Swenerton et al listed criteria for bone marrow involvement by metastatic breast cancer and its response to therapy. The authors are from the University of Texas Houston M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Tumor Cells
Cell Count
Involvement
none
NA
absent
focal clumps
no cytopenia
minimal
diffuse
no cytopenia
moderate
diffuse
cytopenia
extensive
Findings After Treatment
Response to Treatment
no tumor seen in 2 successive bone marrow examinations; no cytopenias
complete
decreased tumor, improved cell counts
partial
no change in amount of tumor; no change in cytopenias
stable
increased tumor and worsening cytopenias
progression
where:
• Criteria for progression are not given for bone in Table 3 but are taken from the general criteria.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) chemotherapy-related cytopenias
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
