Verified

Under Review

7/29/21, 4:17 PM

Dalton LaBarge

A postmenopausal 63yF presents for evaluation after receiving a diagnosis of Estrogen Receptor Positive Stage III DCIS with regional lymph node involvement but no distant mets. She is consented for a modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. In reviewing the plan for adjuvant therapies she is concerned about the use of chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy. What is the best rationale for adjuvant medical therapy following surgical resection?

Facilitate better outcomes for breast reconstruction

Hormonal agents reduce risk of developing new LCIS

Radical mastectomy is inadequate for primary tumor reduction

Cytotoxic targeting of potential occult micrometastases

Correct Answer:

D

(d) Systemic adjuvant therapy (including chemotherapy and hormone therapy in ER+ cancers) both eliminate potential micrometastases and reduce recurrence of ER+ breast cancer.

(a) Timing of radiation therapy is important consideration for reconstruction timeline

(b) Hormonal agents do not reduce risk of developing separate, non ER+ breast cancer

“ACOG Practice Bulletin. Breast Cancer Screening. Number 42, April 2003.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 81.3 (2003): 313–323. Print.