Case study tumour type: Invasive ductal breast carcinoma NOS and infiltrating ductal

breast carcinoma in situ

Observations and points of interest regarding this case study:
This patient had surgery for breast carcinoma and post this received Radiowave
Therapy (RWT). As at April 2010 patient is still free of disease with no other
treatments undertaken, has avoided hospital admissions and is able to continue her
busy lifestyle.
Prognosis: Younger women tend to have a poorer prognosis than post-menopausal women
due to several factors. There may also be biologic factors contributing to a higher risk of
disease recurrence for younger women with breast cancer. Overall, a Stage II diagnosis
carries a five-year survival rate of 66%. (wikipedia)
History:
This 38 year old female became aware of a palpable mass in her right breast in mid
May 2007 and was first diagnosed via core biopsy one month later with invasive ductal
carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ of the right breast.

A mastectomy of the right breast with right axillary clearance was performed one
month following diagnosis. Biopsy showed two foci of grade 2 infiltrative ductal
carcinomas (0.45 and 0.5cm) with four of six axilla nodes contained metastatic
carcinoma. Oestrogen receptor was moderate and progesterone receptor was negative.
As a part of post surgical staging the patient had a CT Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis and
Bone Scan, both stating no evidence of metastatic disease. At the time of diagnosis
patient refused chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The first RWT commenced on 27 August 2007. There were no side effects during
treatment. Patient had a BMI of 16.5 at commencement of treatment and had a weight
gain of 1.5kg over the course of the first RWT.

Post RWT patient decided not to explore any other treatment options.

One year following RWT a PET Study showed no recurrence or metastatic disease.

One year and seven months post RWT patient had some follow up investigations
Ultrasound of Abdomen, Left Breast and Right Chest Wall reported no suspicious
mass lesions, no perfusion abnormalities and unremarkable findings within the right
axilla. Ultrasound was patients choice of imaging for monitoring.

Current status:
Disease status as at: 14 January 2010 patients general blood tests and tumour
markers are within normal reference range. Only Ultrasounds have been undertaken
post RWT since 2008. No metastatic disease was shown on last Ultrasound 24 April
2009.
Patient status as at: 18 September 2009 patient reported she is very well, has no
symptoms and carries out her normal domestic duties.


Disclaimer
Any particular case study outcome does not mean that in every case the treatment of cancer
using radiowave therapy will achieve the same result