Survival in primary inoperable breast cancer patients

Purpose of investigation: Patients described as having inoperable breast cancer comprised a heterogeneous group of patients with variable natural history and survival. Over the past 20 years combined modality therapy has been used to improve control of disease and enhance survival. However, systemic evaluation of these patients has been limited and additional clinical research is needed.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of 136 patients with primary inoperable breast cancer. Twenty-five years of experience was used to examine the effect of several prognostic variables and different treatment modalities on survival.

Results: The median survival of inoperable breast cancer patients was 46 months (2 to 220). Metastatic status at initial diagnosis was an independent prognostic factor, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery seems to offer a survival advantage. Also, hormonal receptor status affects the long-term survival.

Conclusion: Metastatic status, status of receptors and type of treatment provide additional prognostic information and therefore should be used as prognostic indicators for primary inoperable breast cancer.

Inoperable breast cancer; Advanced breast cancer; Treatment; Survival; Prognosis

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