Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) traditionally has been managed through various combinations of surgery, radiation, and endocrine therapy. However, concern for under- or over-treatment of DCIS has led many surgeons to question historically standardized approaches and instead begin to tailor treatment based on individual prognostic indicators. Recent and ongoing clinical trials have investigated the potential for active surveillance in DCIS, the possibility of eliminating radiation therapy (RT), and ways in which adjuvant systemic therapy may be refined. This review will summarize the current trends in the treatment of DCIS, as well as highlight the most pertinent clinical trials that are shaping management today.
Keywords: Accelerated partial breast irradiation; Anastrozole; Breast cancer therapy; Breast pathology; Breast radiation; Breast surgery; Breast-conserving therapy; Clinical trials; Contralateral mastectomy; DCIS; Ductal carcinoma in situ; Mastectomy; Tamoxifen.