Dr. Boughey on Surgical Resection of Stage IV BC

Judy C. Boughey, MD, associate professor of surgery, director, Breast Surgical Oncology Training Program, Mayo Clinic, discusses surgical resection of the primary breast tumor in patients with stage IV breast cancer.

Over the last 3-5 years, there has been data presented that supports surgical resection in this space as well as data that demonstrates the opposite.

It is critical to evaluate the patient, the patient’s tumor factors, and, most importantly, the patient’s response to systemic therapy. Boughey says she always informs patients that there is no strong data regarding the best way to treat them in terms of surgical resection. Surgery must be performed in a way that ensures minimal morbidity.