpectomy. (See
• prior radiation therapy of the affected
discussion on next page, Choosing Between
breast or chest
Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy.)
• suspicious or malignant appearing
Different words are used to describe
abnormalities that are widespread
mastectomy depending on the extent of the
throughout the breast
surgery in the armpit and the muscles under
• women whose lumpectomy, including
the breast. In a simple or total mastectomy the
any possible repeat lumpectomy when
entire breast is removed, but no lymph nodes
needed, cannot completely remove
from under the arm or muscle tissue from
their cancer with a satisfactory
beneath the breast is removed. In a modified
cosmetic result
radical mastectomy, the entire breast and some
• women with active connective tissue
axillary (underarm) lymph nodes are removed.
disease involving the skin (especially
In a radical mastectomy, all the muscle under
scleroderma or lupus) that makes body
the breast is also removed. Radical mastec-
tissues especially sensitive to the side
tomy is rarely used today, and for most
effects of radiation
women, this surgery is not more effective
• pregnant women who would require
than more limited forms of mastectomy.
radiation while still pregnant
17
Choosing Between Breast-Conserving Reconstructive Surgery
Surgery and Mastectomy If a woman has a mastectomy, she may want
The advantage of breast-conserving surgery to consider having the breast rebuilt; this is
(lumpectomy) is that it preserves the appear- called breast reconstruction. This requires
ance of the breast. A disadvantage is the need additional surgery to create the appearance
for several weeks of radiation therapy after of a breast after mastectomy. The breast can
surgery. Some women who have a mastectomy be reconstructed at the same time the mas-
will still need radiation therapy. Women who tectomy is done (immediate reconstruction)
choose lumpectomy and radiation can expect or at a later date (delayed reconstruction).
the same chance of survival as those who Surgeons my use saline-filled implants or tissue
choose mastectomy. from other parts of your body.
Although most women and their doctors How do a woman and her doctor decide
prefer lumpectomy and radiation therapy, your on the type of reconstruction and when she
choice will depend on a number of factors, should have the procedure? The answer
such as: depends on the woman’s personal preferences,
• how you feel about losing your breast the size and shape of her breasts, the size and
• whether you want to devote the addi- shape of her body, her level of physical exer-
tional time and travel for radiation cise, details of her medical situation (such as
therapy how much skin is removed), and if she needs
• whether you would want to have more chemotherapy or radiation.
surgery to reconstruct your breast after If you are thinking about breast recon-
having a mastectomy struction, please discuss this with your doctor
• your preference for mastectomy as a way when you are planning your treatment.
to “take it all out as quickly as possible”
Lymph Node Surgery
In determining the preference for lumpec-
In the treatment of invasive cancer, whether
tomy or mastectomy, be sure to get all the
a woman has a mastectomy or lumpectomy,
facts. Though you may have a gut feeling for
she and her doctor usually need to know if
mastectomy to “take it all out as quickly as
the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
possible,” the fact is that in most cases doing
When the lymph nodes are affected, there is
so does not provide any better chance of long
an increased likelihood that cancer cells have
term control or a better outcome of treatment.
spread through the bloodstream to other
Large research studies with thousands of
parts of the body.
women participating, and over 20 years of
Doctors once believed that removing as
information show that when lumpectomy can
many lymph nodes as possible would reduce
be done, mastectomy does not provide any
the risk of developing spread of breast cancer
better chance of survival from breast cancer
and improve a woman’s chances for long-term
than lumpectomy plus radiation. It is because
survival. We now know that removing the
of these facts that most women do not have
lymph nodes probably does not improve the
their breast removed.
18
chance for long-term survival. But knowing If there are enlarged lymph nodes with
whether lymph nodes are involved is impor- apparent spread of the cancer, or the lymph
tant in selecting the best treatment to prevent nodes are otherwise found to be involved
cancer recurrence. with cancer, then complete axillary lymph
The only way to accurately determine if dissection is necessary. However, in many
lymph nodes are involved is to remove and cases, the lymph nodes are not enlarged and
examine them under the microscope. This are not likely to contain cancer. In such cases,
means removing some or all of the lymph the more limited sentinel lymph node biopsy
nodes in the armpit. In the standard operation, procedure can be performed.
called an axillary lymph node dissection, all In the sentinel lymph node biopsy proce-
the lymph nodes are removed. This is often dure the surgeon finds and removes the
necessary. In many cases, lymph node testing “sentinel nodes,” the first few lymph nodes into
may be done with a more limited surgery that which a tumor drains. These are the lymph
only removes a few lymph nodes with fewer nodes most likely to contain cancer cells. To
side effects. This is called sentinel lymph node find these so-called “sentinel lymph nodes,” the
biopsy, and is discussed further below. surgeon injects a radioactive substance and/
For some women with invasive cancer, or a blue dye under the nipple or into the area
removing the underarm lymph nodes can be around the tumor. Lymphatic vessels carry
considered optional. This includes: these substances into the sentinel lymph
• women with tumors so small and with nodes and provide the doctor with a “lymph
such a favorable outlook that lymph node map.” The doctor can either see the blue
node spread is unlikely dye or detect the radioactivity with a Geiger
• instances where it would not affect counter. The surgeon then removes the marked
whether adjuvant treatment is given nodes for examination by the pathologist.
• elderly women If the sentinel node contains cancer, the
• women with serious medical conditions surgeon removes more lymph nodes in the
armpit (axillary dissection). This may be done
Lymph node surgery is not necessary with
at the same time or several days after the
pure ductal carcinoma in situ or pure lobular
original sentinel node biopsy. If the sentinel
carcinoma in situ. A sentinel node biopsy (see
node is cancer-free, the patient will not need
below) may be done if the woman is having
more lymph node surgery and can avoid the
surgery (such as mastectomy) that would make
side effects of full lymph node surgery. This
it impossible to do the sentinel node biopsy
limited sampling of lymph nodes is not
procedure if invasive cancer were found in
appropriate for some women. A sentinel
the tissue removed during the surgery.
lymph node biopsy should be considered
The surgical technique used to remove
only if there is a team experienced with this
lymph nodes from under the armpit depends
technique.
on the personal circumstances of the patient.
19
Side Effects of Lymph Node Surgery • If your arm or hand feels tight or
Side effects of lymph node surgery can be swollen, don’t ignore it. Tell your
bothersome to many women. The side effects doctor immediately.
can occur with either the full axillary lymph • If needed, wear a well-fitted
node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy. compression sleeve.
Side effects are much less common and less • Wear gloves when gardening or
severe with the sentinel lymph node procedure. doing other things that are likely to
Side effects of lymph node surgery include: lead to cuts.
• temporary or permanent numbness in
For more information on lymphedema, call
the skin on the inside of the upper arm
the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345
• temporary limitation of arm and
and ask for Lymphedema: What Every Women
shoulder movements
With Breast Cancer Should Know.
• swelling of the breast and arm called
lymphedema
Radiation Therapy
Lymphedema is the most significant of these Radiation therapy uses a beam of high-energy
side effects. If it develops it may be permanent. rays (or particles) to destroy cancer cells left
Most women who develop lymphedema find behind in the breast, chest wall, or lymph
it bothersome but not disabling. No one can nodes after surgery. Radiation may also be
predict which patients will develop this con- needed after mastectomy in cases with either
dition or when it will develop. Lymphedema a larger breast tumor, or when cancer is found
can develop just after surgery, or even months in the lymph nodes.
or years later. Significant lymphedema occurs This type of treatment can be given in
in about 10% of women who have axillary several ways.
lymph node dissection and in up to 5% of • External beam radiation delivers radia-
women who have sentinel lymph node biopsy. tion from a machine outside the body.
With care, patients can take steps to help This is the typical radiation therapy
avoid lymphedema or at least keep it under given after lumpectomy and is given to
control. Talk to your doctor for more details. the entire breast with an extra dose
Some of the steps to take to help avoid (“boost”) to the site of the tumor. It is
lymphedema include: usually given 5 days a week for a
• Avoid having blood drawn from or IVs course of 6 to 7 weeks.
inserted into the arm on the side of the • Brachytherapy, also called internal
lymph node surgery. radiation or interstitial radiation,
• Do not allow a blood pressure cuff to describes the placement of radioactive
be placed on that arm. If you are in the materials in or near where the tumor
hospital, tell all health care workers was removed. They may be placed in
about your arm. the lumpectomy site to “boost’ the
radiation dose in addition to external
beam radiation therapy.
