Question

True about treatment of early breast carcinoma?

• A. Aromatase inhibitors are replacing tamoxifen in premenopausal women
• B. Post mastectomy radiation therapy is given when 4 or more lymph nodes are positive
• C. Tamoxifen is not useful in post-menopausal women
• D. In premenopausal women, multidrug chemotherapy is given in selected patients

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The treatment of early breast carcinoma involves several strategies that are tailored based on various parameters, including the menopausal status of the patient and the extent of the disease. Let's analyze the options provided:

• Aromatase inhibitors are replacing tamoxifen in premenopausal women: Aromatase inhibitors are generally used in postmenopausal women because they work by blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens in peripheral tissues, which is the primary source of estrogen in postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, ovarian suppression or tamoxifen is the more usual choice.
• Post mastectomy radiation therapy is given when 4 or more lymph nodes are positive: This is true. Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is indicated to reduce the risk of local recurrence and is recommended when there are four or more positive lymph nodes to improve survival rates.
• Tamoxifen is not useful in post-menopausal women: This is incorrect. Tamoxifen is effective in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. It has been widely used in both groups.
• In premenopausal women, multidrug chemotherapy is given in selected patients: This statement is true in certain contexts. In premenopausal women, the use of chemotherapy depends on specific individual factors like tumor size, grade, and lymph node involvement.

Hence, the correct statement regarding the treatment of early breast carcinoma is: Post mastectomy radiation therapy is given when 4 or more lymph nodes are positive.