Clinicopathological response and breast conservation in locally advanced breast cancer cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is crucial for enhancing surgical outcomes and enabling breast conservation in locally advanced breast adenocarcinoma, which is often inoperable. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the clinic-pathological response and breast conservation rates in patients with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patients were administered chemotherapy according to a standard protocol and were followed until their surgical outcome. Out of a total of 90 patients with locally advanced breast cancer, 78 were eligible for neoadjuvant therapy. These patients, with a mean (SD) age of 47.5 (9.4) years, were included in the study. Nearly half (52.6%) were post-menopausal; 55% (n = 43) had right breast involvement, and 57.7% (n = 45) had invasive lobular carcinoma. Approximately 47.43% of patients demonstrated a complete clinical response. In comparison, only 37% achieved a pathological complete response, which was not associated with the oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 status (p > 0.05). Patients who achieved a complete clinical response had a higher likelihood of undergoing breast‑conserving surgery (p < 0.05). The study observed that breast conservation rates were improved with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These findings may assist clinicians in improving treatment outcomes for patients with locally advanced breast cancer
advanced cancer; invasive breast carcinoma; oncological outcomes; breast-conserving surgery
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