Treatment of screen detected ductal carcinoma in situ: a silver lining within a grey cloud?
1990

Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: A Silver Lining?

Sample size: 1000 Editorial Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): I.S. Fentiman

Primary Institution: ICRF Clinical Oncology Unit, Guy's Hospital

Hypothesis

How should ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed through screening be treated?

Conclusion

The study suggests that there is no standard treatment for DCIS, and various approaches may be necessary.

Supporting Evidence

  • Screening has shown a 17% reduction in mortality in the Edinburgh trial.
  • 10-15% of cancers diagnosed through screening are non-infiltrating types like DCIS.
  • Over 50% of patients treated by subcutaneous mastectomy developed subsequent relapses.
  • In a series of 79 patients, recurrence of DCIS occurred in 10% after complete local excision.

Takeaway

Doctors are trying to figure out the best way to treat a type of breast cancer called DCIS, which is often found during screening. They are testing different treatments to see which one works best.

Methodology

The study involves a factorial 2 x 2 design comparing different treatment combinations for DCIS.

Potential Biases

There may be risks of bias in patient selection and treatment allocation.

Limitations

The trial may face logistical challenges and the effectiveness of treatments is still uncertain.

Participant Demographics

Patients with DCIS and Paget's disease of the nipple will be excluded.

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication