Introduction: Breast cancer treatment has seen significant advancements in recent years, particularly in the field of breast-conserving surgery. In an interview with Oncology Frontier, Dr. Monica Morrow, the renowned breast cancer expert from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, sheds light on various aspects of breast-conserving treatment, addressing questions related to cavity shaving margins (CSM), optimizing resection areas after neoadjuvant therapy, the necessity of marking tattoos or clips, and the latest findings from the PRADA study and controversies surrounding axillary dissection.
Main Content:
Dr. Monica Morrow's insights highlighted the following:
Q1. Cavity Shaving Margins (CSM):
In the interview, Dr. Morrow explains the significance of cavity shave margins in reducing false positive margins. She emphasizes the technique of separate cavity shaves for accuracy.
Q2. Optimizing Resection Areas after Neoadjuvant Therapy:
Dr. Morrow shares her perspective on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, focusing on achieving the goal of smaller tissue removal.
Q3. Marking Tattoos or Clips for Breast-Conserving Treatment:
Regarding the necessity of marking tattoos or clips, Dr. Morrow provides insights into when and why these markers are essential, particularly in cases where abnormalities remain after neoadjuvant therapy.
Q4. PRADA Study and Treatment Combination:
Discussing the PRADA study, Dr. Morrow comments on the combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative radiotherapy, and DIEP flap reconstruction. She acknowledges the intriguing results and ongoing research in this area.
Q5. Controversies Regarding Axillary Lymph Node Dissection:
Dr. Morrow addresses the complexities of axillary lymph node dissection, presenting current standards and ongoing trials that will shape future practices.
Conclusion:
Dr. Monica Morrow's insights shed light on the evolving landscape of breast-conserving treatment. As advancements continue, patient outcomes and quality of life are expected to improve.