Rowell identified risk factors for locoregional recurrence (LRR) in women with node-negative breast cancer. These patients may benefit from more aggressive management. The author is from Kent Oncology Centre, Maidstone Hospital, Kent, UK
Parameters affecting locoregional recurrence:
(1) lymphovascular invasion
(2) histologic grade
(3) primary tumor size in cm
(4) resection margin
(5) age and/or menopausal status
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
lymphovascular invasion |
absent |
0 |
|
present |
1 |
histologic grade |
Grade I or II |
0 |
|
Grade III (poorly differentiated) |
1 |
primary tumor size |
<= 2 cm |
0 |
|
> 2 cm |
1 |
resection margin |
not close |
0 |
|
close or positive |
1 |
age and/or menopausal status |
postmenopausal and age >= 50 |
0 |
|
premenopausal or age < 50 |
1 |
number of risk factors for LRR =
= SUM(points for all 5 factors)
Interpretation:
• minimum number of risk factors: 0
• maximum number of risk factors: 5
• Radiotherapy should be considered for a patient with >= 2 risk factors since this can significantly reduce the risk of locoregional recurrence and may improve survival.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general, Obstetrics & Gynecology