20
Recently there has been interest in limiting a rib fracture or second cancer may be
radiation therapy only to the site of the caused by the radiation.
lumpectomy, referred to as partial breast
irradiation. This is based on the observation Systemic Treatment
that when breast cancer recurs in the breast, To reach cancer cells that may have spread
the most common place is in the site of the beyond the breast and nearby tissues, doctors
original tumor. Brachytherapy is one technique use drugs that can be given by pills or by
of partial breast irradiation. External beam injection. This type of treatment is called sys-
radiation therapy also can be used to deliver temic therapy. Examples of systemic treatment
partial breast irradiation. include chemotherapy, hormone therapy,
The extent of radiation depends on and monoclonal antibody therapy. Hormone
whether or not a lumpectomy or mastectomy therapy is only helpful if the tumor is hormone
was done and whether or not lymph nodes receptor positive, and trastuzumab (the mono-
are involved. If a lumpectomy was done, the clonal antibody therapy) is only effective if
entire breast receives radiation with an extra the tumor is HER-2 positive.
boost of radiation to the area in the breast Even in the early stages of the disease,
where the cancer was removed to prevent it cancer cells can break away from the breast
from coming back in that area. and spread through the bloodstream. These
If the surgery was mastectomy, radiation is cells usually don’t cause symptoms, they don’t
given to the entire area of the skin and muscle show up on an x-ray, and they can’t be felt
where the mastectomy was done if the tumor during a physical examination. But if they are
was over 5 cm in size, or if the tumor is close allowed to grow, they can establish new
to the edge of the removed mastectomy tissue. tumors in other places in the body. Systemic
In patients who have had lumpectomy or treatment given to patients who have no evi-
mastectomy, further radiation may be rec- dence of spread of cancer, but who are at risk
ommended if the cancer has spread to the of developing spread of the cancer is called
lymph nodes. Radiation may be given to the adjuvant therapy. The goal of adjuvant therapy
area just above the collarbone and along the is to kill undetected cancer cells that have
breastbone, depending on the number and traveled from the breast.
location of involved lymph nodes. Women who have invasive breast cancer
Side effects most likely to occur from radi- should receive adjuvant therapy, except those
ation include swelling and heaviness in the with very small or well-differentiated tumors.
breast, sunburn-like skin changes in the treated For example, women with hormone receptor
area, and fatigue. Changes to the breast tissue positive disease will receive hormone therapy,
and skin usually go away in 6 to 12 months. In and women with HER-2 positive tumors greater
some women, the breast becomes smaller than 1 cm in diameter or with involvement of
and firmer after radiation therapy. There may lymph nodes will receive monoclonal antibody
also be some aching in the breast, and rarely therapy with trastuzumab. Chemotherapy may
also be recommended based on the size of
21
the tumor, grade of the tumor, and presence When chemotherapy is given after surgery
or absence of lymph node involvement. For for early stage breast cancer, it is called
women with breast cancers with hormone adjuvant chemotherapy. Sometimes chemo-
receptor negative tumors, hormone therapy therapy is given before surgery. This is called
is not effective and in women with HER-2 neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In most cases,
negative tumors, trastuzumab is not effective. adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy is
In women with tumors that are hormone and most effective when combinations of drugs
HER-2 negative, the only decision is whether are used together. Chemotherapy may also be
or not to receive chemotherapy. given to treat breast cancer that has spread to
In most cases, systemic treatment is given places other than the breast or lymph nodes.
soon after surgery using the results of the Both single drugs and combinations of drugs
surgery and pathology evaluation to deter- are often used in the treatment of breast cancer
mine the best choice treatment. In some that has spread. Clinical research studies
cases, the systemic therapy is given to over the last 30 years have determined which
patients after a needle biopsy but before chemotherapy drugs are most effective. With
lumpectomy or mastectomy. This is called continued research, better combinations may
neoadjuvant treatment. Oncologists give be discovered.
patients neoadjuvant treatment to try to Below are listed common combinations of
shrink the tumor enough to make surgical adjuvant chemotherapy drugs, divided into
removal easier. This may allow women who combinations for women with HER-2 positive
would otherwise need mastectomy to have tumors and HER-2 negative tumors. There are
breast-conserving surgery. also lists of common chemotherapy options
For women whose breast cancer has spread for women who have recurrent or metastatic
to other organs in the body (metastases), sys- breast cancer.
temic treatment is the main treatment. This
treatment may be chemotherapy, hormone Chemotherapy Drugs Commonly Used
to Treat Breast Cancer
therapy, trastuzumab, or combined therapy.
Brand Name Generic Name
Chemotherapy Adriamycin Doxorubicin
Chemotherapy uses medicines that are toxic
Cytoxan Cyclophosphamide
to cancer cells and that often kill the cancer
cells. Usually these cancer-fighting drugs are Ellence Epirubicin
given intravenously (injected into a vein) or as Navelbine Vinorelbine
a pill by mouth. Either way, the drugs travel Taxol Paclitaxel
through the bloodstream to the entire body.
Taxotere Docetaxel
Doctors who prescribe these drugs (medical
oncologists) sometimes use only a single drug Xeloda Capecitabine
22
Adjuvant Chemotherapy Options
FAC/CAF fluorouracil/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide or
FEC/CEF cyclophosphamide/epirubicin/fluorouracil
AC doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with or without paclitaxel
EC epirubicin/cyclophosphamide
TAC docetaxel/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with filgrastim support
A→CMF doxorubicin followed by cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/fluorouracil
E→CMF epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/fluorouracil
CMF cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/fluorouracil
AC x 4 doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by sequential paclitaxel x 4,
every 2 week regimen with filgrastim support
A→T→C doxorubicin followed by paclitaxel followed by cyclophosphamide,
every 2 week regimen with filgrastim support
FEC→T flourouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel
Neoadjuvant:
T + Trastuzumab→ paclitaxel plus trastuzumab followed by
CEF + Trastuzumab cyclophosphamide/epirubicin/fluorouracil plus trastuzumab
23
Chemotherapy Regimens for Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer
PREFERRED COMBINATIONS
• CAF/FAC (cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/fluorouracil) • CMF (cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/
• FEC (fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide) fluorouracil
• AC (doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide) • Docetaxel/capecitabine
• EC (epirubicin/cyclophosphamide) • GT (gemcitabine/paclitaxel
• AT (doxorubicin/docetaxel; doxorubicin/paclitaxel)
• Doxorubicin and epirubicin may cause • Lowering of the blood counts from
heart damage but this is uncommon in chemotherapy is the most common
people who do not have a history of serious side effect of chemotherapy.
heart disease. If you know you have Chemotherapy does this by damaging
heart disease or there is concern you the blood producing cells of the bone
might have heart disease, your doctor marrow. A drop in white blood cells
may suggest special heart tests before can raise a patient’s risk of infection; a
you use these drugs and may suggest shortage of blood platelets can cause
other chemotherapy drugs if your bleeding or bruising after minor cuts
heart function is weakened. or injuries; and a decline in red blood
• Temporary side effects often include cells can lead to fatigue.
loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting,
There are treatments for these side effects.
fatigue, mouth sores, and hair loss.
There are excellent drugs that prevent or at
• Chemotherapy may cause menstrual
least reduce nausea and vomiting. A group of
cycles to stop either temporarily or
drugs called growth factors that stimulate
permanently.
the production of white blood cells or red
24
Preferred Chemotherapy Regimens in Combination with Trastuzumab
(for HER-2 positive metastatic disease)
blood cells can help bone marrow recover Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
after chemotherapy and prevent problems Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is an antibody
resulting from low blood counts. Although directed against the HER-2/neu receptor that
these drugs are often not necessary, doctors is on the surface of the breast cancer cells of
have been using them to allow them to give some patients. Trastuzumab is an important
the chemotherapy more often. Talk with your treatment option for some patients with
doctor about which treatment will be right HER-2 positive tumors. It may be used as
for you. adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy to
Premenopausal women will often develop reduce the risk of recurrence, as neoadjuvant
early menopause and infertility from chemo- therapy combined with chemotherapy to
therapy drugs. The older a woman is when shrink the size of the tumor before surgery,
she receives chemotherapy, the more likely it and as treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
is she will stop menstruating or lose her ability Trastuzumab can cause heart damage and
to become pregnant. Some chemotherapies are should be used cautiously when combined
more likely to do this than others. However, with other heart damaging drugs such as
you cannot depend on chemotherapy to doxorubicin and epirubicin.
prevent pregnancy, and getting pregnant Bevacizumab (Avastin) is another mono-
while receiving chemotherapy could lead to clonal antibody that may be used in patients
birth defects and interfere with treatment. with metastatic breast cancer. It is used in
Therefore, premenopausal women should combination with the chemotherapy drug
consider using birth control while receiving paclitaxel. Bevacizumab works by preventing
chemotherapy. It is safe to have children after the growth of new blood vessels that supply
chemotherapy, but it’s not safe to get pregnant tumor cells with the blood, oxygen, and other
while on treatment. nutrients they need to grow.
Ask you doctor or call the American
Cancer Society and ask for a copy of specific Hormone Therapy
guidelines for treating many of the side Estrogen, a hormone produced mostly by the
effects caused by chemotherapy, such as ovaries, but also from hormones produced by
Nausea and Vomiting Treatment Guidelines for the adrenal glands and fat tissue in a woman’s
Patients With Cancer and Fever and Neutropenia body, causes some breast cancers to grow.
Treatment Guidelines for Patients With Cancer.
