Impact of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on long-term outcome after breast conservation therapy (BCT).

Abstract

1053Background: For women undergoing BCT, the role of breast MRI at the time of initial diagnosis and treatment remains controversial. This study was performed to determine the long-term outcomes after BCT for women with vs. without breast MRI. We have previously reported 8-year outcomes (J Clin Oncol 16:386, 2008), and we herein report updated results to 15 years. Methods: Between 1992 and 2001, 755 women with AJCC stage 0-II breast cancer underwent BCT with radiotherapy. All patients underwent breast-conserving surgery (with axillary lymph node staging for invasive carcinoma) followed by definitive breast radiotherapy. Evaluation at initial diagnosis included conventional mammography in all subjects and breast MRI in 215 (28%) of the study cohort. Clinical and pathologic characteristics were generally comparable for patients with vs. without breast MRI. Systemic therapy (chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy) was given to 73% of the patients. The median follow-up is 13.8 years. Outcomes were determined u...