0
0
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology has highlighted a significant risk for breast cancer patients carrying TP53 pathogenic variants who undergo radiotherapy. According to the findings, these patients face an 8.8% cumulative risk of developing sarcoma within 15 years following radiotherapy. Additionally, their 10-year cumulative risk of developing any secondary cancer remains high, regardless of whether they receive radiotherapy.
Study Overview
The study examined 91 breast cancer patients with TP53 germline variants who had undergone surgery. Of these, 40 patients received radiotherapy, while 51 did not. Researchers tracked these patients over a median period of 14 years in the radiotherapy group and 11 years in the non-radiotherapy group. For comparison, they were also matched against a cohort of 420 breast cancer patients without TP53 variants.
Key Findings
- Among the 28 TP53 pathogenic variant carriers who received radiotherapy, three developed secondary in-field sarcoma. Notably, no such cases were reported in the non-radiotherapy or control groups.
- The 10-year cumulative risk of any secondary cancer was found to be 22.5% among those who received radiotherapy, compared to 38% in those who did not, though this difference was not statistically significant.
- Importantly, no deaths were reported from radiotherapy-associated sarcoma, and overall survival rates did not show a significant difference between those who underwent radiotherapy and those who did not.
Clinical Implications
These findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment strategies for breast cancer patients with TP53 variants. Given the increased risk of sarcoma following radiotherapy, clinicians should weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully when considering treatment options for these patients.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers to discuss their specific risks and treatment options.