25
Several approaches can be used to block the Anti-Estrogen Drugs
effect of estrogen or to lower estrogen levels. Tamoxifen is the antiestrogen drug used
These approaches can be divided into two most often. Taking tamoxifen as adjuvant
main groups: therapy after surgery, usually for 5 years,
• Drugs that block the effect of estrogen reduces the chance of hormone receptor
on cancer cells, called anti-estrogens. positive breast cancer coming back. Tamoxifen
These medicines do not decrease is also used to treat metastatic breast cancer.
estrogen levels; instead, they prevent In many women, tamoxifen causes the
estrogen from causing the breast cancer symptoms of menopause, including hot
cells to grow. flashes, vaginal discharge, and mood swings.
• Drugs or treatments that lower the Tamoxifen has two rare, but more serious side
production of estrogen in the body. effects. These are a slightly increased risk of
developing cancer of the lining of the uterus
These treatments are used in two situations:
(endometrial cancer) and uterine sarcoma,
• Women who have hormone receptor
and a slightly increased risk of developing
positive breast cancers that appear to
blood clots. For most women with breast
have been completely removed by
cancer, the benefits of taking the drug far
surgery. This adjuvant therapy reduces
outweigh the risks.
the risk of recurrence or spread.
Toremifene is another antiestrogen closely
Adjuvant therapy may also include
related to tamoxifen. It may be an option for
chemotherapy or trastuzumab.
postmenopausal women with metastatic
• Women with hormone receptor posi-
breast cancer.
tive breast cancer that has spread to
Fulvestrant is a newer drug that reduces
other parts of the body or in whom the
the number of estrogen receptors. It is often
cancer comes back.
effective in postmenopausal women, even if
Hormone drugs are only effective in the breast cancer is no longer responding to
women whose cancer contains increased tamoxifen. Hot flashes, mild nausea and
levels of estrogen or progesterone receptor. fatigue are the major side effects of fulvestrant.
Every breast cancer should be tested for these
receptors, and you should ask your doctor Drugs that Lower Estrogen Levels –
the results of this test on your cancer. If the Aromatase Inhibitors
cancer is negative for both these receptors, Aromatase inhibitors stop estrogen pro-
then the hormone drugs are of no benefit. duction in postmenopausal women. Three
Often a combination of hormone therapy drugs in this category have been approved
and chemotherapy are used in the treatment for treatment of breast cancer, anastrozole,
of breast cancer. letrozole, and exemestane. They work by
blocking an enzyme that makes estrogen in
postmenopausal women. They cannot stop
the ovaries of premenopausal women from
26
making estrogen. For this reason they are and FSH may be required to make sure that a
only effective in postmenopausal women. For woman is truly postmenopausal.
premenopausal women, tamoxifen remains
the best drug to use. Ovarian Ablation
The aromatase inhibitors have been com- The ovaries are the source of most estro-
pared with tamoxifen as adjuvant hormone gen in premenopausal women. Destroying
therapy. They have fewer side effects than the ability of the ovaries to produce estrogen
tamoxifen because they don’t cause cancer of (ablation) may be an effective hormone ther-
the uterus and very rarely cause blood clots. apy to treat premenopausal women with
They can, however, cause osteoporosis and cancers that are positive for the estrogen or
bone fractures because they remove all progesterone receptors. Destruction of the
estrogen from a postmenopausal woman. ovary production of estrogen can be done in
They also cause side effects of hot flashes and a number of ways:
sometimes joint pain. • The ovaries can be removed by surgery
The aromatase inhibitors are more effective (oophorectomy).
than tamoxifen alone in preventing breast • Radiation therapy can be given to the
cancer from coming back in postmenopausal ovaries.
women. Based on recent studies, many doctors • Drugs called luteinizing hormone-
recommend including an aromatase inhibitor releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists or
in the adjuvant hormone therapy in post- antagonists block estrogen production
menopausal women with hormone receptor by the ovaries.
positive breast cancer.
Bisphosphonates
Hormone Therapy and Menopause Bisphosphonates are used in breast cancer
As discussed above, the aromatase treatment to strengthen bones that have been
inhibitors are not recommended for pre- weakened by invading breast cancer cells.
menopausal women. Therefore, determining The most commonly used bisphosphonates
whether the patient is menopausal is impor- in breast cancer treatment are pamidronate
tant in making treatment decisions. This is not and zoledronate. These drugs are not used
as simple as it may sound, because menstrual unless cancer has spread to the bone.
periods can stop as a side effect of treatment Hormonal treatment with the aromatase
while the ovaries continue to make estrogen. inhibitors may also weaken the bones by
Also, sometimes chemotherapy stops the causing loss of calcium from the bone (called
ovaries from making estrogen for a short period osteoporosis) and thus increase the risk of a
of time, but when the ovaries recover from fracture. Therefore, patients treated with an
the chemotherapy they start making estrogen aromatase inhibitor should have their bone
again. Therefore, if the use of an aromatase strength tested (called a bone density test) to
inhibitor is considered in young women, determine if medication to strengthen their
monitoring of hormone levels such as estradiol bones would be appropriate. Some patients
27
may go into early menopause due to the side your cancer care team. There are effective and
effects of chemotherapy. Menopause is asso- safe ways to treat pain, other symptoms of
ciated with bone loss, too. These patients may breast cancer, and most of the side effects
also undergo a bone density test to evaluate the caused by breast cancer treatment. If you
presence of osteoporosis. There are a number don’t tell you health care team, they may have
of medications, including some oral forms of no way of knowing about your problems.
bisphosphonates, to treat the loss of calcium
from bone that is not caused by direct breast
cancer in the bone. Talk with your doctor Complementary and
about whether one of these medications is Alternative Therapies
right for you.
Complementary and alternative medicines
are a group of different types of health care
Treatment of Breast Cancer practices, systems, and products that are not
During Pregnancy part of your usual medical treatment. They
may include herbs, special supplements,
Breast cancer is diagnosed in about 1 pregnant acupuncture, massage, and a host of other
woman out of 3,000. Radiation therapy during types of treatment. You may hear about dif-
pregnancy is known to increase the risk of ferent treatments from your family and
birth defects, so it is not recommended for friends. People will offer all sorts of things,
pregnant women with breast cancer. such as vitamins, herbs, stress reduction, and
For this reason, breast conservation ther- more as a treatment for your cancer or to
apy (lumpectomy and radiation therapy) is help you feel better
not considered an option if radiation cannot The American Cancer Society defines
be delayed until it is safe to deliver the baby. complementary medicine or methods as those
However, breast biopsy procedures and even that are used in addition to your regular
modified radical mastectomy are safe for the medical care. If these treatments are carefully
mother and fetus. managed, they may add to your comfort and
well-being. Alternative medicines are defined
as those that are used instead of your regular
Treatment of Pain and medical care. Some of them have been proven
Other Symptoms harmful, but are still promoted as “cures.” If
you choose to use these alternatives, they may
Most of this booklet discusses ways to remove reduce your chance of fighting your cancer by
or destroy breast cancer cells or to slow their delaying or replacing regular cancer treatment.
growth. But helping you feel as well as you There is a great deal of interest today in
can and continuing to do the things you enjoy complementary and alternative treatments
doing are important goals. Don’t hesitate to for cancer. Many are being studied to find out
discuss your symptoms or how you feel with if they are truly helpful to people with cancer.
28
Before changing your treatment or adding deep faith, and these strengths may make a
any of these methods, it is best to discuss this difference in how you respond to cancer
openly with your doctor or nurse. Some treatment. There are also experienced pro-
methods can be safely used along with stan- fessionals in mental health services, social
dard medical treatment. Others, however, work services, and pastoral services who may
can interfere with standard treatment or assist you in coping with your illness.
cause serious side effects. That is why it’s You can also help in your own recovery
important to talk with your doctor. More from cancer by making healthy lifestyle
information about complementary and alter- choices. If you use tobacco, stop now. Quitting
native methods of cancer treatment is avail- will improve your overall health and the full
able through the American Cancer Society’s return of the sense of smell may help you
toll-free number at 1-800-ACS-2345 or on our enjoy a healthy diet during recovery. If you
Web site at www.cancer.org. use alcohol, limit how much you drink. Have
no more than 1 drink per day. Good nutrition
can help you get better after treatment. Eat a
Other Things to Consider nutritious and balanced diet, with plenty of
During and After Treatment fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
If you are being treated for cancer, be
During and after your treatment for breast aware of the battle that is going on in your
cancer you may be able to speed up your body. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
recovery and improve your quality of life by add to the fatigue caused by the disease itself.
taking an active role in your care. Learn To help you with the fatigue, plan your daily
about the benefits and risks of each of your activities around when you feel your best. Get
treatment options, and ask questions of your plenty of sleep at night. And ask your cancer
cancer care team if there is anything you do care team about a daily exercise program to
not understand. Learn about and look out for help you feel better.
side effects of treatment, and report these A woman’s choice of treatment will likely
right away to your cancer care team so they be influenced by her age, the image she has of
can take steps to ease them. herself and her body, her hopes and fears,
Remember that your body is as unique as and her stage in life. For example, many
your personality and your fingerprints. women select breast-conserving surgery with
Although understanding your cancer’s stage radiation therapy over a mastectomy for
and learning about your treatment options body image reasons. On the other hand,
can help predict what health problems you some women who choose mastectomy may
may face, no one can say for sure how you want the affected area removed, regardless of
will respond to cancer or its treatment. the effect on their body image, and others
You may have special strengths such as a may be more concerned about the side
history of excellent nutrition and physical effects of radiation therapy than body image.
