Removal of primary tumor improves survival in metastatic breast cancer. Does timing of surgery influence outcomes?

Resection of intact primary tumor is controversial in metastatic breast cancer patients. The aim of this study is to review the impact of surgical resection of primary tumor on overall survival and to assess the role of timing of surgery on survival rates.208 patients with metastatic breast cancer diagnosed between 1982 and 2005 in the Hospital Clinico of Valencia (Spain) were analysed. Exclusion criteria were age80, PS 3-4, Charlson score 3 or follow-up90 days. 123 of these underwent surgery and 85 did not. In order to assess the role of timing, the "surgery" cohort was divided into two sub-groups: "before" (n = 78) or "after" (n = 45) diagnosis of disseminated disease.In the surgery group…