Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF BREAST CANCER IN PREGNANCY

Mizda Abdulateef Othman*, Lateef Shareef Sabeeh and Khawla Ali Majeed

Abstract

Although breast cancer during pregnancy (BCDP) is rare (occurring with only 0.4% of all BC diagnoses in female patients aged (16–49 years), management decisions are challenging to both the patient and the multidisciplinary team. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy can be safely initiated only in the second and third trimesters. The rate of congenital abnormalities in children exposed to chemotherapy is similar to the national average (approximately 3%). Dosing of chemotherapy should be similar to that in the nonpregnant patient (i.e., actual body surface area). Antihuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 therapy, radiation, and endocrine treatment are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Care should include a partnership with obstetricians. To maximize benefit and minimize risk to the mother and fetus, an informed discussion with the patient and her medical team should result in an individualized treatment plan, taking into account the timing of the pregnancy and the stage and subtype of the breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer, pregnancy.