activity, a strong family support system, or a
29
Other issues that concern women include get to the point where you feel overwhelmed,
loss of hair from chemotherapy and the consider attending a meeting of a local support
changes of the breast from radiation therapy. group. If you need help in other ways, contact
Women on chemotherapy tend to gain your hospital’s social service department or
weight and it is important to continue to eat call the American Cancer Society who can help
a healthy diet and exercise as much as your you find resources in your area. We are avail-
energy level will permit. In addition to these able anytime day or night at 1-800-ACS-2345.
body changes, women may also be concerned
about the outcome of their treatment. These
are all factors that affect how a woman will Clinical Trials
make decisions about her treatment, how she
views herself, and how she feels about her The Purpose of Clinical Trials
treatment. Studies of promising new or experimental
Concerns about sexuality are often very treatments in patients are known as clinical
worrisome to a woman with breast cancer. trials. Researchers conduct studies of new
Some treatments for breast cancer can change treatments to answer the following questions:
a woman’s hormone levels and may have a • Is the treatment helpful?
negative impact on sexual interest and/or • How does this new type of treatment
response. A diagnosis of breast cancer when work?
a woman is in her 20s or 30s is especially • Does it work better than other treatment
difficult because choosing a partner and already available?
childbearing are often very important during • What side effects does the treatment
this period. Relationship issues are also cause?
important because the diagnosis can be very • Are the side effects greater or less than
distressing for the partner, as well as the the standard treatment?
patient. Partners are usually concerned • Do the benefits outweigh the side effects?
about how to express their love physically • In which patients is the treatment most
and emotionally during and after treatment. likely to be helpful?
Suggestions that may help a woman
adjust to changes in her body image include Types of Clinical Trials
looking at and touching her body; seeking the A new treatment is normally studied in three
support of others, preferably before surgery; phase of clinical trials.
involving her partner as soon as possible after
surgery; and openly talking about the feelings, Phase I Clinical Trials
needs, and wants created by her changed The purpose of a phase I study is to find
image. the best way to give a new treatment and how
A cancer diagnosis and its treatment is a much of it can be given safely. Doctors watch
major life challenge, with an impact on you patients carefully for any harmful side effects.
and everyone who cares for you. Before you The treatment has been well-tested in labo-
30
ratory and animal studies, but the side effects their progress very carefully. The study is
in patients are not completely known. especially designed to pay close attention to
Although doctors are hoping to help patients, participating patients. However, there are
the main purpose of a phase I study is to test some risks. While most side effects will dis-
the safety of the drug. appear in time, some can be permanent or
even life threatening. Keep in mind, though,
Phase II Clinical Trials that even standard treatment have side
These are designed to see if the drug works. effects. Depending on many factors, you may
Patients are usually given the highest dose that decide to enroll in a clinical trial
doesn’t cause severe side effects (determined
from the phase I study) and closely observed Deciding to Enter a Clinical Trial
for an effect on the cancer. The doctor will also Enrollment in a clinical trial is completely up
look for side effects. to you. Your doctors and nurses will explain
the risks and possible benefits of the study to
Phase III Clinical Trials you in detail and will give you a form to read
Phase III studies involve large numbers of and sign indicating your understanding of the
patients. Some phase III clinical trials may study and your desire to take part. You should
enroll thousands of patients and are read the consent form very carefully and be
designed to compare the results of the group certain that all of your questions about the
given the new or experimental treatment clinical trial are answered before you sign it.
with the group that is given the standard Even after signing the form and after the
treatment. Patients are randomly assigned to clinical trial begins, you are free to leave the
one of the two groups, which means that the study at any time, for any reason. Taking part
patient and the doctor will not know before in the study will not prevent you from getting
the study starts which treatment will be given. other medical care you may need.
One group (the control group) will receive To find out more about clinical trials, ask
the standard (most accepted) treatment. The your cancer care team. Among the questions
other group will receive the new treatment. you should ask are:
Phase III studies are done when researchers • What is the purpose of the study?
believe that the two treatments are effective, • What kinds of tests and treatments
but that the experimental treatment may offer does the study involve?
some advantages. This cannot be proven until • What does this treatment do?
the results of the two groups are compared • What is likely to happen in my case
with each other. The study will be stopped if with or without this new research
the side effects of the new treatment are too treatment?
severe or if one group has had much better • What are my choices and their
results than the others. advantages and disadvantages?
All patients in a clinical trial are closely • How could the study affect my daily life?
watched by a team of experts to monitor
31
• What side effects can I expect from the The American Cancer Society offers a
study? Can the side effects be controlled? clinical trials matching service that will help
• Will I have to be hospitalized? If so, you find a clinical trial that is right for you.
how often and for how long? Simply go to our Web site (www.cancer.org)
• Will the study cost me anything? or call us at 1-800-ACS-2345. You also can get
Will any of the treatment be free? a list of current National Cancer Institute
• If I am harmed as a result of the research, sponsored clinical trials by calling the NCI
what treatment would I be entitled to? Cancer Information Service toll free at 1-800-
• What type of long-term follow-up care 4-CANCER or visiting the NCI clinical trials
is part of the study? Web site (www.cancer.gov/ clinical_trials/).
• Has the treatment been used to treat
other types of cancers?
NOTES
32
Work-Up (Evaluation) and
Treatment Guidelines
Decision Trees
The decision trees on the following pages represent different stages of breast
cancer. Each one shows you step-by-step how you and your doctor can arrive at
the choices you need to make about your treatment.
Keep in mind, this information is not meant to be used without the expertise of
your own doctor who is familiar with your situation, medical history, and per-
sonal preferences.
The NCCN guidelines are updated as new, significant data become available. To
ensure you have the most recent version, consult the Web sites of the American
Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or NCCN (www.nccn.org). You may also call
the NCCN at 1-888-909-NCCN or the ACS at 1-800-ACS-2345 for the most recent
information on these guidelines. If you have questions about your cancer or
cancer treatment, please call the American Cancer Society anytime day or night
at 1-800-ACS-2345.
33
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Stage 0 Lobular Carcinoma in Situ women who are diagnosed with LCIS
The work up for lobular carcinoma in situ because LCIS is not an invasive cancer, nor
(LCIS) includes a complete medical history does it normally become one. But women
and physical examination. A diagnostic with LCIS have an increased risk of develop-
mammogram of both breasts is done to see if ing invasive breast cancer in either breast.
there are any other abnormal areas in either Ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer have
breast. Pathology review (another pathologist become an important option.
to look at the biopsy sample) is suggested to There is evidence that two drugs—ralox-
be certain you have LCIS and not an invasive ifene and tamoxifen—can lower the risk of
cancer or another condition. developing a future invasive breast cancer in
LCIS is usually not treated with surgery women diagnosed with LCIS. This risk is
other than the initial biopsy procedure. lowered when the drug is taken for a full 5 years.
Observation (careful follow-up without mas- A preventive mastectomy of both breasts
tectomy) is the preferred option for most may be an option for women with LCIS who
34
Stage 0 Lobular Carcinoma in Situ
have a very high risk of developing invasive If you and your doctor decide on observa-
breast cancer—for example, women who tion as the primary treatment for LCIS, the
have many family members with breast follow-up includes a medical history and
cancer. Your doctor can help you decide physical exam every 6 to 12 months. You should
whether to consider this treatment. You have a mammogram every year. Because
should also consider genetic counseling to tamoxifen increases endometrial cancer risk
see if you have a gene that increases your risk in postmenopausal women, women taking
of developing breast cancer before deciding to this drug should have a pelvic exam each year
have a preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy. and postmenopausal women should report
After mastectomy, breast reconstruction is an any bleeding from the vagina right away.
option at the same time as the mastectomy These precautions are not needed if the
or later on. uterus has been removed (hysterectomy).
