Studies that prove early detection of stage IV recurrence extending survival time?
Can you please point me to any studies that show that early detection of metastatic stage IV breast cancer results in longer survival ? If this matters, I'm talking about ER+. HER2-.
I know that it's a common opinion that early detection of such recurrence does not result in longer life, but are there any studies that prove otherwise?
Thank you.
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@sccs - I'm sorry I don't have any studies to reference, but do I think this is an interesting topic.
I'm not sure I understand what the "early" part of diagnosing MBC would be, unless it's the newer blood tests (like Signatera, maybe?) detecting circulating tumor cells before scans show anything. Or, the possibility of routine scans before initial treatment of early stage cancer.
Or, maybe, the suggestion of the "common opinion" is that treatment does not extend survival? You should be able to see Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival rates in individual drug studies. I'm quite sure that my treatment has kept me alive longer than I would have been without it.
As I said, I think it's an interesting question. I've given it some thought, and I think i just don't have enough clarity.
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Well, I'm talking about previously treated patients who progressed to stage 4. Then metastasis found late by symptoms prompting a scan, versus asymptomatic when metastasis found early. All doctors uniformly say that early diagnosis of stage 4 does not extend survival versus late diagnosis and point to studies, but it's hard to comprehend. That's why I wonder if there are studies that prove otherwise.
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@sccs I see. Still not what you're looking for , but IMO there's quality of life to consider, in addition to survival time. I'm sure the people who found out about their Stage IV dx when they had a fracture, especially of the femur or vertebrae, would have preferred earlier dx/treatment.
Best of luck finding the information you want.
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Some Info from my own and oncologist for my DC in situ and now metastatic to lung reoccurance
Better prognisis with mets diagnosis
HORMONE POSITIVE
5 + years since first diagnosed the longer time interval till mets
No chemo or radiation first occurance ie therapy naieve
Longer duration on each of hormone lowering therapies
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