Breast cancer during pregnancy: a retrospective study on obstetrical problems and survival

Abstract

Objectives: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in pregnancy. Data on survival of these patients and their obstetrical complications are still limited.

Study design: We conducted a case-control, retrospective study to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of 22 patients with breast cancer in pregnancy (BCP) and 45 non-pregnant women with breast cancer (BC) matched for age, stage and hormonal status.

Results: Survival of BCP and BC patients using Kaplan-Meier analysis was similar (86.4% in cases and 80% in controls p=0.392) and BCP patients had survival consistent with the stage of the disease, providing that the treatment had been in agreement with the recommended protocols. The overall incidence of premature delivery was 54.6% and complications were observed in three newborns out of 23 (13%).

Conclusions: Preterm labor induction without any obstetrical indication following woman's request to continue chemotherapy outside pregnancy can be reduced by explaining the risks of early delivery and the lack of effects of many chemotherapeutic regimens on the fetus.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Fetus; Pregnancy; Preterm labor; Survival.