35
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Complete
surgical excision
Patient preferred
mastectomy
Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma in Situ have DCIS and not an invasive cancer or
The work up for ductal carcinoma in situ other condition. The tumor should also be
(DCIS) begins with a complete medical his- tested for hormone receptors. If any evidence
tory and physical examination. Diagnostic of invasive cancer is seen in the biopsy, the
mammograms of both breasts should be woman’s treatment should be according to
done to help estimate how far DCIS has the decision trees for invasive cancer. (See
spread within the ducts of the breast and to page 40.)
check whether the opposite breast contains The NCCN recommends that the margin
any abnormal areas. The NCCN recommends of normal tissue removed around the DCIS
a pathology review (another pathologist to should be at least greater than 1 mm. If DCIS
look at the biopsy sample) to be certain you is present in only one area and no cancer is
36
Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Findings
Widespread DCIS
in two or more
separate areas of
the breast
Margins
positive
Primary Treatment
(see next page)
Reexcision
Margins
negative
found at the edges of the first surgical excision, tumor, and the woman’s preference. The NCCN
the surgical options are either a total mastec- guidelines recommend that patients interested
tomy or a lumpectomy. Lymph node surgery in partial breast irradiation participate in a
(lymph node dissection or sentinel node clinical trial.
biopsy) is generally not done with DCIS. If a Mastectomy provides the most certain
lumpectomy is chosen, then radiation therapy local control of DCIS. But studies have shown
to the whole breast with a boost to the site of that women with DCIS who are treated with
the tumor may or may not be done depending lumpectomy and radiation are in no greater
on several factors, such as woman’s age, other danger of dying of breast cancer than those
health problems, certain characteristics of the who have a mastectomy. They do have a risk
37
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Widespread disease
OR Total mastectomy without
Margins positive after more surgery lymph node removal with or
OR without breast reconstruction
of the cancer coming back in the breast, which or more separate areas of the breast contain
would require a mastectomy. Mastectomy is DCIS, mastectomy is recommended. With
recommended if the margins of the excision mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy
contain cancer and even with repeat surgery may be done to be certain there is no invasive
the DCIS cannot be completely removed. cancer present, but an axillary lymph node
Radiation is not needed if a mastectomy is dissection is not needed.
done unless the DCIS is at the margin of the After lumpectomy, a mammogram is sug-
mastectomy. If the mammogram, physical gested to ensure that the entire tumor has
examination or biopsy results show that two been removed.
38
Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (continued)
Women with DCIS who are treated with Follow-up for women with DCIS includes
mastectomy can choose to have either imme- a medical history and physical exam every 6
diate or delayed breast reconstruction. months for 5 years, then every year there-
Women with DCIS treated with lumpectomy after. They should have yearly mammograms.
with or without radiation and who have Because tamoxifen increases endometrial
estrogen receptor positive tumors should cancer risk in postmenopausal women,
consider taking tamoxifen for 5 years. In patients taking this drug should have a pelvic
women who have had lumpectomy for DCIS, exam every year and should promptly report
tamoxifen can lower the risk of developing an any abnormal vaginal bleeding. These pre-
invasive breast cancer in the same breast. cautions are not needed if the uterus was
removed.
39
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
40
Stage I, II, and Some Stage III Breast Cancer
Additional
Cancer spread
Radiation to the whole breast (with Treatment
to 1, 2, or 3
added boost to tumor site). Possible After Surgery
lymph nodes
radiation to supraclavicular (above (see page 48)
the collarbone) area and to lymph
nodes next to the breastbone
No cancer
Radiation to the whole breast (with
spread to
added boost to former tumor site)
lymph nodes
See Mastectomy
(page 44)
41
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
(see page 61). Radiation to the whole breast contain cancer. There are 2 choices for exam-
is recommended as part of the treatment ining the lymph nodes—complete axillary
following lumpectomy in most cases. Extra lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node
radiation should be given to the area of the biopsy (see discussion in the first part of this
breast where the tumor was removed. Breast booklet). This is further described on page 46.
irradiation may be omitted in some patients Not all patients need lymph node evaluation;
over 70 years old with small, hormone recep- these include patients with favorable tumors,
tor positive tumors that do not have lymph where selection of additional treatment will
node involvement and who are treated with not be based on whether or not the lymph
hormone therapy. The NCCN guidelines rec- nodes are involved, or in patients with other
ommend that patients interested in partial serious medical conditions. These specific
breast irradiation should participate in a circumstances should be discussed with your
clinical trial. doctor. If the cancer has spread to lymph
In addition to removing the cancer by nodes, radiation to these areas may be given,
lumpectomy or mastectomy, the lymph nodes depending on the number of involved nodes.
under the arm are examined to see if they
NOTES
42
Stage I, II, and Some Stage III Breast Cancer (continued)
NOTES
43
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Cancer spread to 4 or
more lymph nodes
Cancer spread to 1,
2, or 3 lymph nodes
Mastectomy and sentinel
node biopsy or removal of
underarm nodes with or
without breast reconstruction
No cancer in lymph
nodes, but tumor
larger than 5 cm or
positive margins
If a woman and her doctor choose a mas- • If the cancer has spread to 1 to 3 lymph
tectomy as her breast cancer treatment, the nodes, there should be consideration
guidelines recommend radiation after surgery given to using radiation for the area
in the following situations: that the breast was removed from (the
• If the cancer has spread to 4 or more chest wall), the area above the collar-
lymph nodes, radiation should be given bone, and perhaps the part of chest
to the area that the breast was removed near the breastbone.
from (the chest wall), the area above • Even if there is no spread to lymph
the collarbone and perhaps the part of nodes, if the tumor is larger than 5 cm
the chest near the breast bone or the margins are positive, radiation
44
Stage I, II, and Some Stage III Breast Cancer (continued)
should be given to the area that the No radiation is needed if the tumor is
breast was removed from (the chest smaller than 5 centimeters, with good margins,
wall) and possibly the area above the and no spread to lymph nodes.
collarbone and near the breastbone. In all cases where both radiation and
• If the tumor is less than 5 cm and the chemotherapy are used, the radiation is given
margins are very close, radiation should after chemotherapy unless the chemotherapy
be given to the area that the breast was regimen is CMF. CMF and radiation can be
removed from (the chest wall). given together.
45
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Stage Procedure
No
Sentinel node procedure can be done if:
• There has been no previous
Clinical chemotherapy or hormonal therapy
Stage I/II AND
• There is a team of doctors experienced
in the sentinel node procedure
Yes
Axillary Lymph Node Surgery of this booklet. The choices are complete
In addition to the surgery for the cancer in removal of the lymph nodes (axillary lymph
the breast, the lymph nodes under the arm node dissection) or removal of a few lymph
are examined in most cases. This provides nodes in the sentinel lymph node biopsy
information to guide further treatment and is procedure. In a mastectomy, the lymph nodes
usually done at the same time as the breast are removed through the same incision (cut
surgery. in the skin). In a lumpectomy, it is usually
The types of surgery for lymph nodes under done through an incision separate from the
the arm are fully discussed in the first section lumpectomy incision.
46
Axillary Lymph Node Surgery
Usual axillary
lymph node
surgery
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is not appro- on physical exam, it can be first assessed with
priate for all women. It should only be used if a needle biopsy and examined under the
the woman has not yet had any chemotherapy microscope. If this biopsy shows no evidence
or hormone therapy, and when the nodes are of cancer, a sentinel node biopsy is still con-
not enlarged and are not thought to contain sidered appropriate. A sentinel node biopsy
cancer based on physical examination at the should only be done if the team of doctors
time of diagnosis. If a suspicious node is found has proven experience with this procedure.
47
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
NOTES
48
Additional Treatment (Adjuvant Therapy) After Surgery
often treated with combinations of these The decision trees on the following pages
therapies—hormone therapy, trastuzumab divide patients into three broad groups:
and chemotherapy, depending on the status • those with small invasive ductal or
of the hormone receptors, HER-2 status, and lobular cancers (and its variants) with
the risk for recurrence. minimal or no lymph node involvement
Specific recommendations regarding • those with larger invasive ductal or
type of hormone therapy are discussed on lobular cancers, or cancers involving
page 56. Not enough data exists to make lymph nodes
strong recommendations regarding adjuvant • those with cancers with a more favorable
chemotherapy for those over the age of 70. outlook, i.e. tubular or colloid subtypes.
Decisions regarding chemotherapy in this
group should take into consideration other
health conditions.
NOTES
49
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Invasive Ductal, Lobular, Mixed, or • If the tumor is smaller than 0.5 cm, or
Metaplastic Cancers with Small Tumors is a well-differentiated tumor and is
This decision tree describes patients with no larger than 1 cm, or the tumor is
invasive ductal, lobular, mixed or metaplastic considered microinvasive, then no
cancer that measures up to 1 cm in diameter. adjuvant treatment is needed. If there is
The tumor has not spread to the chest wall or lymph node spread smaller than 2 mm,
skin and the lymph nodes are either not hormone therapy may be given if the
involved, or only one lymph node shows a tumor is hormone receptor positive
very small deposit of cancer: and chemotherapy may be given if the
tumor is hormone receptor negative.
