Routine Brain MRI Recommended for Late-Stage Breast Cancer Patients

Science & Technology Science

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-29 11:34:56 |

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A study led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center, published in Neuro-Oncology, has revealed that asymptomatic brain metastasis is more common in stage 4 breast cancer patients than previously thought. The research challenges current screening practices and suggests that doctors may need to reconsider guidelines for detecting brain metastasis in patients who do not exhibit symptoms.

The study analyzed 101 asymptomatic stage 4 breast cancer patients, including those with triple-negative, HER2-positive, and hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. All patients underwent an MRI scan to check for brain metastasis, with a follow-up MRI six months later if the initial scan showed no signs of cancer spread.

Findings from the initial MRI scan showed that 14% of patients had brain metastasis, with the following rates by breast cancer subtype:

• 18% in triple-negative breast cancer
• 15% in HER2-positive breast cancer
• 10% in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer

By the time the second MRI scan was conducted, approximately 25% of patients in each subtype showed evidence of brain metastasis. Following these diagnoses, patients received early treatments, including adjustments to systemic therapy and local therapies targeted at brain metastasis.

Principal investigator Dr. Kamran Ahmed, an associate member and section chief for Breast Radiation Oncology at Moffitt, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating that the prevalence of asymptomatic brain metastasis is much higher than expected in stage 4 breast cancer patients. While larger studies are needed to confirm the results, Dr. Ahmed suggests that the advancements in treatment options for brain metastasis warrant a reevaluation of current guidelines, which typically do not recommend routine MRI surveillance in patients with late-stage breast cancer.

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