Interdisciplinary GoR level III Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Therapy and Follow-up Care of Breast Cancer

1 Information about this Guideline

1.1 Editor

Guideline Program in Oncology of the AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies of Germany), the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft e. V.) and German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe e. V.)

1.2 Funding of this guideline

These guidelines were funded by the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe e. V.) within the scope of the Guideline Program in Oncology of the AWMW (Association of Medical Scientific Societies).

1.3 Lead professional associations

German Cancer Society (DKG)

German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGGG)

1.4 Contact

Guideline Program in Oncology Office

c/o German Cancer Society

Kuno-Fischer-Straße 8

14 057 Berlin

[e-mail]

www.leitlinienprogramm-onkologie.de

1.5 Additional documents relating to these guidelines

The topics of this version are the same as in the long version of the S3 Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up Care of Breast Cancer which can be accessed via the links listed below:

• http://www.leitlinienprogramm-onkologie.de/OL/leitlinien.html

• http://www.awmf.org/leitlinien/aktuelle-leitlinien.html

• http://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/wub_llevidenzbasiert,120884.html

• http://www.krebshilfe.de

• http://www.dggg.de

• http://www.senologie.org

In addition to this short version, the following supplementary documents are available:

• Comprehensive version

• Guideline report

• Patient guide on the early detection of breast cancer

• Patient guide on breast cancer 1: Initial disease and DCIS – A guide for patients

• Patient guide on breast cancer 2: Advanced disease, recurrence and metastasis

• Gartlehner G et al. Comparative efficacy and safety of sentinel lymph node biopsy alone or complete axillary dissection for sentinel-positive breast cancer: A systematic review. 2011

• Agency for Quality in Medicine (ÄZQ). Synopsis of evidence-based guideline recommendations for diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care of breast cancer. Berlin: 2011

• A guideline app called “Leitlinien Onkologie” (in German) can be downloaded at http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/leitlinien-onkologie/id453786520?mt=8 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.dkg.app&feature=apps_topselling_free#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLG51bGwsImRlLmRrZy5hcHAiXQ.
  . The contents of these guidelines are anticipated to be published this year.

1.6 Responsibilities

1.6.1 Authors of these guidelines

Steering group

Name	Town/city
Prof. Rolf Kreienberg, M. D.	Ulm
Prof. Ute-Susann Albert, M. D.	Marburg
Dr. Markus Follmann, MPH MSc.	Berlin
Prof. Ina Kopp, M. D.	Marburg
Prof. Thorsten Kühn, M. D.	Esslingen
Dr. Achim Wöckel, M. D., External Lecturer	Ulm
Thomas Zemmler, Economic Mathematician	Ulm

