Is symptom-oriented follow-up still up to date?

Mundhenke C, Moebus V (2013)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Breast Care Karger

Book Volume: 8

Pages Range: 336-340

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1159/000356044

Abstract

The main objective of following patients after the primary treatment of breast cancer is the detection of potentially curable events, particularly the detection of local recurrences and contralateral breast cancer. Additionally, medical counseling on therapies, psychosocial aspects, side effects of therapies, and lifestyle interventions is important to improve the quality of life. There is an ongoing discussion about whether early detection of asymptomatic metastasis could improve the course of disease. Today, the follow-up is still symptom-orientated. Intensified imaging and laboratory check-ups have not been beneficial for the patients' survival. A follow-up in the first 2-3 years is recommended every 3 months. Because of the decreasing incidence of recurrence from year 4, 6-monthly screening intervals are recommended. The screening should include a history, physical examination, and a consultation. Routine diagnostic imaging - except for mammography/ultrasound - is not indicated in asymptomatic patients. Innovative therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer have been introduced. Therefore, measures of an intensified follow-up could change in the future as novel endocrine combination or targeted therapies in molecular subtypes could significantly improve the survival in early detected metastasis. In the future, more individualized follow-up programs are conceivable. However, this idea is so far not supported by the available data. © 2013 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Authors with CRIS profile

Christoph Mundhenke

Involved external institutions

Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Mundhenke, C., & Moebus, V. (2013). Is symptom-oriented follow-up still up to date? Breast Care, 8(5), 336-340. https://doi.org/10.1159/000356044

MLA:

Mundhenke, Christoph, and Volker Moebus. "Is symptom-oriented follow-up still up to date?" Breast Care 8.5 (2013): 336-340.

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