50
Additional Treatment for Invasive Ductal, Lobular,
Mixed, or Metaplastic Cancers with Small Tumors
Consider adjuvant
Hormone receptor positive
hormone therapy
Lymph node spread
smaller than 2mm
when examined by
a pathologist
Consider adjuvant
Hormone receptor negative
chemotherapy
51
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Tumor greater
than 1 cm
Adjuvant chemotherapy
Hormone receptor positive,
plus hormone therapy
HER-2/neu positive
plus trastuzumab
53
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Less than 1 cm
Cancer spread to
lymph node and is
larger than 2 mm
Tubular or Colloid Breast Cancers lymph node status, as well as the status of
This decision tree addresses tubular or hormone receptors. NCCN recommends the
colloid breast cancers, which have a more following:
favorable outlook than other types of breast • For tumors smaller than 1 cm with no
cancer. The hormone receptor status is an or a very small amount of spread in one
important factor in deciding treatment in lymph node, no treatment is needed
these tumors, but HER-2 status is not, since after surgery, although hormone therapy
these tumors are usually HER-2 negative. In may be considered if the tumor is
fact, the diagnosis of tubular cancer should hormone receptor positive.
be questioned if the tumor is either hormone • If the tumor is between 1 and 2.9 cm in
receptor negative or HER-2 positive. The size, with no or a very small amount of
treatment options for tubular and colloid spread in one lymph node, adjuvant
tumors are based on the size of tumor and chemotherapy may be considered,
54
Additional Treatment for Tubular or Colloid Breast Cancers
with the addition of hormone therapy The benefits of chemotherapy and hormone
for those whose tumor has positive therapy are additive. However, the benefit of
hormone receptors. chemotherapy may be minimal in patients
• Adjuvant chemotherapy is more over 60 years-old with good prognosis
strongly recommended for tumors 3 tumors who are already receiving hormone
cm in diameter or larger, or those with therapy. In these patients, the decision to add
positive lymph nodes. Hormone therapy chemotherapy to hormone therapy should be
is added if the tumor is hormone individualized.
receptor positive.
55
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Premenopausal
Postmenopausal
Anastrozole or letrozole for 5 years
Postmenopausal
56
Additional (Adjuvant) Hormone Treatment
Exemestane or anastrozole
to complete 5 year adjuvant
therapy
No further
Still premenopausal
hormone therapy
Exemestane or anastrozole
to complete 5 year adjuvant
therapy
aromatase inhibitor, or an aromatase inhibitor at the time of her diagnosis of breast cancer,
alone is recommended for postmenopausal she should monitored for hormone levels
women. Treatment with tamoxifen followed such as estradiol and FSH to make sure that
by an aromatase inhibitor is an option for she is truly postmenopausal.
premenopausal women who become post- For premenopausal women, tamoxifen for
menopausal during tamoxifen treatment. 2 to 3 years is recommended. While tamoxifen
If use of an aromatase inhibitor is con- alone is often recommended, another option
sidered in a woman who was premenopausal is to combine tamoxifen with efforts to
57
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
NOTES
58
Additional (Adjuvant) Hormone Treatment (continued)
For women who are postmenopausal at letrozole for 5 years. If a woman can’t take an
the beginning of therapy, one choice is an aromatase inhibitor, then tamoxifen for 5 years
aromatase inhibitor, either anastrozole or is an acceptable option. Aromatase inhibitors
letrozole, for 5 years. A second option is to take may weaken bones. Therefore, women taking
tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years and then complete these drugs may have periodic checks of their
5 years of treatment with either anastrozole bone strength to determine if they would
or exemestane. A third choice is to take benefit from bone strengthening drugs.
tamoxifen for 4.5 to 6 years and then take
NOTES
59
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Wants to preserve
• Medical history and physical breast (Consider
examination needle biopsy of
• Blood counts and chemistry tests enlarged lymph
• Chest imaging nodes or sentinel
node procedure.
The cancer is larger than • Diagnostic mammograms (both
Tumor should be
2 cm and doesn’t invade breasts)
marked so it can
chest wall or skin. Lymph • Breast MRI with dedicated be located after
nodes can be enlarged but breast coil may be considered chemotherapy.)
are movable. Diagnosed by • Pathology review of biopsy
needle biopsy not excision. sample
Breast-conserving surgery
• Hormone receptor tests
not possible because too
large a tumor in the breast. • HER-2/neu test
• Bone scan and CT, MRI, or ultra-
sound of abdomen if symptoms
or abnormal blood tests or
tumor over 5 cm with lymph
node spread Doesn’t want to
preserve breast
Treatment of Large Stage II or that allows some women with large tumors
Stage IIIA Breast Cancers (larger than 2 cm) that have not spread to the
Breast-conserving treatment is usually not skin or chest wall to have breast-conserving
recommended for women with large tumors. treatment if they want it.
However, chemotherapy may shrink the The work-up recommended before starting
tumor enough to permit a lumpectomy that preoperative chemotherapy includes:
completely removes the main tumor and still • medical history and physical
keeps the size and shape of the breast accept- examination
able. Preoperative chemotherapy is an option • blood counts and chemical tests
60
Treatment of Large Stage II or Stage IIIA Breast Cancers
Primary Treatment
Tumor either
doesn’t shrink, or
grows even after
trying different
chemotherapy
Presurgical therapy: Mastectomy with removal
of underarm nodes, with
• Chemotherapy or without reconstruction
• Hormone ther- Tumor shrinks (Continued on next page)
apy, if hormone but still too large
receptor positive for lumpectomy,
even after trying
• Trastuzumab
different
if HER-2/neu
chemotherapy
positive
Lumpectomy and removal
of underarm lymph nodes
Tumor shrinks (If lymph nodes not
enough for involved pre-chemotherapy
lumpectomy by biopsy, no further lymph
node surgery is necessary.)
(Continued on next page)
• CT scan of the chest or chest x-ray • bone scan and CT, MRI or ultrasound
• diagnostic mammography of both of the abdomen if the tumor is larger
breasts than 5 cm (2 inches) with lymph node
• breast ultrasound and MRI if needed spread, or if there are symptoms of
• pathology review of biopsy sample bone spread, such as pain or abnormal
• hormone receptor test of the tumor blood tests.
• HER-2/neu test of the tumor
61
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
If there are enlarged lymph nodes, a needle The same drugs used as adjuvant treatment
biopsy can be done before chemotherapy. If the in Stage I or II breast cancer are also used
lymph nodes are not enlarged, a sentinel node before surgery to shrink the tumors to permit
procedure may be done before chemotherapy. a mastectomy or lumpectomy. If the tumor is
It is recommended that the tumor be marked HER-2 positive, trastuzumab should be added
before chemotherapy so that the area can be to the chemotherapy. If the tumor is hormone
located in the event that the tumor completely receptor positive, then hormone therapy is
disappears on physical examination and sometimes used instead of chemotherapy. If
mammogram. hormone therapy is used instead of chemo-
NOTES
62
Treatment of Large Stage II or Stage IIIA Breast Cancers
(continued)
therapy, the preferred hormone therapy is If the tumor doesn’t shrink enough to
an aromatase inhibitor in postmenopausal permit a lumpectomy, another type of chemo-
women. therapy may be given, but a mastectomy will
If the tumor shrinks from the chemother- be needed if there isn’t enough shrinkage in the
apy or hormone therapy, the next step is tumor to allow a lumpectomy. Mastectomy
lumpectomy and removal of underarm lymph may be followed by breast reconstruction. The
nodes unless a sentinel lymph node biopsy underarm lymph nodes should be removed
done before the chemotherapy finds no unless a sentinel lymph node biopsy done
cancer in the sentinel lymph nodes. before the chemotherapy found no cancer in
the sentinel lymph nodes.
NOTES
63
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
64
Treatment of Large Stage II or Stage IIIA Breast Cancers
(continued)
Radiation Therapy
See follow-up
care on page 70
NOTES
65
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Stage III Locally Advanced Breast • chest CT scan and perhaps chest x-ray
Cancers • diagnostic mammograms of both
These are advanced cancers that are growing breasts
into the skin or chest wall or have enlarged • breast ultrasound test and/or breast
lymph nodes that are matted together. There MRI (if needed)
is no evidence of spread anywhere else in the • pathology review (second opinion on
body. The recommended work-up for these the biopsy samples)
stage III breast cancers includes: • hormone receptor test of the biopsy
• medical history and physical sample
examination • HER-2/neu test of the biopsy sample
• blood counts and blood tests to measure • bone scan
liver function • CT, MRI, or ultrasound of the abdomen
66
Stage III Locally Advanced Breast Cancers
Primary Treatment
Tumor
Consider additional
chemotherapy
and/or preoperative
radiation Individualized
Tumor does treatment to
not shrink be discussed
with doctor
The treatment for locally advanced breast and should include trastuzumab if the tumor
cancer starts with chemotherapy given before is HER-2 positive. Patients whose tumors
surgery. The chemotherapy regimen should shrink enough to be surgically removed have
contain an anthracycline (doxorubicin or epi- 3 options:
rubicin) or a taxane (paclitaxel or docetaxel)
67
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
NOTES
68
Stage III Locally Advanced Breast Cancers (continued)
nodes. Among breast cancer specialists, Women with stage IIIA or IIIB breast
this option is controversial. cancer that doesn’t shrink with their first
treatment can be treated with another
For these patients the guidelines recom-
chemotherapy regimen and/or radiation. If
mend adding more chemotherapy after surgery.
the tumor shrinks, the patient can be treated
If the cancer is hormone receptor positive or
as outlined above. If the tumor does not
the status is unknown, hormone therapy is
shrink, the patient should discuss treatment
recommended. If the tumor is HER-2 positive,
for her specific situation with her doctor.
trastuzumab is also recommended.
