Aggressive Treatment for Hepatic Metastases from Breast Cancer: Results from a Single Center

The impact of liver resection on survival for patients with metastatic breast cancer - A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is uncertainty surrounding the role of resection as an option for curative treatment of breast cancer with liver metastases (BCLM).

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the role of liver resection for BCLM.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed as per PRISMA guidelines. Hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) and standard error was obtained from each study and expressed using the generic inverse variance method, with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). OS outcomes at 1- 3- and 5-years were expressed as dichotomous variables and pooled as odds ratios (OR) using the Mantel-Haenszel method.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 1732 patients were included. Of these, 24.5% underwent surgical resection of BCLM (424/1732) and 75.5% did not (1308/1732). Overall, OS was significantly better among those who underwent surgery versus controls (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.59-0.80, P < 0.00001). Mortality rates were significantly reduced at 1-year (7.5% (10/134) vs 20.3% (79/390), OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.74, P = 0.010) and 5-years (54.0% (190/352) vs 75.3% (940/1249), OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25-0.87, P = 0.020) respectively for those undergoing surgery versus controls. Mortality rates at 3 years after surgery were lower than the control group (19.1% (29/152) vs 53.0% (222/419)), however this failed to achieve statistical significance at meta-analysis (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.09-1.12, P = 0.070).

CONCLUSION

Liver resection may be considered at multidisciplinary meetings for those with BCLM and offers a potentially curative option. However, judicious patient selection is crucial prior to making decisions in relation to resection of BCLM.

Breast cancer liver metastases: systematic review and time to event meta-analysis with comparison between available treatments

INTRODUCTION

The current gold standard treatment for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) is systemic chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. Nonetheless, greater consideration has been given to local therapeutic strategies in recent years. We sought to compare survival outcomes for available systemic and local treatments for BCLM, specifically surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation.

METHODS

A review of the PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Data from included studies were extracted and subjected to time-to-event data synthesis, algorithmically reconstructing individual patient-level data from published Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

FINDINGS

A total of 54 studies were included, comprising data for 5,430 patients (surgery, n=2,063; ablation, n=305; chemotherapy, n=3,062). Analysis of the reconstructed data demonstrated survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years of 90%, 65.9% and 53%, respectively, for the surgical group, 83%, 49% and 35% for the ablation group and 53%, 24% and 14% for the chemotherapy group (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Local therapeutic interventions such as liver resection and radiofrequency ablation are effective treatments for BCLM, particularly in patients with metastatic disease localised to the liver. Although the data from this review support surgical resection for BCLM, further prospective studies for managing oligometastatic breast cancer disease are required.

Survival Benefit of Surgical Treatment Added Into Systemic Treatment for Isolated Breast Cancer Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Compared with systemic treatment alone, whether surgical treatment combined with systemic treatment can improve survival outcomes of patients with isolated breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) is still controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for patients with isolated BCLM.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to May 13, 2021 was conducted for relevant studies. The primary outcome was overall survival. The meta-analysis was performed using R software. The quality of the pooled study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots and Begg's and Egger's tests. Fixed- and random-effects models were applied according to heterogeneity.

Results: 9 retrospective studies involving 13 cohorts (7 unmatched cohorts and 6 matched cohorts) were included in this study. The surgical cohorts had better overall survival than the systemic cohorts in the pooled analysis of all the included studies, in the subgroup analysis of liver resection, and in the subset of the matched cohorts.

Conclusions: Compared with systemic treatment alone, surgical treatment combined with systemic treatment was proven to be associated with superior survival outcomes, which should be considered in selected patients with isolated BCLM.

Renewed considerations on the utility (or the futility) of hepatic resections for breast cancer liver metastases

Importance

Indication for liver resection (LR) for localized hepatic metastases from breast cancer (BC) is still a matter of debate.

Objective

A literature review of recent scientific papers pertaining to hepatectomies for BC liver metastases (LM).

Evidence Review

We based our systematic review on case series on literature reviews, comparative studies and cost-utility analysis which have been selected based on criteria regarding surgery, possible prognostic factors and evaluation of long-term survival.

