Knowledge of discordance in molecular markers between primary tumors and metastatic lesions altered disease management in 20% of patients.
Identification of metastatic breast cancer is typically based on new symptoms reported by patients and by abnormalities detected on imaging studies; rarely are confirmatory biopsies of suspicious lesions undertaken. As a result, systemic management of metastatic disease is usually determined by characteristics of the original tumor, such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. However, recent findings indicate that the status of these markers can differ for metastatic lesions compared with primary tumors in up to 40% of patients.
To further evaluate this discordance, investigators prospectively assessed ER, PR, and HER2 status of biopsies of metastatic lesions and pri…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead
Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation
Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead
Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation
Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)