NOTES
69
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
70
Follow-up and Treatment of Stage IV Disease or
Recurrence of Disease
Treatment of Recurrence
If possible, remove
For patient
cancer, followed by
initially treated
radiation therapy if
with mastectomy
none given before
Local recurrence
(cancer came back
in breast, underarm
lymph nodes, or
nearby tissues) For patient initially Continued
treated with on page 74
Mastectomy
lumpectomy and
radiation therapy
Systemic recurrence or
presenting with advanced
cancer (Stage IV cancer
spread to distant organs)
should have their bones tested for strength • complete medical history and physical
using a test called a bone mineral density test. examination
If there is a suspected recurrence or if the • blood counts and chemistry tests
cancer had spread away from the breast • liver function tests
when it was diagnosed, the work-up includes: • chest imaging
• bone scan
71
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Weight-bearing bones that are painful or done if there are symptoms or blood tests
showed abnormalities on the bone scan suggesting a recurrence in these areas.
should also be x-rayed, and CT or MRI scans Another option is a PET scan. A biopsy should
of the abdomen, chest, or head should be be done to confirm the first recurrence
NOTES
72
Follow-up and Treatment of Stage IV Disease or
Recurrence of Disease (continued)
NOTES
73
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Recurrence Site
Prior mastectomy
Recurrence
is local
Prior lumpectomy
or radiation
Antiestrogen
therapy taken
Cancer contains within last year
hormone receptors
with none or
limited spread to Postmenopausal
organs such as
liver and lungs No antiestrogen
therapy taken
within last year
Recurrence is
systemic (distant) Premenopausal
OR
Stage IV (distant
metastasis) when Cancer doesn’t
first diagnosed contain hormone
receptors, or does HER-2/neu positive
not respond to
hormone therapy,
or has spread
extensively to HER-2/neu negative
internal organs
causing symptoms
A recurrence may be local, meaning that surgery (if possible). The area of the recur-
cancer has returned to the area of the breast, rence and surrounding tissues should receive
underarm lymph nodes, or nearby tissue. Or radiation therapy, if it has not been given
it may be systemic, which means that cancer before. If the cancer cannot be removed with
has spread to distant organs. If the recurrence surgery, the woman should have radiation
is local and the woman has had a mastectomy, therapy if it was not given before. In either
the recurrent cancer should be removed by case, the NCCN recommends considering
74
Follow-up and Treatment of Stage IV Disease or
Recurrence of Disease (continued)
ovarian ablation is appropriate for the fol- and whether or not she is premenopausal or
lowing patients: postmenopausal. For example, if an anti-
• The tumor is hormone receptor estrogen such as tamoxifen has been given
positive; or within the past year, then a different hormone
• There is spread only to the bones or therapy should be offered. If the patient has
soft tissues; or not received an antiestrogen within the past
• The cancer has spread to other organs year, the treatment options are based on
such as the liver or lungs, but the whether the patient is pre or postmenopausal.
organs are still working well. For postmenopausal women, an aromatase
inhibitor or antiestrogen would be the first
The specific treatment is based on what type
choice. Premenopausal women may be
of treatment the patient has received before
treated with an antiestrogen alone. Another
NOTES
76
Follow-up and Treatment of Stage IV Disease or
Recurrence of Disease (continued)
NOTES
77
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Hormone
treatment
Cancer doesn’t
Chemotherapy
shrink
If the hormone therapy causes the cancer trying at least 3 different hormone treatments
to shrink or at least not grow for a while, it until there is no longer any benefit or the
would be continued until the cancer begins cancer has spread extensively to internal
to grow. At that time another hormone treat- organs with associated symptoms. At that
ment may be tried. The NCCN recommends point chemotherapy is recommended.
78
Follow-up and Treatment of Stage IV Disease or
Recurrence of Disease (continued)
Response Treatment
Hormone therapy is not recommended in • When the tumor has not responded to
3 situations: three prior hormone therapies; or
• When the tumor is hormone receptor • When the tumor has spread extensively
negative; or to organs such as the lungs or liver, and
is causing the organs to not work well.
79
Treatment Guidelines for Patients
Discuss
Mastectomy and axillary
1st trimester pregnancy
lymph node dissection
termination
80
Breast Cancer in Pregnancy
Adjuvant Treatment
who are pregnant are similar to those recom- part of breast-conserving therapy must be
mended in non-pregnant woman except that postponed until after the patient has given
chemotherapy should not be given during the birth. Hormone therapy should not be
first trimester of pregnancy, some chemother- started until after the patient has given birth.
apies (such as methotrexate) need to be It is important that the cancer doctors of
avoided, and radiation therapy should not be a woman who have breast cancer while preg-
administered at any point during pregnancy. nant communicate and work closely with the
For this reason, the radiation therapy that is woman’s obstetrician.
81
Glossary
Adjuvant therapy calcium. These include pamidronate and
Treatment that is added to increase the effec- zoledronate.
tiveness of a primary therapy. It usually refers
Breast-conserving treatment or therapy
to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or radi-
Surgery to remove a breast cancer and a small
ation therapy added after surgery to kill any
amount of benign tissue around the cancer,
remaining cancer cells and increase the
without removing any other part of the breast.
chances of curing the disease or keeping it in
This procedure is also called lumpectomy,
check.
segmental excision, or limited breast surgery.
Antiestrogen The method may require an axillary dissection
A substance that blocks the effects of estrogen and usually requires radiation therapy after
on tumors ( for example, the drug tamoxifen). the surgery.
Antiestrogens are used to treat breast cancers
Breast reconstruction
that depend on estrogen for growth.
Surgery that rebuilds the breast contour after
Aromatase inhibitors mastectomy. A breast implant or the woman’s
Drugs that block production of estrogens own tissue provides the contour. If desired,
from hormones made by the adrenal gland. the nipple and areola may also be re-created.
They are used to treat hormone-sensitive Reconstruction can be done at same time as
breast cancer in postmenopausal women. the mastectomy or any time later.
Examples are anastrozole, letrozole, and
Carcinoma in situ
exemestane.
An early stage of cancer, in which the tumor
Axillary lymph node dissection is still only in the structures of the organ
A surgical procedure in which the lymph where it first developed—the disease does
nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes) are not invade other parts of the organ or spread
removed and examined to find out if breast to distant sites. Most in situ carcinomas are
cancer has spread to those nodes. This is also highly curable.
done to remove any cancerous lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy
Biopsy Treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells.
The removal of a sample of tissue to see Chemotherapy is often used in addition to
whether cancer cells are present. surgery or radiation to treat cancer when
spread (metastasis) is proven or suspected,
Bisphosphonates
when the cancer has come back (recurred),
Drugs that help strengthen bones weakened
or when there is a strong likelihood that the
by cancer by encouraging the deposition of
cancer could recur.
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Clinical stage Duct
Stage includes evaluation of the size and A hollow passage for gland secretions. In the
extent of the cancer, the presence or absence breast, a passage through which milk passes
of spread to lymph nodes, and the presence from the lobule (which makes the milk) to the
or absence of spread to other body organs. nipple. These ducts are the starting point for
Clinical stage is the stage determined only by most breast cancers.
physical examination and x-ray or other
Ductal carcinoma in situ
imaging studies. This includes determination
The most common type of non-invasive
of the size of the cancer and evaluation of
breast cancer. Cancer cells have not spread
lymph nodes by the doctor’s examination of
beyond the ducts.
the armpit. The final stage is the pathological
stage which is determined from microscopic Estrogen
examination of the tumor and lymph nodes. A female sex hormone produced primarily by
Clinical stage is used for initial treatment the ovaries, and in smaller amounts from
planning. hormones produced by the adrenal gland
and fat cells. In breast cancer, estrogen may
Clinical trial
help the growth of breast cancer cells.
Research studies test new drugs or treatments
and compare them to current, standard Fibroadenoma
treatments. Before a new treatment is used on A type of benign breast tumor made of
people, it is studied in the lab. If lab studies fibrous tissue and glandular tissue. On clinical
suggest the treatment works, it is tested for examination or breast self-examination, it
patients. These human studies are called usually feels like a firm, round, smooth lump.
clinical trials. These usually occur in young women.
Cyst Fibrocystic changes
A fluid-filled mass that is usually not cancer A term that describes certain benign changes
(benign). The fluid can be removed for testing. in the breast; also called fibrocystic disease.
Symptoms of this condition are breast
Diagnostic mammogram
swelling or pain. The breasts often feel lumpy or
Screening mammograms are performed on
nodular. Because these signs sometimes mimic
women with no evidence of lumps or other
breast cancer, a diagnostic mammogram,
symptoms. This includes 2 x-ray views of each
ultrasound, or even a biopsy may be needed
breast (top to bottom; side-to-side). Diagnostic
to show that there is no cancer.
mammograms include additional x-ray views
of areas of concern ( found on physical exam- Fibrosis
ination or on the screening mammogram) to Formation of fibrous (scar-like) tissue. This
provide more information about the size and can occur anywhere in the body.
character of the abnormality.
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Fulvestrant Hormone receptor
A drug that reduces the number of estrogen These are the cells’ “welcome mat” for hor-
receptors. mones circulating in the blood. The receptor is
a protein located on a cell’s surface (or within
Grade
the cell cytoplasm) that binds to a hormone.
