Locoregional therapy of oligometastatic breast cancer

Summary Oligometastastic disease has been defined as not more than five metastases found in radiological workup within not more than two different distant organs of the body [1]. Starting in 1995, several authors claimed that local treatment, especially radiotherapy, may have a positive impact on oligometastatic patients. However, prospective trials demonstrated that local therapy of nonsymptomatic metastases should not be routinely offered as there is no survival benefit. Surgical resection of primary breast cancer in synchronous stage IV disease should also not be offered. However, there is a window of opportunity for men and women with synchronous oligometastatic disease where a true R0 resection by treating metastases as well as the primary cancer may be achieved. These cases need to be discussed within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) conference and should be included in new trials.