Editorial Support: A. Hellberg, Ulm

Representatives of professional associations

Professional association	Name	Town/city
Working Group of German Tumor Centers (ADT)	Prof. Dieter Hölzel, M. D.	Munich
Working Group on Psychooncology (PSO)	Prof. Joachim Weis, M. D.	Freiburg
Working Group on Ultrasound Diagnosis in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ARGUS)	Prof. Helmut Madjar, M. D.	Wiesbaden
Working Group on Gynecological Oncology (AGO)	Prof. Jens Blohmer, M. D. Prof. Anton Scharl, M. D.	Berlin Amberg
Working Group on Medical Oncology (AIO)	Dr. Norbert Marschner	Freiburg
Working Group on Radiological Oncology (ARO)	Prof. Jürgen Dunst, M. D. Prof. Rainer Souchon, M. D.	Lübeck Tübingen
Working Group on Supportive Measures in Oncology, Rehabilitation and Social Medicine (ASORS)	Prof. Hans Helge Bartsch, M. D. Prof. Günter Emons, M. D. Prof. Hartmut Link, M. D.	Freiburg Göttingen Kaiserslautern
Working Group on Prevention and Integrative Medicine in Oncology (PRiO)	Dr. Jutta Hübner	Frankfurt
Professional Association of Gynecologists	Dr. Klaus König	Steinbach
BQS [Federal Office of Quality Assurance] Institute for Quality and Patient Safety	Dr. Sven Bungard	Düsseldorf
German Professional Association of Pathologists	Prof. Werner Schlake, M. D.	Gelsenkirchen
Working Group on Surgical Oncology (CAO-V)	Prof. Martin Angele, M. D.	Munich
German Society for General and Family Medicine (DEGAM)	Prof. Erika Baum, M. D. Dr. Brigitte Ernst	Marburg Regensburg
German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGGG)	Prof. Bernd Gerber, M. D. Prof. Nadia Harbeck, M. D.	Rostock Munich
German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO)	Prof. Kurt Possinger, M. D.	Berlin
German Society of Palliative Care Medicine (DGP)	Dr. Jan Gärtner Dr. Christina Gerlach	Cologne Mainz
German Society of Pathology (DGP)	Prof. Manfred Dietel, M. D. Prof. Hans Kreipe, M. D. Dr. Annette Lebeau, external lecturer	Berlin Hannover Lübeck, Hamburg
German Society for Radiooncology (DEGRO)	Prof. Wilfried Budach, M. D.	Düsseldorf
German Society of Rehabilitation Sciences (DGRW)	Prof. Hans Helge Bartsch, M. D. Dr. Kerstin Knauth	Freiburg Ratzeburg
German Society of Senology (DGS)	Prof. Wolfgang Janni, M. D. Prof. Christoph Thomssen, M. D.	Ulm Halle
German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM)	Prof. Friedrich Degenhardt, M. D.	Bielefeld
German Radiological Society (DRG)	Prof. Ulrich Bick, M. D.	Berlin
German Association for Physiotherapy, Central Association of Physiotherapists (ZVK)	Ulla Henscher Hannelore Ruppert	Hannover Cologne
Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer	Prof. Rita Schmutzler, M. D.	Cologne
Womenʼs Self-Help after Cancer	Hilde Schulte	Neukirchen
Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery (DGPRÄC)	Prof. Christoph Heitmann, M. D. Dr. Mario Marx	Munich Radebeul
Conference of Oncology and Pediatric Nursing (KOK)	Kerstin Paradies	Hamburg
Munich Tumor Registry (TRM)	Prof. Jutta Engel, M. D.	Munich
Womenʼs Health Coalition (WHC)	Irmgard Naß-Griegoleit	Darmstadt

Experts

Name	Town/city
Prof. Matthias W. Beckmann, M. D.	Erlangen
Prof. Andreas Buck, M. D.	Würzburg
Prof. Jutta Engel, M. D.	Munich
Anita Feller	Göttingen
Prof. Max Geraedts, M. D.	Witten
Andrea Hahne	Bad Münder
Prof. Sylvia Heywang-Köbrunner, M. D.	Munich
Prof. Christian Jackisch, M. D.	Offenbach
Dr. Monika Klinkhammer-Schalke	Berlin
Prof. Nicolai Maass, M. D.	Aachen
Prof. Alfons Meindl, D.Sc.	Munich
Prof. Volker Möbus, M. D.	Frankfurt
Karen Pottkämper	Göttingen
Kerstin Rhiem, PD Dr.	Cologne
Prof. Andreas Schneeweiss, M. D.	Heidelberg
Prof. Ingrid Schreer, M. D.	Kiel
Dr. Nicole Skoetz	Cologne
Prof. Michael Untch, M. D.	Berlin
Prof. Gunter von Minckwitz, M. D.	Neu-Isenburg
Prof. Uwe Wagner, M. D.	Marburg