Cancer cells are graded by how much they
Tumors can be tested for hormone receptors
look like normal cells. Grade 1 (also called
to see if they can be treated with hormones
well-differentiated) means the cancer cells
or anti-hormones. See also, hormone receptor
look like the normal cells. Grade 3 (poorly
assay.
differentiated) cancer cells do not look like
normal cells at all. Grade 1 cancers aren’t Hormone receptor assay
considered aggressive. In other words, they A test to see whether a breast tumor has hor-
tend to grow more slowly and metastasize mone receptors and is affected by hormones
slower. Grade 3 cancers are more likely to or can be treated with hormones.
grow fast and metastasize. A cancer’s grade,
Hormone therapy
along with its stage, is used to determine
Can be treatment with hormones, treatment
treatment.
with drugs that interfere with hormone pro-
HER-2/neu duction or hormone action, or surgical removal
A gene that produces a type of receptor that of hormone-producing glands to kill cancer
helps cells grow. Breast cancer cells with too cells or slow their growth. The most common
many HER-2/neu receptors tend to be fast- hormone therapy for breast cancer is the drug
growing and may respond to treatment with tamoxifen. Other hormonal therapies include
a monoclonal antibody called trastuzumab. aromatase inhibitors, androgens and surgical
removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy).
Histology
The way the cancer cells look under the In situ
microscope (described as type and arrange- Cancer in situ is localized in its original place
ment of tumor cells). and confined to one area. This describes a
very early stage of cancer.
Hormone
A chemical substance released into the body Internal mammary lymph nodes
by glands, such as the thyroid, pituitary, or Lymph nodes located inside the chest, next
ovaries. The substance travels through the to where the sternum (breastbone) and the
bloodstream and sets in motion various body ribs come together.
functions. For example, prolactin, which is
Intraductal papillomas
produced in the pituitary gland, begins and
Small, finger-like, polyp-like, non-cancerous
sustains the production of milk in the breast
growths in the breast ducts that may cause a
after childbirth.
bloody nipple discharge. These are most often
found in women 45 to 50 years of age. When
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many papillomas exist, breast cancer risk is of tissue removed and is usually a sign that
slightly increased. some cancer remains in the body.
LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing Mastectomy
hormone) agonists or antagonists Removal of the entire breast. In a simple or
Drugs that block the ovaries from producing total mastectomy surgeons do not cut away
estrogen. any lymph nodes or muscle tissue; in a modi-
fied radical mastectomy, surgeons remove the
Lobular carcinoma in situ
breast and some armpit lymph nodes; in a
Also called lobular neoplasia. Non-invasive
radical mastectomy (now rarely performed)
cancer that has not spread beyond the lobules.
surgeons remove the breast, armpit lymph
The lobules are the milk-producing parts of
nodes, and chest wall muscles under the
the breast at the distant end of the ducts.
breast.
Lumpectomy
Menopause
Surgery to remove the breast tumor and a
The time in a woman’s life when monthly
small amount of surrounding normal tissue.
cycles of menstruation stop forever and the
Lymph nodes level of hormones produced by the ovaries
Small, bean-shaped collections of immune decreases. Menopause usually naturally occurs
system tissue located along lymphatic vessels. in a woman’s late 40s or early 50s, but it can
They remove waste and fluids from lymph and also be caused by surgical removal of both
help fight infections. Also called lymph glands. ovaries (oophorectomy), or by chemotherapy,
which often destroys ovarian function.
Lymphedema
A possible complication after breast cancer Metastasis
treatment. Swelling in the arm is caused by The spread of cancer cells to distant areas of
excess fluid that collects after lymph nodes the body by way of the lymph system or
and vessels are removed by surgery or treated bloodstream.
with radiation.
Monoclonal antibody therapy
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) are made in
A method of taking pictures of the inside of the lab and designed to target specific sub-
the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses a stances called antigens. MABs which have
powerful magnet and transmits radio waves been attached to chemotherapy drugs or
through the body; the images appear on a radioactive substances are being studied to
computer screen and on film. see if they can seek out antigens unique to
cancer cells and deliver these treatments
Margin
directly to the cancer, thus killing the cancer
The edge of the tissue removed during surgery.
cells without harming healthy tissue.
A negative margin is a sign that no cancer
Trastuzumab is the MAB used to treat HER-2
was left behind. A positive margin indicates
positive breast cancers.
that cancer cells are found at the outer edge
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Neoadjuvant treatment PET (positron emission tomography) scan
Used to describe systemic therapy, such as A total body scan that uses a radioactive form
chemotherapy or hormone therapy, given of glucose to detect cancer.
before surgery. This type of therapy can shrink
Preoperative chemotherapy
some tumors, so that they are easier to remove.
Chemotherapy given before surgery to shrink
Nodal status some breast tumors, so they can be removed
Indicates whether a breast cancer has spread with less extensive surgery than would other-
(node-positive) or has not spread (node-nega- wise be needed. Also called neoadjuvant
tive) to lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary chemotherapy.
nodes). The number and site of positive lymph
Progesterone
nodes can help predict the risk of cancer
A female sex hormone released by the ovaries
recurrence.
during every menstrual cycle to prepare the
Oophorectomy uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for milk
Surgery to remove the ovaries. production (lactation).
Ovary Prognosis
Reproductive organ in the female pelvis. A prediction of the course of disease—or the
Normally a woman has two ovaries. They outlook for the cure of the patient. For exam-
contain the eggs (ova) that, when joined with ple, women with breast cancer that is small,
sperm, result in pregnancy. Ovaries produce does not involve the lymph nodes, and is
most of a premenopausal woman’s estrogen. promptly treated have a good prognosis.
Palpation Quadrantectomy
Using the hands to examine. A palpable mass A type of breast-conserving surgery that
in the breast is one that can be felt. removes more breast tissue than a lumpec-
tomy (up to one-quarter of the breast). It is
Partial mastectomy
also called a partial or segmental mastectomy.
A type of breast-conserving surgery that
removes more breast tissue than a lumpec- Radiation
tomy (up to one-quarter of the breast). It is Treatment with high-energy rays (or particles)
also called a segmental mastectomy or a to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation
quadrantectomy. may come from outside of the body (external
radiation) or from radioactive materials
Pathologic stage
placed directly in the tumor (internal or
Includes the findings of the pathologist after
implant radiation called brachytherapy).
surgery. Most of the time, pathologic stage is
Radiation therapy may be used to reduce the
the most important stage since involvement
size of a cancer before surgery, to destroy any
of the lymph nodes can only be accurately
cancer cells left behind after surgery, or, in
evaluated by examining them under a micro-
some cases, as the main treatment.
scope.
86
Segmental mastectomy located by touch. Computerized equipment
A type of breast-conserving surgery that maps the location of the mass and this is
removes more breast tissue than a lumpectomy used as a guide to place the needle.
(up to one-quarter of the breast). It is also called
Supportive care
a partial mastectomy or a quadrantectomy.
Measures taken to relieve symptoms and
Sentinel node mapping and biopsy improve quality of life, but that are not
In a sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy, expected to destroy the cancer. Pain medica-
the surgeon injects a radioactive substance tion is an example of supportive care.
and/or a blue dye into the area around the
Supraclavicular lymph nodes
tumor. Lymphatic vessels carry these materials
Lymph nodes located in the area just above
to the sentinel lymph node (also called the
the collarbone.
sentinel node). The doctor can see the blue
dye or detect the radioactivity (with a Geiger Systemic therapy
counter) in the sentinel node, which is cut out Treatment that reaches and affects cells
and examined. If the sentinel node contains throughout the body; for example, chemo-
cancer, more axillary lymph nodes are therapy.
removed. But if it is free of cancer, the patient
Tamoxifen
can avoid additional axillary surgery and its
This antiestrogen drug blocks the effects of
potential side effects.
estrogen on many organs, such as the breast.
Side effects Blocking estrogen is desirable in some cases
Unwanted effects of treatment, such as hair of breast cancer because estrogen promotes
loss caused by chemotherapy or fatigue their growth. Recent research suggests that
caused by radiation therapy. tamoxifen may lower the risk of developing
breast cancer in women with certain risk
Sonogram
factors.
During an ultrasound the computer trans-
forms the echoes into a picture called a Toremifene
sonogram. See ultrasound. Another antiestrogen drug, similar to
tamoxifen.
Stage
A method of describing the size and location Ultrasound
of cancer based upon characteristics of the High frequency sound waves used to produce
tumor, the lymph nodes, and whether there is images of the breast. See sonogram.
involvement of other organs.
For a more comprehensive glossary, you may
Stereotactic needle biopsy
visit the American Cancer Society Web site at
A method of needle biopsy that is useful in
www.cancer.org
some cases in which calcifications or a mass
can be seen on mammogram, but cannot be
87
NOTES
88
The Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients were developed by a diverse group of
experts and were based on the NCCN clinical practice guidelines. These patient guidelines were
translated, reviewed, and published with help from the following individuals:
The original NCCN Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines were developed by the following NCCN Panel Members:
1.800.ACS.2345 1.888.909.NCCN
www.cancer.org www.nccn.org