P4-17-08: Is Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Necessary for Staging of Asymptomatic HER2−Positive Breast Cancer Patients?

Abstract

Abstract Background Breast cancer one of the most common tumors of the adults. Approximately 20% to 25% of all breast cancers are HER2−positive. It can be assumed that up to 30% of HER2−positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients may experience brain metastasis during the course of their disease. The aim of this study to investigate that whether cranial MR is necessary for staging in asymptomatic HER2−positive breast cancer patients. Material and metods: HER2−positive breast cancer patients without symptoms of brain metastasis included in the study. Cranial MRI was added to the staging procedures. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine risk factors for developing brain metastasis. Results: Seventy five patients included in the study. Of whom, 71 were women (94.7%). Median age was 42.5 (22-76). Ten of the 75 patients (13.3%) had brain metastasis. The distribution rate of brain metastasis according to breast cancer stage at diagnosis was: 0% for stage I, 9.1% for stage 2, 4.3% for stage 3 and 28.6% for stage 4 (p=0.027). There was no association between presence of brain metastasis and the site of metastasis, estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity, grade, histological subgroup, menopausal status and gender. Discussion: Brain metastasis is an important problem for breast cancer patients. Treatment strategies may vary in the presence of brain metastasis. In our study we found brain metastasis nearly one quarter of patients with metastatic HER2−positive breast cancer. Cranial MRI imaging can be performed routinely in patient with metastatic HER2−positive breast cancer patients. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-17-08.