1.6.2 Group leaders, working parties and reviewers

Chapters/topical emphasis		Spokespersons, (reviewers), working group
Chapter 3 General
3.1	Patient information and education	Albert, (Wöckel), Ernst, König, Kreienberg, Naß-Griegoleit, Schulte, Weis
3.2	Early detection, mammographic screening	Schreer, (Albert), Baum, Bick, Degenhardt, Engel, Heywang-Köbrunner, Hölzel, König, Madjar, Schmutzler
3.3	Women at increased risk of developing breast cancer	Schmutzler, (Bick), Albert, Hahne, Lebeau, Madjar, Meindl, Rhiem, Schreer
Chapter 4 Locoregional primary disease
4.1	General diagnostic and therapeutic concepts	Steering group
4.2	Pretherapeutic diagnosis in patients with abnormal or suspicious breast findings	Kühn, (Albert), Bick, Degenhardt, Kreienberg, Kreipe, Lebeau, Madjar, Schreer
4.3	Preinvasive neoplasms	Kreipe/Beckmann, (Lebeau/Dietel), Albert, Harbeck, Kühn, Marx, Schlake, Schreer, Souchon
4.4	Surgical treatment of invasive carcinoma	Blohmer, (Kühn), Angele, Budach, Dietel, Engel, Kreienberg, Lebeau, Marx, Scharl, Souchon, Wagner
4.5	Pathomorphological study	Lebeau, (Kreipe/Dietel), Harbeck, Janni, Schlake, Thomssen
4.6	Adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer	Souchon/Dunst, (Thomssen), Blohmer, Budach, Hölzel, Kühn, Untch
4.7	Systemic adjuvant therapy (endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and antibody therapy)
4.7.1	Choice of adjuvant therapy and risk assessment	Kreienberg, Gerber, Harbeck, Possinger, Thomssen
4.7.2	Endocrine therapy	Possinger, (Maass), Emons, Scharl
4.7.3	Chemotherapy	Harbeck, (Möbus), Janni, Possinger
4.7.4	Neoadjuvant (primary systemic) therapy (NACT or PST)	Gerber, (v. Minckwitz), Marschner, Untch
4.7.5	Antibody therapy	Thomssen, (Schneeweiss), Jackisch
4.7.6	Bisphosphonates	Thomssen, (Schneeweiss), Jackisch
4.8	Management of primary local or locoregional advanced tumors	Steering group
Chapter 5 Recurrent or metastatic breast cancer
5.1	Definition and prognosis	Steering group
5.2	Diagnostic procedures for local or locoregional recurrence	Bick, (Scharl), Blohmer, Buck, Degenhardt, Madjar
5.3	Treatment of local/locoregional recurrence	Dunst, (Kühn), Angele, Blohmer, Dietel, Heitmann, Marx, Gerber
5.4	Distant metastases	Marschner, (Emons), Angele, Dunst, Harbeck, Possinger, Thomssen
Chapter 6 Treatment, care and support
6.1	General concept	Steering group
6.2	Psychosocial aspects and psycho-oncology	Weis/Beckmann, (Scharl), Albert, Bartsch, Ernst, Faller, König, Naß-Griegoleit, Schulte
6.3	Supportive therapy	Link, (Follmann), Baum, Emons, Henscher, Ruppert, Skoetz
6.4	Rehabilitation	Bartsch, (Schulte), Baum, Henscher, Knauth, Ruppert
6.5	Follow-up care including diagnostic workup of recurrences and metastases and support during therapy	Janni, (Beckmann), Hölzel, König, Naß-Griegoleit, Paradies, Schulte, Souchon, Thomssen, Weis
6.6	Palliative medicine	Gärtner, (Schulte), Beckmann, Gerlach, Naß-Griegoleit
6.7	Complementary therapy	Hübner, Naß-Grigoleit, Schulte, Albert, Wöckel
6.8	Documentation	Engel, Hölzel, Klinkhammer-Schalke, Pottkämper
Chapter 7 Care coordination and quality management		Wagner, (Kopp), Albert, Beckmann, Bungard, Engel, Ernst, Follmann, Geraedts, Hölzel, Klinkhammer-Schalke, Lebeau, Souchon, Thomssen, Pottkaemper, Feller, Wesselmann, Wöckel

1.6.3 Consulting

1. Leitlinienprogramm Onkologie

   • Prof. Dr. Ina Kopp, Marburg (AWMF)

   • Dr. Markus Follmann, MPH MSc, Berlin (DKG)

2. External partner:

   • Ärztliches Zentrum fur Qualität in der Medizin (ÄZQ), Berlin

   • Donau-Universität Krems, Department fur Evidenzbasierte Medizin und

   • Klinische Epidemiologie

   • Deutsches Cochrane Zentrum, Cochrane Haematological Malignancies Group

3. Medical society:

   • Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft e. V. (DKG)

   • Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Gynakologie und Geburtshilfe (DGGG)

1.7 Abbreviations used

Abbreviation	Explanation
ACR	American College of Radiology
ADH	Atypical (intra-)ductal hyperplasia
AI	Aromatase inhibitor
APBI	Accelerated partial breast irradiation
ASCO	American Society of Clinical Oncology
BCT	Breast-conserving therapy
BI-RADS	Breast imaging reporting and data system
CAD	Computer-aided detection
CAP	College of American Pathologists
CISH	Chromogenic in-situ hybridization
DCIS	Ductal carcinoma in situ
DFS	Disease-free survival
DGS	Deutsche Gesellschaft für Senologie – German Society of Senology
DKG	Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft – German Cancer Society
EBM	Evidence-based medicine
EORTC	European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer
FISH	Fluorescence in-situ hybridization
FN	Febrile neutropenia
HER2	Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
ITC	Isolated tumor cells
IORT	Intraoperative radiotherapy
CE-MRI	Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
LCIS	Lobular carcinoma in situ
LIN	Lobular intraepithelial neoplasia
LOE	Level of evidence
MRM	Modified radical mastectomy
MRI	Magnetic resonance imaging
NACT	Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
NCCN	National Comprehensive Cancer Network
NHSBSP	National Coordinating Group for Breast Screening Pathology
NICE	National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
NOS	Not otherwise specified
NZGG	New Zealand Guidelines Group
OS	Overall survival
PBI	Partial breast irradiation
pCR	Pathological complete remission
PCR	polymerase chain reaction
SLNB	Sentinel lymph node biopsy
RT	Radiotherapy
UDH	Intraductal hyperplasia
UICC	Union internationale contre le cancer
WHO	World Health Organization

2 Notices

2.1 Special notice

Health care is in a continous process of evolution, so that all information, particularly about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, is only as good as the state of knowledge at the time the guidelines are printed. The greatest possible care has been taken over the recommendations given for treatment and the choice and dosage of medications. Nevertheless, users are asked to consider the manufacturerʼs package leaflet and summary of product characteristics and consult a specialist in case of any doubt. In our general interest, please notify the GGPO editors of any inconsistencies or discrepancies you may find. The user remains personally liable for all diagnostic and therapeutic applications, medications and dosages.

Registered trademarks and brand names are not specifically identified in these care guidelines. It therefore cannot be inferred that a trademark is free merely by the lack of any such reference. This work is protected in whole and in part. Any use that infringes the terms of the law on copyright without written authorization from the GGPO editors is prohibited and a criminal offence. No part of this guideline may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written permission of the GGPO editors. This applies in particular to photocopies, translations and microfilms and to storage, use and processing on electronic systems, intranets and the internet.

3 General

3.1 Patient information and education[]

Info-1	Information material
	The provision of qualified and useful information material (printed or Internet material) should meet defined quality criteria for health information and should provide the patient with easily understood risk information (e.g. specification of absolute risk reductions) to help her arrive at a self-determined decision for or against medical procedures.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2003; Albert US et al. 2008; Klemperer D et al. 2010)

Info-2	Basic principles of patient-centered communication
Grade of recommendation A	When conveying information to the patient, doctors should observe the following basic principles of patient-centered communication, allowing the patient to participate in the decision-making process: Display empathy and listen actively Address difficult topics directly and with empathy Whenever possible, avoid medical terminology, and if medical terms cannot be avoided, they should be explained Employ strategies that improve understanding (e.g. repeating, summarizing the salient points, using graphics, etc.) Encourage the patient to ask questions. Allow and encourage the expression of feelings. Offer further assistance (Cf. Psychooncology)
Level of evidence 1b	(Bruera E et al. 2002; Butow P et al. 2007; Elkin EB et al. 2007; Ford S et al. 2006; NICE 2009a; Politi MC et al. 2007)

