Hormonotherapy in patients with bilateral breast cancer

Abstract

Summary. The incidence of bilateral breast cancer (BBC) is increasing all around the world. This leads to the definition of clear approaches towards these patients treating tactics, including hormonotherapy of bilateral breast cancer. Methods. In the period from 1995 to 2011 totally 272 cases of bilateral breast cancer were analyzed in various cancer institutions of Ukraine compared to 92 cases of unilateral breast cancer. Results. The use of hormonotherapy improves the 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with unilateral and bilateral breast cancer. Metachronous breast cancer (HT”+”: OS – 93%, PFS – 89%; HT”–”: OS – 80%, PFS – 70%) has worse survival rates than unilateral cancer (HT”+”: OS – 94%, PFS – 92%; HT”–”: OS – 81%, PFS – 78%). While synchronous BBC has poorer survival rates than metachronous one (HT”+”: OS – 73%, PFS – 74%; HT”–”: OS – 49%, PFS – 53%). Conclusion. Bilateral breast cancer has a more aggressive disease course than unilateral one. Synchronous breast cancer has a more aggressive disease course than metachronous one. The use of tamoxifen is not enough for hormonal therapy of BBC. These patients should be treated with the use of aromatase inhibitors.