Background and objective: Breast cancer liver and lung metastases are common and associated with poor prognosis. Personalized medical treatment of advanced breast cancer, based on established predictive factors, has improved survival during the last decades. In contrast, there is no consensus regarding indications for surgery. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current knowledge on the outcome of surgical treatments for breast cancer liver and lung metastases.
Method: A narrative review of existing evidence for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer liver and lung metastases.
Results: There are no randomized trials to evaluate surgery as an adjunct to medical treatment. In this review, data are reported from case–control studies and meta-analyses on surgery for liver and lung metastases. Selected patients have an improved survival after surgery compared to those who only received medical treatment. The survival benefit is, however, uncertain when adjusting for prognostic factors, and prospective trials are warranted. Anecdotal cases have long-term survival and surgery is safe.
Conclusion: Surgery for breast cancer liver and lung metastases may be considered in selected cases within prospective studies.