Information on follow up care for treatment of metaplastic breast cancer
Follow Up Care For Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast
MpBC Global Alliance, Inc. Recommendations
Metaplastic Breast Cancer is a uniquely complicated, rare breast cancer that to this date is not well understood. Because of higher than normal incidence of metastatic disease in metaplastic breast cancer, follow up monitoring and scanning, either during neoadjuvant therapy or during and after initial treatment, can be critical. Plans for monitoring and scanning should be discussed with a patient and their treating physician early in their treatment plan. Based on surveys of our members, early detection of metastases has resulted in early adoption of additional therapies and has led to long-term survival and NED.
Referencing the ACS/ASCO April 2015 Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines, diagnosed patients may focus on the Guideline Disclaimer Section. This publication specifically states:
- “The Information herein should not be relied on as being complete or accurate, nor should it be considered as inclusive of all proper treatments of methods of care or as a statement of the standard of care. With the rapid development of scientific knowledge, new evidence may emerge between the time information is developed and when it is published or read.”
The following is also stated:
- “This information does not mandate any particular course of medical care. Furthermore, the information is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of the treating provider, as the information does not account for individual variation among patients.”
The Metaplastic Breast Cancer Global Alliance polled 30 Stage 4 diagnosed members in October 2018. 26 of the 30 reported metastatic disease within 18 months following initial treatments.
Conclusion: Based on the published guidelines and our members’ experiences, patients with metaplastic breast cancer should work with their physicians to establish an aggressive scanning protocol during and after treatment. Physicians should evaluate these patients’ need for careful watching, especially during the first 2 years after treatment, and work with insurance providers to meet these patients’ needs.
CT Scans
A CT scan uses an x-ray machine to create a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. A computer then combines these images into a detailed view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, the doctor will inject a special dye called a contrast medium into a patient’s vein to create more detail in the images. At other times, a patient may be asked to swallow a liquid contrast material. Areas that are commonly scanned include the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or limbs. One risk of this test is radiation exposure, especially for children. However, the potential benefits of having a CT scan usually outweigh these risks. If you are receiving multiple CT scans and x-rays, talk with your doctor about using another type of test that involves less exposure to radiation.
For more information on CT Scans please visit the Cancer.Net site by clicking here.
PET-CT Scans
A PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan. However, you may hear your doctor refer to this procedure just as a PET scan. A PET-CT scan is one way to find cancer and learn its stage. Stage is a way to describe where the cancer is, if it has spread, and if it is changing how your organs work. Knowing this helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment. It also helps doctors predict your chance of recovery.
Doctors also use PET-CT scans to:
- Find the right place for a biopsy.
- See how well cancer treatments are working.
- Plan radiation therapy.
For more information on PET-CT Scans please visit the Cancer.Net site by clicking here.