Dormancy Leading to Late Recurrence in Breast Cancer: A Case of Hormone Receptor-Positive Supraclavicular Metastasis 10 Years After the Initial Treatment

Breast cancer recurrence can occur many years after the initial treatment, particularly in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) cases, where the risk of late recurrence remains significant. Late recurrences are well documented, with research showing that they can happen even decades after the primary diagnosis, necessitating extended monitoring and personalized therapeutic approaches. A 65-year-old woman with a history of stage IIIC invasive ductal carcinoma, initially treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomies, adjuvant chemoradiation, and prolonged hormonal therapy, presented 10 years later with metastasis to the left supraclavicular lymph nodes. A biopsy confirmed recurrent ER+/PR+/HER2- (estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative) breast cancer. Her treatment was adjusted to include Faslodex (fulvestrant) and Verzenio (abemaciclib), followed by the surgical resection of the metastatic lymph node. Managing HR+ breast cancer involves significant challenges, mainly due to the potential for late recurrence. Even after aggressive treatment and years of remission, dormant tumor cells may become active again, leading to metastasis in less common sites, like the supraclavicular lymph nodes. This situation demands a tailored therapeutic approach, adjusting treatment strategies to address the specific characteristics of the recurrent tumor. In conclusion, late recurrence in HR+ breast cancer requires vigilant long-term follow-up and personalized treatments to effectively manage recurrence risk. Understanding dormancy and reactivation mechanisms is essential for guiding clinical decisions. Prioritizing individualized follow-up strategies and refining treatment protocols will be key to improving patient outcomes and maintaining quality of life.