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Wait and Watch: New Breast Condition Approach
31 Mar
Summary
- Active surveillance showed similar invasive cancer rates to surgery.
- Over 1,400 women in the Netherlands participated in the trial.
- Most DCIS cases may not become life-threatening.
A "watch and wait" strategy for low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) shows promising results, potentially sparing women from unnecessary surgery. A clinical trial in The Netherlands found that women on active surveillance experienced similar rates of invasive cancer compared to those who underwent immediate surgical treatment.
Researchers reported these interim findings at the European Breast Cancer Conference. The trial involved over 1,400 women, with a significant majority opting for active surveillance after the initial phase. This approach means patients are closely monitored, with surgery remaining an option throughout.
DCIS is a precancerous condition where abnormal cells are found within breast milk ducts. While it has the potential to spread, studies suggest a substantial number of cases, estimated at 4 out of 5, never become invasive or life-threatening. This raises questions about overtreatment with surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.
Results indicated that 9% of the surgery group developed invasive cancer, compared to 6% in the active surveillance group. While tumors in the surveillance group were slightly smaller, they were not found to be more aggressive. Further long-term research is needed before guidelines are updated.
