A recent investigation reveals that asymptomatic brain metastasis is more prevalent among stage 4 breast cancer patients than previously thought. The findings indicate that healthcare professionals might need to revise existing screening protocols for identifying brain metastasis in patients who do not exhibit symptoms.
A recent study conducted by experts at Moffitt Cancer Center indicates that asymptomatic brain metastasis is more prevalent among stage 4 breast cancer patients than earlier assumed. Published in Neuro-Oncology, this study implies that physicians should reconsider their existing screening procedures to identify brain metastasis in asymptomatic patients.
The researchers analyzed data from 101 asymptomatic patients diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, including those with triple-negative, HER2-positive, and hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative types of breast cancer. These patients underwent MRI scans to detect brain metastasis, with additional MRI scans scheduled six months later if the initial scan showed no evidence of cancer spreading.
Among those who completed the first MRI, 14% were found to have brain metastasis. The distribution by subtype was as follows:
- 18% for triple-negative breast cancer
- 15% for HER2-positive breast cancer
- 10% for hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer
After the follow-up MRI, the percentage of patients with brain metastasis increased to about 25% across all subtypes. Upon diagnosis, patients received prompt treatment for their brain metastases, involving adjustments in systemic and local therapies.
“Our research indicates that asymptomatic brain metastasis is rather common in stage 4 breast cancer,” stated Kamran Ahmed, M.D., an associate member and section chief for Breast Radiation Oncology at Moffitt, who spearheaded the study. “While larger studies are necessary to further validate our results, advances in systemic and local treatments for brain metastasis in breast cancer may suggest that it’s time to rethink current guidelines that advise against regular MRI screening in late-stage breast cancer patients.”
This research received support from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.
