Researchers Tackle Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and Its Many Unanswered Questions

Researchers Tackle Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and Its Many Unanswered
Questions
National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference Statement:
Diagnosis and Management of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ September 22-24, 2009
Carmen J. Allegra

Link to Journal

The diagnosis and management of DCIS is highly complex with many unanswered questions, including the fundamental natural history of untreated disease.

Because of the noninvasive nature of DCIS, coupled with its favorable prognosis, strong consideration should be given to elimination of the use of the anxiety-producing term "carcinoma" from the description of DCIS. The outcomes in women treated with available therapies are excellent.

Thus, the primary question for future research must focus on the accurate identification of patient subsets diagnosed with DCIS, including those persons who may be managed with less therapeutic intervention without sacrificing the excellent outcomes presently achieved.

Essential in this quest will be the development and validation of accurate risk stratification methods based on a comprehensive understanding of the clinical, pathological, and biological factors associated with DCIS