Info-3	Consultation to inform the patient about treatment
	The consultation to inform the patient about the treatment should cover the following points at least: Surgical therapy: possibilities for breast-conserving therapy with mandatory radiotherapy as equivalent to mastectomy with different variants of primary and secondary reconstruction or the provision of an external prosthesis Systemic therapy: principles and desired treatment targets of adjuvant or palliative therapy, duration and mode of administration of therapy, its side effects and possible late sequelae, and the treatment options for side effects Radiotherapy: principles and desired treatment targets, duration and follow-up surveillance, possible acute and late sequelae, treatment options for side effects Participation in clinical studies, principles behind the treatment and treatment targets, duration and mode of administration of the therapy, effects and side-effects known to date, special features (e.g. monitoring, additional measures, cooperation, data storage and processing) Other: possibilities for prevention and treatment of therapy-related side effects (e.g. emesis, osteoporosis, lymphedema, etc.), necessity for follow-up care, possibilities for rehabilitation and psycho-oncological support as well as services offered by self-help groups, aspects that are the responsibility of the patient and cooperation (e.g. reporting symptoms and problems, treatment compliance)
GCP	(NZGG 2009)

3.2 Early detection, mammographic screening[]

Early-1	Early detection
	a. Early breast cancer detection is a cross-sectoral task. There should be a quality-assured, interdisciplinary combination of clinical examination, instrument-based diagnosis, surgical exploration and pathomorphological evaluation.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	b. The care chain requires complex and quality-assured medical documentation to unify the whole quality management process.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	c. Cancer registries are as important as they are necessary for the evaluation and quality assurance of early breast cancer detection. All patients diagnosed with breast cancer should therefore be reported to a cancer registry including the relevant details on primary findings and primary therapy. Cancer registries contribute to evaluation and quality assurance through population-related and regionally based analyses of tumor stages and long-term follow-up (recurrences and survival). When an early detection program is instituted or adapted, baseline data should be available for the preceding period.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	d. Examinations for early detection can cause physical and mental stress. This situation must be urgently addressed by careful information and an effective communication strategy.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	e. In the context of early breast cancer detection, information should not just be confined to preformulated texts, but necessitates an informational discussion with the doctor that takes account of the womanʼs preferences, needs, worries and anxieties and allows joint decision-making for informed consent. In the case of mammography screening, information and explanations should be provided to the woman in the first place in writing, with the additional mention of the possibility of a consultation with the doctor in the invitation letter.
	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	f. Health outcome and quality of life should be recorded and evaluated in the long term with particular regard to any false-positive and false-negative findings in the diagnostic chain.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	g. Women should be offered the possibility of discussing their medical history and possible risk factors as part of the statutory early cancer screening.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	h. The main population-related risk factor for the development of breast cancer is advanced age.
Level of evidence 2a	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation B	i. Next to the BRCA1/2 mutation, high mammographic density (ARC3 and 4) is the greatest individual risk factor, so that the limited sensitivity of mammography in this context should be enhanced by an additional ultrasound scan.
Level of evidence 3b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
j. Women aged 70 years and over can be invited to participate in early detection measures, with due regard to the individual risk profile, health status and life expectancy.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	k. Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, or with a high risk defined as a heterozygous risk > 20 % or a permanent lifelong risk of developing the disease > 30 %, should seek advice in specialist centers for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and be counseled about an individual early detection strategy.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	l. Quality-assured mammographic screening at 2-year intervals in women aged between 50 and 70 years old is suited for detecting breast cancer early. At present, it is the only method generally recognized to be effective in detecting early stages of breast cancer or early tumor stages.
Level of evidence 1a	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	m. Self-examination of the breasts, even with regular application and training, is not sufficient as a method on its own for reducing breast cancer mortality.
Level of evidence 1a	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	n. Women should be encouraged through qualified information to familiarize themselves with the normal changes of their own body. These include the appearance and feel of the breast so that the woman can identify any abnormalities herself.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	o. The clinical breast examination, in other words palpation, breast inspection and evaluation of lymphatic flow, should be offered annually as part of the statutory early screening tests for women aged 30 years and over.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	p. Ultrasound on its own is not suitable as a method of early detection.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
B	q. CE-MRI should be utilized as a supplementary method in the presence of a familial increased risk (BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers, or with a high risk defined as a heterozygous risk > 20 % or a permanent lifelong risk of developing the disease > 30 %).
Level of evidence 2a	(Albert US et al. 2008)

