Summary and Comment: IPSILATERAL BREAST TUMOR RECURRENCE AFTER LUMPECTOMY One consequence of treating breast cancer with lumpectomy is that ipsilateral breast tissue remains at risk for tumor recurrence. To address the clinical significance of this fact, Fisher and colleagues analyzed data from their previous randomized trial, which compared outcomes with total mastectomy, lumpectomy plus radiation, and lumpectomy alone. After 9 years of follow-up, 43 percent of women receiving lumpectomy and 12 percent of those receiving lumpectomy plus radiation had ipsilateral tumor recurrence (women undergoing mastectomy were not at risk for ipsilateral recurrence). Patients with an ipsilateral recurrence had a 3.4-fold greater risk of developing distant disease. Nevertheless, the three groups had virtually identical survival and distant disease-free survival. The authors explain these findings by arguing that an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence is a marker of distant metastases, but not a significant cause, as distant disease occurred with equal frequency in the three groups. Although mastectomy or lumpectomy plus radiation reduces the chance that this marker will appear, they do not reduce the risk of metastases compared with lumpectomy alone. --ASB Published in Journal Watch 20 Aug 1991 Significance of ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence after lumpectomy Fisher B et al, Lancet 1991 Aug 10; 338:327-331. Annals of Surg Onc, 2/04 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.