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Radiation-Induced Breast Angiosarcoma: Updates on a Rare Disease

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Although rare, breast angiosarcoma imparts poor outcomes relative to other breast malignancies. Here, we review the current literature focusing on radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast (RIA), a subset of secondary breast angiosarcoma.

Recent Findings

The risk of developing RIA increases with time after radiation therapy, and incidence is expected to increase. Cross-sectional imaging with MRI or CT has a higher sensitivity for RIA detection than ultrasound and mammography studies. The clinical outcomes of RIA are improving with the use of wide resections and systemic chemotherapy, with up to an 85% 5-year overall survival in surgically resected patients. Multidisciplinary team engagement improves access to emerging therapies and correlates with increased survival.

Summary

Improvements in diagnostic techniques, multidisciplinary care, and inclusion of modern systemic therapies in treatment of RIA may be responsible for improved survival. Future studies focusing on systemic treatment and access to sarcoma expertise may play a further impact survival for this rare disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Oncology, Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA

    Katherine M. Jackson & Janie G. Grumley

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  1. Katherine M. Jackson
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Contributions

K.J. and J.G. wrote the manuscript text. K.J. prepared the figures. K.J. and J.G. reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katherine M. Jackson.

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Jackson, K.M., Grumley, J.G. Radiation-Induced Breast Angiosarcoma: Updates on a Rare Disease. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 16, 177–184 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-024-00542-5

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