Locoregional treatment of de novo stage IV breast cancer in the era of modern oncology

Approximately 6% of metastatic breast cancers arise de novo. While systemic therapy (ST) remains the treatment backbone as for patients with metachronous metastases, locoregional treatment (LRT) of the primary tumor remains a controversial method. The removal of the primary has an established role for palliative purposes, but it is unclear if it could also determine a survival benefit. Retrospective evidence and pre-clinical studies seem to support the removal of the primary as an effective approach to improve survival. On the other hand, most randomized evidence suggests avoiding LRT. Both retrospective and prospective studies suffer several limitations, ranging from selection bias and outdated ST to a small sample of patients. In this review we discuss available data and try to identify subgroups of patients which could benefit the most from LRT of the primary, to facilitate clinical practice decisions, and to hypothesize future studies design on this topic.

Automated summary

Approximately 6% of metastatic breast cancers are de novo. The role of locoregional treatment (LRT) for the primary tumor remains controversial, with retrospective evidence suggesting a survival benefit, while most randomized evidence suggests avoiding LRT. Both retrospective and prospective studies have limitations, and this review aims to identify subgroups of patients who may benefit from LRT to guide clinical practice and future research.