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Radiation Oncology

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Prognostic factors for survival of women with unstable spinal bone metastases from breast cancer

Authors: Robert Foerster, Thomas Bruckner, Tilman Bostel, Ingmar Schlampp, Juergen Debus, Harald Rief

Published in: Radiation Oncology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Bone metastases are an important clinical issue in women with breast cancer. Particularly, unstable spinal bone metastases (SBM) are a major cause of severe morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL) due to frequent immobilization. Radiotherapy (RT) is the major treatment modality and is capable of promoting re-ossification and improving stability. Since local therapy response is excellent, survival of these patients with unstable SBM is of high clinical importance. We therefore conducted this analysis to assess survival and to determine prognostic factors for bone survival (BS) in women with breast cancer and unstable SBM.

Methods

A total population of 92 women with unstable SBM from breast cancer who were treated with RT at our department between January 2000 and January 2012 was retrospectively investigated. We calculated overall survival (OS) and BS (time between first diagnosis of bone metastases until death) with the Kaplan-Meier method and assessed prognostic factors for BS with a Cox regression model.

Results

Mean age at first diagnosis of breast cancer was 60.8 years ± SD 12.4 years. OS after 1, 2 and 5 years was 84.8, 66.3 and 50 %, respectively. BS after 1, 2 and 5 years was 62.0, 33.7 and 12 %, respectively. An age > 50 years (p < .001; HR 1.036 [CI 1.015–1.057]), the presence of a single bone metastasis (p = .002; HR 0.469 [CI 0.292–0.753]) and triple negative phenotype (p < .001; HR 1.068 [CI 0.933–1.125]) were identified as independent prognostic factors for BS.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrated a short survival of women with breast cancer and unstable SBM. Age, presence of a solitary SBM and triple-negative phenotype correlated with survival. Our results may have an impact on therapeutic decisions in the future and offer a rationale for future prospective investigations.

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Title: Prognostic factors for survival of women with unstable spinal bone metastases from breast cancer
Authors: Robert Foerster
Thomas Bruckner
Tilman Bostel
Ingmar Schlampp
Juergen Debus
Harald Rief
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Radiation Oncology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1748-717X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-015-0458-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prognostic factors for survival of women with unstable spinal bone metastases from breast cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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