Carla S. Fisher, MD

CARLA S. FISHER, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, underscored the importance of these data in informing treatment decisions given the difficult trade-off patients can face. 

“By analyzing a large group of patients treated in the modern era, this study provides physicians with more current information to provide patients regarding local recurrence rates following breast-conserving therapy,” said Dr. Fisher. “Encouragingly, they note very low recurrence rates with variability by receptor status.” 

She added: “These findings, along with the recent changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging, further emphasize the importance of biologic factors in patient outcomes. Additionally, the study provides support for patients choosing breast-conserving therapy who are treated with modern, multimodal therapy.” ■

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Fisher reported no conflicts of interest.