Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Management: All or Nothing, or Something in between?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewStandard treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is similar to that of invasive carcinoma. However, there is significant controversy regarding the true clinical implications of DCIS, and thus, the best management strategy. The aim of this review is to highlight relevant biology, diagnostic considerations, treatment options, and recent clinical trials.Recent FindingsOutcomes are generally excellent with low recurrence rates and exceptional disease-specific survival. Outcomes can be predicted using various prognostic indicators and/or nomograms to guide treatment decisions. Ongoing clinical trials of active surveillance are based upon the argument thatipsilateral invasive recurrence is the most clinically meaningful endpoint. These trials seek to compare ipsilateral invasive cancer diagnoses between standard of care and close monitoring.SummaryRecent trials have revealed the marked heterogeneity in the biology of DCIS, offering an opportunity to de-escalate therapy for women at lowest risk for progression. DCIS also presents an ideal setting in which to test novel prevention agents. Future care of patients with DCIS will include biomarker-based risk assessment in order to better individualize treatment to biologic risk of invasive progression.
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research