Findings

There is a strong inhomogeneity in the reported data, with 5-year survivals ranging from 21% to 58%. There is no agreement in the evaluation of prognostic variables predicting good survival, with the only exception of the time of treatment of the primary BC until the diagnosis of metastases. Three out of the four comparative studies report better survivals for patients who underwent a hepatectomy in comparison to those treated with chemotherapy alone, but their strength in terms of scientific evidence is weak. The only cost-utility analysis revealed that 2 out of the 3 scenarios considered were in favor of the treatment with surgery followed by conventional chemotherapy.

Conclusions

There is no definitive proof on the effectiveness of LRs for BC LM. Surgery can be proposed when it is possible to perform radical surgery, with R0 margins and saving at least 30% of the liver with its vascular and biliary connections. Stable skeletal metastases are not a contraindication. The interval between treatment of the primary location and diagnosis of hepatic metastases is the only prognosis criteria available.

Hepatic Metastasis from Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and breast cancer liver metastasis may be associated with poor outcomes. Emerging locoregional therapies can be given in outpatient settings or with short hospital stays, to provide local control, support quality of life, preserve liver function, and potentially prolong survival. This review discusses retrospective studies suggesting potential benefits of locoregional treatment of breast cancer liver metastasis. Future prospective studies are needed to demonstrate efficacy and optimize patient selection.

Prognostic factors in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer - A systematic review

AIM

Oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) is a disease-entity with potential for long-term remission in selected patients. Those with truly limited metastatic load (rather than occult widespread metastatic disease) may benefit from multimodality treatment including local ablative therapy of distant metastases. In this systematic review, we studied factors associated with long-term survival in patients with OMBC.

METHODS

Eligible studies included patients with OMBC who received a combination of local and systemic therapy as multimodal approach and reported overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS), or both. The Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to assess the quality of each included study. Independent prognostic factors for OS and/or PFS are summarized.

RESULTS

Of 1271 screened abstracts, 317 papers were full-text screened and twenty studies were included. Eleven of twenty studies were classified as acceptable quality. Definition of OMBC varied between studies and mostly incorporated the number and/or location of metastases. The 5-year OS ranged between 30 and 79% and 5-year PFS ranged between 25 and 57%. Twelve studies evaluated prognostic factors for OS and/or PFS in multivariable models. A solitary metastasis, >24 months interval between primary tumor and OMBC, no or limited involved axillary lymph nodes at primary diagnosis, and hormone-receptor positivity were associated with better outcome. HER2-positivity was associated with worse outcome, but only few patients received anti-HER2 therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

OMBC patients with a solitary distant metastasis and >24 months disease-free interval have the best OS and may be optimal candidates to consider a multidisciplinary approach.

Diffuse Intrasinusoidal Hepatic Metastasis from Breast Cancer Presenting as Liver Failure: Effective and Rapid Treatment with Weekly Low-Dose Adriamycin

Patient: Female, 28-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Hepatic metastasis • metastatic breast cancer • sinusoidal occlusive syndrome

Symptoms: Abdominal distension • abdominal pain • lower extremity edema • nausea • vomiting

Medication:—

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: General and Internal Medicine • Oncology

Surgical therapy for breast cancer liver metastases

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. If diagnosed early, patients generally have good outcomes. However, approximately 20% to 30% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer develop metastatic disease. Metastatic breast cancer is incurable, but there is growing evidence that resection or other local therapy for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) may improve survival. We aimed to review indications for and outcomes of perioperative liver resection and other local therapies for BCLM. In this series, we reviewed 11 articles (605 patients) focusing on surgical resection and 7 articles (266 patients) describing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for BCLM. Median disease-free survival (DFS) after surgical resection was 23 months (range, 14–29 months) and median overall survival (OS) was 39.5 months (range, 26–82 months). One, 3- and 5-year survivals were 89.5%, 70%, and 38%, respectively. The factors favoring better outcomes are hormone receptor positive primary breast cancer status, R0 resection, no extrahepatic metastases (EHM), small BCLM, and solitary liver metastases. On the other hand, the median DFS with RFA was 11 months, median OS was 32 months, and the 3- and 5-year OS were 43% and 27%, respectively. The clinical features that are indications for RFA are smaller tumor and higher EHM rate than those favoring surgical resection (2.4 vs. 4.0 cm and 46% vs. 27%). The merits of RFA are its high technical success rate, low morbidity, short hospital stay, and that it can be repeated. Although results are as yet limited, in carefully selected patients, resection or other local therapies such as RFA, render BCLM potentially provide prognostic improvement.

