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World J Clin Oncol. May 10, 2014; 5(2): 82-85
Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i2.82
Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i2.82
Resection of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer
Tadahiko Shien, Hiroyoshi Doihara, Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 7008558 Okayama, Japan
Author contributions: Doihara H contributed to this paper; Shien T designed and wrote the introductory editorial for the Highlight Topic: “Resection of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer”.
Correspondence to: Tadahiko Shien, MD, PhD, Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, 7008558 Okayama, Japan. tshien@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-86-2357265 Fax: +81-86-2357265
Received: December 28, 2013
Revised: January 23, 2014
Accepted: March 11, 2014
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 135 Days and 8.2 Hours
Revised: January 23, 2014
Accepted: March 11, 2014
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 135 Days and 8.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Resection of a primary tumor of stage IV breast cancer was considered to be “effective only at alleviating chest symptoms and providing local control” in spite of the advances of imaging examination and medication for breast cancer. Recently, many retrospective studies have reported the survival benefit of surgery for breast cancer patients with metastases and some clinical trials which confirm the surgical prognostic benefit for them have started to enrol patients. We need to evaluate the treatment strategy, including primary resection for stage IV breast cancer particularly, and find new evidence by prospective analysis.