Early-2	Mammography
Grade of recommendation B	a. A reduction in breast cancer mortality is also documented for women aged between 40 and 49 years and outweighs the risks resulting from radiation exposure. However, the figure is lower in the age group of women between 50 and 69 years, in whom relatively more false-positive and false-negative findings are obtained. Consequently, the decision should be taken on the basis of an individual risk analysis and a risk-benefit evaluation, as well as with due regard to the womanʼs preferences and objections.
Level of evidence 1b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation B	b. Second opinions on screening mammograms increase the sensitivity of carcinoma detection by 2.9–13.7 % (median 7.8 %). Depending on the decision-making process following a second opinion, the specificity may be reduced (up to 2.1 %) or increased (up to 2.8 %).
Level of evidence 2b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation 0	c. It is not possible on the basis of the currently available study data to determine unequivocally whether the use of CAD systems can replace second opinions.
Level of evidence 3b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	d. The structural, process and outcome quality is regulated for mammography in conjunction with the mammographic screening of women aged between 50 and 69 years.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	e. Structural, process and outcome quality should also be used to the appropriate extent for so-called curative mammography.
Level of evidence 2b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	f. If a mammographic finding of BI-RADS0, III, IV or V is obtained, further investigations should be performed within 5 working days to minimize the mental burden on the woman as far as possible.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008; Madjar H et al. 2003)

Early-3	Biopsies
Grade of recommendation B	a. With interventional, and preferably ultrasound-guided, biopsies, > 3 specimens should be taken using a 16 G needle.
Level of evidence 3b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	b. Stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy should be performed in a standardized way. The access route and needle positioning (stroke margin) must be documented.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	c. The excision of findings detected only on ultrasound should be monitored by intraoperative specimen ultrasound.
Level of evidence 3b	(Albert US et al. 2008)

3.3 Women at increased risk of developing breast cancer

Risk-1	Counseling and genetic testing
	Multidisciplinary counseling and genetic testing should be carried out at special centers if one line of the family includes: at least three women who developed breast cancer at least two women (including one below age 50) who developed breast cancer at least one woman who developed breast cancer and one woman who developed ovarian cancer at least two women who developed ovarian cancer at least one woman who developed breast and ovarian cancer at least one woman who developed breast cancer before age 36 at least one woman who developed cancer in both breasts before age 51 at least one man who developed breast cancer and one woman who developed breast or ovarian cancer.
GCP

Risk-2	Pathology of BRCA1-associated carcinoma of the breast
	a. BRCA1-associated carcinomas of the breast frequently exhibit a characteristic histopathological and immunohistochemical phenotype: invasive carcinoma (NOS) with a growth pattern similar to that of medullary carcinoma G3 morphology negativity for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2/neu (triple negative)
Level of evidence 2a	(Honrado E et al. 2006; Lakhani SR et al. 1998; Lakhani SR et al. 2005)
	b. In cases where these characteristics are present, the pathologist should draw attention to the possibility of an inherited susceptibility.
GCP	(Honrado E et al. 2006; Lakhani SR et al. 1998; Lakhani SR et al. 2005)

Risk-3	Intensified early detection
* i.e. confirmed pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, or a permanent risk of developing the disease of 30 % or more, or a heterozygous risk of 20 % or more.
	Early detection measures in patients with a high* familial risk include: Palpation of the breast by the doctor (every 6 months; from the age of 25 or 5 years before the earliest age of onset of the disease in the family) Ultrasound examination of the breast (every 6 months; from the age of 25 or 5 years before the earliest age of onset of the disease in the family) Mammography of the breast (every 12 months; from the age of 30, for subjects with a high mammary gland density (ACR4) from the age of 35) MRI of the breast (every 12 months; from the age of 25 or 5 years before the earliest age of onset of the disease in the family, usually only up to age 55 or until involution of the glandular parenchyma (ACRI-II), cycle-dependently in premenopausal women).
GCP	(Consortium of familial breast and ovarian cancer)

