Work

Evaluating the Feasibility of Breast-Conserving Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients with Suspicious Calcifications After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Suspicious calcifications in breast cancer (BC) often limit eligibility for breast-conserving surgery (BCS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study assessed the impact of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) status and post-NAC imaging changes on pathological complete response (pCR), BCS feasibility, and prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 163 BC patients with suspicious calcifications treated with NAC (median follow-up, 38.9 months). Logistic regression identified predictors of pCR, associations between calcification changes and pCR were assessed using Cramer's V, and OS and DFS were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: = 0.015). After adjustment, DCIS was associated with reduced pCR rates (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.73). Overall BCS rate was 11%. Calcification reduction showed a weak correlation with pCR (Cramer's V = 0.321). No significant OS, DFS, or BCS differences were observed by DCIS status or calcification change within follow-up. CONCLUSION: DCIS is associated with reduced pCR after NAC. Calcification findings alone should be interpreted cautiously, and BCS feasibility should be assessed using comprehensive surgical criteria.

Source: Journal of Investigative Surgery

DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2026.2624199