Outcomes of DCIS treated with breast conserving surgery without radiotherapy on recurrence, survival, and health-related quality of life

Abstract

Background: Sector resection for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) allows wide excision without compromising breast shape. There are concerns that radiotherapy for some DCIS after sector resection is unnecessary and reduces patient satisfaction and quality of life without affecting survival. This study aimed to investigate whether women with DCIS managed with sector resection without radiotherapy had acceptable rates of recurrence and health-related quality of life outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients who underwent sector resection for DCIS without adjuvant radiotherapy from 1992 to 2021. Tumour size, grade, necrosis, margins, follow up and time to ipsilateral recurrence was recorded. Patients were posted a BREAST-Q to assess health-related quality of life.

Results: One hundred and thirty-eight patients were treated for pure DCIS by two surgeons from 1992 to 2018. One hundred and sixteen patients underwent sector resection, 22 had mastectomy. Average age 61 years. Mean follow up 9.14 years. Recurrence rate after sector resection was 18.97%. 55% were DCIS. Annualized recurrence rate was 2.07%. There were no cancer-related deaths. BREAST-Q completion rate was 44%. Satisfaction with breasts, physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being scores were significantly higher than normative Australian values and a mixed cohort of women who underwent breast conserving surgery with radiotherapy.

Conclusion: DCIS can be safely managed with sector resection without radiotherapy and regular long-term follow up. This approach results in low annualized recurrence rates, high levels patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life and should be considered a safe alternative for patients with DCIS to minimize morbidity without affecting cancer survival.

Keywords: DCIS; breast cancer; breast conserving surgery; health-related quality of life; sector resection.