Adrenalectomy with radical mastectomy in the treatment of high-risk breast cancer.
Bilateral adrenalectomy with radical mastectomy has been performed in a series of 17 postmenopausal women with breast cancer having metastasis in four or more axillary lymph nodes. Results to date show that both the recurrence and mortality rates are significantly lowered in this group of "high-risk" breast cancer patients by the combined treatment. Of these 17 patients, 14 are living and well with no evidence of disease. Six are surviving without recurrence 5 or more years since their primary treatment. The study also demonstrated that adrenalectomy patients on hormone replacement therapy are able to lead full and active lives for a long time without complications. This pilot study should be considered as a guide to future clinical trials rather than as an immediate recommendation for general therapy.
D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010865:Pilot Projects