Treatment of Breast Cancer During Pregnancy

AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer during pregnancy (BCP) is an increasingly recognized entity as women delay the onset of childbearing. This review outlines multi-disciplinary approaches to the management of BCP which attempt to provide effective cancer therapy for the BCP patient, while balancing the safety of the developing fetus.Recent FindingsSurgery may be utilized in all trimesters of pregnancy, and immediate breast reconstruction as well as sentinel lymph node biopsy is feasible. Most standard breast cancer chemotherapy can be initiated after the first trimester; however, certain treatments, including radiation, anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 therapies, and hormonal therapies, should be delayed during pregnancy. Iatrogenic pre-term delivery should be avoided when possible, as it may increase complications associated with prematurity.SummaryData from recent large observational studies support the use of many standard breast cancer treatment paradigms in the BCP population. However, compromises and delays may arise, requiring individualization of treatment for each BCP patient. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of treatment delays, as well as the safety and efficacy of targeted therapies in the BCP population.
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research