Rethinking breast cancer follow-up based on individual risk and recurrence management.

Overview

Current follow-up policies for early breast cancer aim to detect loco-regional recurrences and manage treatment-related adverse effects. Their "one size fits all" approach does not take into account differences in subtypes at initial diagnosis, individual prognosis and treatments received. They are derived from clinical trials conducted when early detection means - other than mammography - and treatment options were limited. Herein, we address the arguments for re-evaluating current breast cancer follow-up strategies starting from recent advances in breast cancer local and systemic treatments and discussing individual risk of recurrence prediction models, time-adapted imaging and biomarker assessment for disease diagnostic anticipation. This change in perspective would transform breast cancer follow-up into an integrated, multidisciplinary team medical practice. Hence we discuss the important role of patient-centered approaches, but also of general practitioners and other health professionals, in the final promotion of personalized surveillance programs and patient education.