Recurring Cancer Treatment options

03/23/2007

Associated Press
Last update: March 22, 2007 – 9:47 PM


Once breast cancer returns to spread beyond the breast, it's no longer curable -- but it can be held in check, sometimes for years, depending on how aggressive the tumor proves to be.

Doctors don't yet know exactly how widespread Elizabeth Edwards' returned cancer is, beyond a small but definite spot found in her right rib after she coincidentally broke a rib on the other side. Also being checked out is a spot in her lung.

The key question when breast cancer spreads is whether it is hormone-sensitive. No matter where breast cancer turns up in the body, if its growth is fueled by estrogen, women have a better chance of longer survival -- and a shot at controlling the cancer with anti-estrogen drugs instead of harsher chemotherapy.

Dr. Lisa Carey, Edwards' oncologist, didn't reveal whether Edwards' cancer is this better "estrogen receptor-positive" form, saying she was awaiting further test results before deciding on a treatment.

There are few good estimates of survival time for those whose cancer returns. But treatment is easiest if the recurrence is limited to the breast area.

"I don't have a crystal ball about how she is going to do. I can tell you that many patients with exactly the circumstances that she has, do very well for a number of years," Carey said.