Risk-4	Treatment of BRCA-associated carcinoma of the breast
	The treatment of BRCA-associated carcinoma of the breast is based on the guideline recommendations for sporadic carcinoma of the breast.
GCP

Risk-5	Primary prevention
Grade of recommendation B	Women with pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 should be offered a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Bilateral prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (usually around the age of 40) is recommended.
Level of evidence 3a	(Bermejo-Perez MJ et al. 2007; Calderon-Margalit R et al. 2004; Christiaens M et al. 2007; Cochrane: Lostumbo L et al. 2010; Domchek SM et al. 2006; Evans DG et al. 2009a; NZGG 2009)

4 Locoregional Primary Disease

4.1 General diagnostic and therapeutic concepts

(no statements)

4.2 Pretherapeutic diagnosis in patients with abnormal or suspicious breast findings

4.2.1 Basic diagnostic workup[]

Stag-1	Basic diagnostic workup
Grade of recommendation A	a. Necessary baseline examinations include: clinical breast examination: Breast inspection and palpation of breast and lymphatic drainage areas Mammography Ultrasound If the clinical breast examination produces abnormal findings, diagnostic imaging and histological examination should be performed to complete the diagnostic workup.
Level of evidence 1a	(NICE 2009b; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	b. For the investigation of symptomatic findings in women under age 40, sonography is the imaging method of first choice.
Level of evidence 3b	(Nothacker M et al. 2007)
Grade of recommendation B	c. The effects of endogenous and exogenous hormones should be taken into account during the performance and interpretation of diagnostic procedures.
Level of evidence 2b	(Albert US et al. 2008; Houssami N et al. 2009)

Stag-2	Mammography
Grade of recommendation A	a. For the investigation of abnormal clinical findings in women under age 40, mammography is the imaging method of first choice.
Level of evidence 1a	(NICE 2009b; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	b. In high mammographic density (ARC3 and 4), the sensitivity of mammography is limited and should be enhanced by an additional ultrasound scan.
Level of evidence 3b	(Nothacker M et al. 2007; Nothacker M et al. 2009)

Stag-3	Ultrasonography
	a. Sonography is a supplementary study performed to investigate indeterminate lesions. (clinical/mammographic).
Level of evidence 1a	(Albert US et al. 2008; NICE 2009b; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	b. Sonography should be used to especially to investigate clinically non-palpable mammographic lesions with the classifications BI-RADS0, III, IV and V.
Level of evidence 2b	(NICE 2009b; Nothacker M et al. 2007)
Grade of recommendation A	c. The aim of standardized breast sonography is the systematic and reproducible examination of both breasts and the axilla. The findings must be documented in a reproducible manner.
Level of evidence 2b	(Albert US et al. 2008; Madjar H et al. 2006; Madjar H 2010; NCCN 2011)
	d. Structural and process quality, as well as quality of outcomes, should also be demonstrated as a prerequisite for the use of breast sonography.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008; Madjar H et al. 2006)

Stag-4	MRI with contrast medium
Grade of recommendation A	a. A contrast-enhanced MRI of the breasts should not be routinely performed for pretherapeutic diagnosis.
Level of evidence 1a	(Houssami N et al. 2008; NICE 2009b; NZGG 2009; Turnbull L et al. 2010)
	b. A CE-MRI should only be performed if an MRI-guided intervention is a possible option.
GCP