Predictors of Progression-Free Survival and Local Tumor Control after Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Oligometastatic Breast Cancer: Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

To describe ablation of bone, liver, lung, and soft tissue tumors from oligometastatic breast cancer and to define predictors of local progression and progression-free survival (PFS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 33 women (mean age 52 ± 12 years old; range, 28-69 years), underwent 46 thermal ablations of liver (n = 35), lung (n = 7), and bone/soft tissue (n = 4) metastases. Mean tumor diameter was 18 ± 15 mm (range, 6-50 mm). Ablations were performed to eradicate all evident sites of disease (n = 24) or to control growing sites in the setting of other stable or responding sites of disease (n = 22). Patient characteristics, ablation margins, imaging responses, and cases of PFS were assessed. Follow-up imaging was performed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or positron-emission tomography/ CT.

RESULTS

Median PFS was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2 -14.5 months), and time to local progression was 11 months (95% CI, 5-16 months). Eight patients (24%) maintained no evidence of disease during a median follow-up period of 39 months. Ablation margin ≥5 mm was associated with no local tumor progression. Longer PFS was noted in estrogen receptor-positive patients (12 vs 4 months; P = .037) and younger patients (12 vs 4 months; P = .039) treated to eradicate all sites of disease (13 vs 5 months; P = .05). Eighteen patients (55%) developed new metastases during study follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Thermal ablation of oligometastatic pulmonary, hepatic, bone, and soft tissue tumors can eliminate local tumor progression if margins are ≥5 mm. Longer PFS was observed in patients who were estrogen receptor-positive and patients who were younger and in whom all sites of disease were eradicated.

Interdisciplinary Screening, Diagnosis, Therapy and Follow-up of Breast Cancer. Guideline of the DGGG and the DKG (S3-Level, AWMF Registry Number 032/045OL, December 2017) - Part 2 with Recommendations for the Therapy of Primary, Recurrent and Advanced Breast Cancer

Purpose The aim of this official guideline coordinated and published by the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and the German Cancer Society (DKG) was to optimize the screening, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care of breast cancer. Method The process of updating the S3 guideline published in 2012 was based on the adaptation of identified source guidelines. They were combined with reviews of evidence compiled using PICO (Patients/Interventions/Control/Outcome) questions and with the results of a systematic search of literature databases followed by the selection and evaluation of the identified literature. The interdisciplinary working groups took the identified materials as their starting point and used them to develop suggestions for recommendations and statements, which were then modified and graded in a structured consensus process procedure. Recommendations Part 2 of this short version of the guideline presents recommendations for the therapy of primary, recurrent and metastatic breast cancer. Loco-regional therapies are de-escalated in the current guideline. In addition to reducing the safety margins for surgical procedures, the guideline also recommends reducing the radicality of axillary surgery. The choice and extent of systemic therapy depends on the respective tumor biology. New substances are becoming available, particularly to treat metastatic breast cancer.

Liver resection for non-colorectal metastases

Whereas liver resection for colorectal metastasis has become standard of care, hepatectomy in patients with non-colorectal metastases remains controversial, mainly due to a heterogeneous tumor biology and missing data from prospective trials. This review aims at giving an overview about the indications and limits of liver surgery in patients with an advanced disease of a non-colorectal malignancy. Even though prospective trials are largely missing, results from retrospective studies indicate a survival benefit for liver resection in selected patients. Thus, in metastasized patients, treatment strategies should be developed in a multidisciplinary tumor board including an experienced liver surgeon.

