Therapy possibilities for locoregional recurrences in breast cancer

Abstract

In 10–30 % of cases, locoregional recurrence is accompanied by distant metastasis; a further 25 % develop distant metastasis within the year after diagnosis of recurrence. In treatment of recurrent tumor in the thoracic wall, axillary or supraclavicular disease surgery plays a major role. Since – another long-lasting courses occur even in the metastatic situation, recurrence is not an infrequent event, and therapy then needs a multidisciplinary approach. Surgical techniques such as local, myocutaneous or omental flaps and mesh graft transplantation are used to cover large defects after tumor resection. Additional and innovative modalities are combined in the management of this complex problem: locoregional or systemic chemotherapy, topical application of chemotherapy, certain radiation regimens and in otherwise resistant tumors the experimental use of photodynamic laser therapy (PDT). The most important goal hereby is to restore or at least maintain organ function and quality of life.