Breast Cancer Treatment Options for Early Stages May Involve Delayed Surgery Considerations

New Research Offers Hope for Stage 0 Breast Cancer Patients

Watch and Wait May Be a Viable Option for Some Women with Early Breast Cancer

For women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also known as Stage 0 breast cancer, the news can be overwhelming. However, new research suggests that not all cases of DCIS require immediate surgery. In fact, a recent study published in JAMA found that active monitoring with or without hormone therapy may be a viable option for some women with low-risk DCIS.

The Study

The COMET randomized clinical trial involved over 500 women aged 40 and older who were diagnosed with low-risk DCIS. The participants were randomly assigned to either undergo surgery or receive active monitoring with or without hormone therapy. The results showed that the groups had similar outcomes, with no significant difference in cancer recurrence or mortality rates.

Implications of the Study

The findings of this study have significant implications for women with low-risk DCIS. For many years, patients were told that they needed to undergo surgery as soon as possible to remove the tumor. However, this new research suggests that active monitoring may be a safe and effective alternative for some women.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

For patients diagnosed with DCIS, this study offers hope and reassurance. It means that they don’t have to rush into surgery, but can instead opt for active monitoring with or without hormone therapy. This approach can help reduce anxiety and stress associated with cancer treatment.

Limitations of the Study

While the results of this study are promising, it’s essential to note that not all cases of DCIS are the same. The study only included women with low-risk DCIS, and more aggressive forms of the disease may still require immediate surgery.

Quality of Life for Patients

A companion study published in JAMA Oncology examined the quality of life for patients in the monitoring and surgery groups. The results showed that patients in the active monitoring group did not experience a significant decrease in quality of life compared to those who underwent surgery.

Conclusion

The COMET randomized clinical trial offers new hope for women with low-risk DCIS. Active monitoring with or without hormone therapy may be a viable option for some women, reducing anxiety and stress associated with cancer treatment. However, more research is needed to determine the best course of action for patients with this type of breast cancer.

Sources:

• E.S. Hwang et al. (2024). Active monitoring with or without endocrine therapy for low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ. The COMET randomized clinical trial. JAMA.

• M. Morrow and A.V. Barrio. (2024). Is it time to abandon surgery for low-risk DCIS? JAMA.

• A.H. Patridge et al. (2024). Patient-reported outcomes for low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ. A secondary analysis of the COMET randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncology.

Note: This article is based on a Science News article, and all references to sources are included at the end of the article.