Surgical resection versus systemic therapy for breast cancer liver metastases: Results of a European case matched comparison

BACKGROUND

Resection of breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) combined with systemic treatment is increasingly accepted but not offered as therapeutic option. New evidence of the additional value of surgery in these patients is scarce while prognoses without surgery remains poor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For this case matched analysis, all nationally registered patients with BCLM confined to the liver in the Netherlands (systemic group; N = 523) were selected and compared with patients who received systemic treatment and underwent hepatectomy (resection group; N = 139) at a hepatobiliary centre in France. Matching was based on age, decade when diagnosed, interval to metastases, maximum metastases size, single or multiple tumours, chemotherapy, hormonal or targeted therapy after diagnosis. Based on published guidelines, palliative systemic treatment strategies are similar in both European countries.

RESULTS

Between 1983 and 2013, 3894 patients were screened for inclusion. Overall median follow-up was 80 months (95% CI 70-90 months). The median, 3- and 5-year overall survival of the whole population was 19 months, 29% and 19%, respectively. The resection and systemic group had median survival of 73 vs. 13 months (P < 0.001), respectively. Three and 5-year survival was 18% and 10% for the systemic group and 75% and 54% for the resection group, respectively. After matching, the resection group had a median overall survival of 82 months with a 3- and 5-year overall survival of 81% and 69%, respectively, compared with a median overall survival of 31 months in the systemic group with a 3- and 5-year overall survival of 32% and 24%, respectively (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.52; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with BCLM, liver resection combined with systemic treatment results in improved overall survival compared to systemic treatment alone. Liver resection should be considered in selected cases.

Long-term survival and cure model following liver resection for breast cancer metastases

INTRODUCTION

Long-term survival is still rarely achieved with current systemic treatment in patients with breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM). Extended survival after hepatectomy was examined in a select group of BCLM patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hepatectomy for BCLM was performed in 139 consecutive patients between 1985 and 2012. Patients who survived < 5 years were compared to those who survived ≥ 5 years from first diagnosis of hepatic metastases. Predictive factors for survival were analyzed. Statistically cured, defined as those patients who their hazard rate returned to that of the general population, was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 139, 43 patients survived ≥ 5 years. Significant differences between patient groups (< 5 vs. ≥ 5 years) were mean time interval between primary tumor and hepatic metastases diagnosis (50 vs. 43 months), mean number of resected tumors (3 vs. 2), positive estrogen receptors (54% vs. 79%), microscopic lymphatic invasion (65% vs. 34%), vascular invasion (63% vs. 37%), hormonal therapy after resection (34% vs. 74%), number of recurrence (40% vs. 65%) and repeat hepatectomy (1% vs. 42%), respectively. The probability of statistical cure was 14% (95% CI 1.4-26.7%) in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy combined with systemic treatment can provide a chance of long-term survival and even cure in selected patients with BCLM. Microscopic vascular/lymphatic invasion appears to be a novel predictor for long-term survival after hepatectomy for BCLM and should be part of the review when discussing multidisciplinary treatment strategies.

Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes in patients with liver metastases from breast cancer treated with stereotactic radiofrequency (RF) ablation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 29 stereotactic RF ablation treatment sessions in 26 consecutive patients with 64 biopsy-proven breast cancer liver metastases (BCLMs) was conducted. Patients were included only if systemic treatment failed and all visible BCLMs were treatable.

RESULTS

Primary and secondary technical success rates were 96.9% (62 of 64) and 100%, respectively. There were no perioperative mortalities. Local recurrence was identified in 5 tumors (7.8%), with no significant differences among tumor sizes (P = .662): < 3 cm (9.3%), 3-5 cm (0%), and > 5 cm (8.3%). Median estimated overall survival (OS) from first stereotactic ablation treatment was 29.3 months ± 8.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.9-46.8 mo; mean, 28.7 mo) after a median follow-up of 23.1 months (mean, 31.3 mo; range, 0.1-100.8 mo). No significant differences in OS (P = .223) were observed among tumor volumes < 50 cm³ (median, 84.9 mo ± 53.1; mean, 58.4 mo), 50-100 cm³ (median, 37.8 mo ± 5.7; mean, 36.3 mo), and > 100 cm³ (median, 17.1 mo ± 3.5; mean, 21.8 mo). Numbers of metastases did not affect estimated OS, with a median OS of 32.7 months ± 10.4 (mean, 35.8 mo) for single lesions vs 17.7 months ± 3.2 (mean, 25.9 mo) for 2/3 lesions and a mean of 68.4 months ± 17.23 for > 3 lesions (P = .113).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple-electrode stereotactic RF ablation proved to be a safe minimally invasive alternative to surgical liver resection in selected patients with BCLMs.

