Optimizing utilization and indications for adjuvant radiation in male breast cancer.

ABSTRACT

Due to its rarity, there is a dearth of prospective data on optimal therapeutic strategies in male breast cancer (MBC). Treatment recommendations are mostly extrapolated from evidence in female breast cancer (FBC). Data show that MBC has unique clinical and biological characteristics distinct from FBC. Evidence from retrospective studies suggests that effective therapeutic interventions are often underutilized in MBC and this can compromise outcomes. Population based studies contribute significantly towards the understanding of rare cancers. Multiple studies have demonstrated that adjuvant radiation is associated with improved local control and survival in high risk subgroups of MBC. Multi-center consortia studies contribute significantly towards generating prospective data and optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in these rare cancers. Enhancing the implementation of treatment recommendations and minimizing disparities in access to care will lead to improved outcomes.