JOURNAL ARTICLE

Effect of Primary Surgery on Health-Related Quality of Life in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of RCT's.

  • Published In: American Surgeon, 2026, v. 92, n. 3. P. 962 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Asghar, Zoha; Sheikh, Zubaid Moazzam; Sharaf, Kanza; Nadeem, Muhammad Amaan; Ali, Sheraz; Mignini, Luciano; Khan, Khalid S. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article systematically reviews randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of primary surgery, also known as locoregional therapy (LRT), on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Four RCTs involving 961 patients were analyzed, revealing mixed results: one moderate-quality trial favored surgery for specific HRQoL at 18 months, another showed no difference, and a third favored non-surgical treatment; generic HRQoL measures generally showed no significant differences between surgical and non-surgical groups. The review highlights that while primary surgery does not improve overall survival, its effects on HRQoL vary, underscoring the importance of individualized, shared decision-making that carefully weighs potential benefits and risks for symptom control and quality of life in MBC patients.

Additional Information

  • Source:American Surgeon. 2026/03, Vol. 92, Issue 3, p962
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Consumer Health
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0003-1348
  • DOI:10.1177/00031348251387153
  • Accession Number:191177977
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