Liver Resection for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases: A Cost-utility Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of liver resection followed by adjuvant systemic therapy relative to systemic therapy alone for patients with breast cancer liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND

Data on cost-effectiveness of liver resection for advanced breast cancer with liver metastasis are lacking.

METHODS

A decision-analytic Markov model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of liver resection followed by postoperative conventional systemic therapy (strategy A) versus conventional therapy alone (strategy B) versus newer targeted therapy alone (strategy C). The implications of using different chemotherapeutic regimens based on estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status was also assessed. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life months (QALMs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and net health benefit (NHB).

RESULTS

NHB of strategy A was 10.9 QALMs compared with strategy B when letrozole was used as systemic therapy, whereas it was only 0.3 QALMs when docetaxel + trastuzumab was used as a systemic therapy. The addition of newer biological agents (strategy C) significantly decreased the cost-effectiveness of strategy B (conventional systemic therapy alone). The NHB of strategy A was 31.6 QALMs versus strategy C when palbociclib was included in strategy C; similarly, strategy A had a NHB of 13.8 QALMs versus strategy C when pertuzumab was included in strategy C. Monte-Carlo simulation demonstrated that the main factor influencing NHB of strategy A over strategy C was the cost of systemic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection in patients with breast cancer liver metastasis proved to be cost-effective when compared with systemic therapy alone, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive tumors or when newer agents were used.

Predictive Profile-Nomogram for Liver Resection for Breast Cancer Metastases: An Aggressive Approach with Promising Results

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) are considered the most lethal compared with other sites of metastases in patients with breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome after hepatectomy for BCLM within current multidisciplinary treatment and to develop a clinically useful nomogram to predict survival.

METHODS

Between January 1985 and December 2012, 139 consecutive female patients underwent liver resection for BCLM at the authors' institution. Clinicopathologic data were collected and analyzed for survival outcome with determination of prognostic factors. A nomogram to predict survival was developed based on a multivariate Cox model. The predictive performance of the model was assessed according to the C-statistic and calibration plots.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 55 months, the overall 3- and 5-year survival rates after hepatectomy were respectively 58 and 47 %. The median overall survival period was 56 months, and the median disease-free survival period after surgical resection was 33 months. A single hepatic metastasis, no triple negative tumors, no microscopic vascular invasion, and perioperative hormonal or targeted therapy were related to improved overall survival. The model achieved good discrimination and calibration, with a C-statistic of 0.80.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection for selected patients with breast cancer metastases can provide significant survival benefit. It should be part of a multidisciplinary treatment program in experienced liver surgery centers. The authors' nomogram facilitates personalized assessment of prognosis for these patients.

Repeat Hepatectomy for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases

BACKGROUND

Resection of breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) combined with systemic treatment is increasingly accepted as a therapeutic option; however, the potential benefit of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent BCLM is unknown.

METHODS

All consecutive female patients who underwent liver resection for BCLM at our center between January 1985 and December 2012 were included. Patients who had a single hepatectomy (N = 120) were compared with those who also underwent repeat hepatectomy (N = 19). Patients were selected for repeat hepatectomy based on operability and disease control. Prognostic factors of survival after repeat hepatectomy were determined.

RESULTS

Median overall survival since first hepatectomy was 35 months, with a 3- and 5-year survival rate of 50 and 38 %, respectively. Overall survival following repeat hepatectomy was 64 and 46 % at 3 and 5 years, respectively. From the time of first hepatectomy, patients who underwent repeat hepatectomy had a better survival than those who had only one hepatectomy (95 and 84 vs. 50 and 38 % at 3 and 5 years, respectively) (p = 0.002). Median survival was 35 and 100 months, respectively, and median survival since the diagnosis of BCLM was 51 and 112 months in the single and repeat hepatectomy groups, respectively. Since the time of diagnosis, overall 3-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates were 75, 57, and 44 %, respectively, for all 139 patients. Improved overall survival after repeat hepatectomy was related to a time interval between breast cancer diagnosis and first hepatectomy of >2 years, a limited hepatectomy, solitary liver metastasis, positive progesterone receptor status, and chemotherapy following repeat hepatectomy. Patients with single BCLM at first hepatectomy had a 3- and 5-year overall survival rate of 76 and 76 % compared with 51 and 17 % in patients with multiple metastases (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

In selected patients with BCLM, repeat hepatectomy for liver recurrence combined with systemic treatment provided survival rates comparable to those after first hepatectomy.

Resection of single metachronous liver metastases from breast cancer stage I-II yield excellent overall and disease-free survival. Single center experience and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Improved survival after liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) has been proven; however, there is still controversy on predictive factors influencing outcomes. The analysis of factors related to primary and metastatic cancer eventually influencing long-term outcomes and a review of the literature are presented in this report.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients diagnosed with metachronous BCLM between 1996 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had a minimum disease-free interval between primary tumor and liver metastasis of 12 months, no more than 3 liver lesions, no macroscopic extra-hepatic disease and in which systemic therapy showed a good response were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (82%) were initially diagnosed with a stage I-II disease. Twelve patients presented with multiple liver metastases. The 5 years overall survival (OS) rate was 78%, while the 5 years disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 36%. Initial tumor stage III-IV at first diagnosis and number of metastases >1 was significantly associated with a shorter DFS at multivariate analysis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04 respectively). Patients with multiple lesions had a median DFS of 15 months compared to 47 months in patients with a single lesion (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of single BCLM from primary stage I-II cancer offers very good long-term survival rates and a low morbidity.

Prolonged complete response after treatment withdrawal in HER2-overexpressed, hormone receptor-negative breast cancer with liver metastases: the prospect of disappearance of an incurable disease

BACKGROUND

Metastatic breast cancer has consistently been viewed as a non-curable disease. Specific palliative treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy have resulted in a mean overall survival of approximately 30 months. While cases of prolonged complete response have been reported with hormone or trastuzumab monotherapy, rendering metastatic breast cancer a chronic disease, any treatment withdrawal has ineluctably led to relapse. Prolonged remission without any anti-cancer treatment has never been reported to our knowledge.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report here the unique observation of the spontaneous evolution of two breast cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases who decided to stop trastuzumab after achieving complete response. They were Caucasian women with synchronous liver metastatic breast carcinoma. Both breast cancers reached skin and regional lymph nodes. There were several liver metastases in both patients. They received surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined with trastuzumab. They decided to stop their treatment, despite guidelines. After a follow-up longer than 20 months, they did not relapse clinically, radiologically, and biologically.

CONCLUSION

This findings question the belief of the unavoidability of recurrence of metastatic breast cancer, specifically in the liver. It opens up the unprecedented possibility of a cure-like state in exceptional and probably special cases.

Complete pathologic response of HER2-positive breast cancer liver metastasis with dual anti-HER2 antagonism

BACKGROUND

Although breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the bones and brain, rarely breast cancer patients may develop isolated liver metastasis. There is increasing data that anti-HER2 targeted therapy in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy may lead to increased rates of pathologic complete response in the primary breast cancer. However, little is known about its effects on metastatic liver disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the treatment of a 54-year-old female who was diagnosed with HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma and synchronous breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM). The patient underwent eight cycles of standard docetaxel with two anti-HER2 targeted agents, trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Subsequent radiographic imaging demonstrated complete radiographic response in the primary lesion with an approximate 75% decrease in the liver metastasis. After informed consent the patient underwent modified radical mastectomy that revealed pathologic complete response. Re-staging demonstrated no new disease outside the liver and a left hepatectomy was performed for resection of BCLM. Final pathologic examination revealed no residual malignant cells in the liver specimen, indicating pathologic complete response. Herein, we discuss the anti-HER2 targeted agents trastuzumab and pertuzumab and review the data on dual HER2 antagonism for HER2-positive breast cancer and the role of surgical resection of BCLM.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of targeted agents for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer is under active clinical trial investigation and we await the maturation of trial results and long-term survival data. Our results suggest that these agents may also be effective for producing considerable pathologic response in patients with BCLM.