4.2.2 Imaging methods

4.2.3 Diagnostic confirmation[]

Stag-5	Imaging-guided minimally invasive biopsy
Grade of recommendation A	a. The histological diagnostic investigation of unclear findings should be carried out via core biopsy, vacuum-assisted biopsy or excision biopsy. Core biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy can be performed mammographically and guided by ultrasound. Any interventions should be performed taking current quality recommendations into consideration.
Level of evidence 3a	(Albert US et al. 2008; NICE 2009b)
Grade of recommendation A	b. Fine-needle biopsy should not be employed as the standard method for diagnostic confirmation of solid breast tumors.
Level of evidence 2b	(Albert US et al. 2008; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009b)
Grade of recommendation A	c. In mammographic classification BI-RADS IV and V, intervention-guided tissue biopsy for histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis and for therapeutic planning should be performed using the imaging procedure which best represents the findings and is the least invasive.
Level of evidence 3a	(Albert US et al. 2008; NICE 2009b
Grade of recommendation A	d. In the presence of microcalcifications without an accompanying focal lesion, stereotactically guided vacuum-assisted biopsy should preferably be performed.
Level of evidence 2b	(Nothacker M et al. 2007)
	e. Vacuum-assisted biopsy should also be used for MRI-guided tissue sampling.
GCP
	f. Following minimally invasive imaging-guided tissue sampling, the results should be verified by correlating the results of the imaging diagnostic studies with the histopathological findings.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008; Del Turco MR et al. 2010)
	g. If the histopathological examination reveals a benign lesion according to BI-RADS classification IV or V, a follow-up imaging study should be performed with the appropriate imaging method in 6–12 monthsʼ time. The quality requirements set down in the Stage 3 Guidelines for Early Breast Cancer Detection in Germany must be observed.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation 0	h. When primary clinical and/or radiological findings suggest that axillary lymph nodes are involved, an imaging-guided core biopsy can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure for cytohistological diagnostics to avoid superfluous axillary surgeries.
Level of evidence 3a	(NICE 2009b)

Stag-6	Open excisional biopsy
	a. Primary, open diagnostic excision biopsy should only be performed in exceptional cases, as when an imaging-guided intervention is not possible or too risky.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008; Gruber R et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	b. In the case of non-palpable changes, it is always important to perform preoperative marking. Adequate resection via imaging methods must also be demonstrated.
Level of evidence 3b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	c. During the preoperative wire marking of non-palpable lesions, the wire should penetrate the focal lesion and project beyond the lesion by less than 1 cm. In cases where the wire does not penetrate the focal lesion, the distance between the wire and the margin of the lesion should be ≤ 1 cm. In non-space-occupying processes, marking of the surgically relevant target volume may be useful.
Level of evidence 3b	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	d. The material collected during the operation should be clearly marked and sent to the pathologists without any incision of the tissue material obtained.
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)
	e. An intraoperative decision as to whether a lesion is benign or malignant on the basis of a frozen section should be made only in exceptional cases. Prerequisites for a frozen section of surgical specimens are: The lesion is palpable intraoperatively and in the specimen The lesion is sufficiently large (generally > 10 mm)
GCP	(Albert US et al. 2008)

4.2.4 Staging

Stag-7	Staging
Grade of recommendation A	In patients with locally advanced carcinomas and in cases where metastasis is suspected, the following individual studies should be performed for staging prior to the institution of treatment: chest x-ray ultrasound examination of the liver bone scan
Level of evidence 5	(Alderson PO et al. 1983; Crump M et al. 1996; NICE 2009b; NZGG 2009)

4.3 Preinvasive neoplasms

Preinv-1	Therapeutic concept for preinvasive lesions
	Once a histological finding has been established from a core/vacuum-assisted biopsy, the therapeutic strategy for preinvasive neoplasms should be elaborated by an interdisciplinary team consisting of a specialist in diagnostic radiology, a surgeon and a pathologist.
GCP	(NCCN 2011)

Preinv-2	Therapeutic concept for preinvasive lesions
	An individualized treatment strategy should be elaborated for and offered to every patient with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) without invasive portions. The patient must be briefed on the arguments for and against the particular therapies and combinations of these therapies, as well as on the advantages with respect to the likelihood of local recurrence and the absence of an effect on the probability of survival.
GCP	(NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)

Preinv-3	Operation
Grade of recommendation A	a. The resection margin is an important prognostic factor in DCIS. The tumor-free distance to the excision margin should be at least 2 mm whenever postoperative radiation therapy is planned.
Level of evidence 2b	(Dunne C et al. 2009; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	b. In DCIS, axillary dissection should not be performed. A sentinel node biopsy should only be performed when a secondary sentinel node biopsy is not possible for technical reasons.
Level of evidence 1b	(Christiaens M et al. 2007; NZGG 2009)

Preinv-4	Radiotherapy
Grade of recommendation A	a. Postoperative radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for DCIS lowers the rate of invasive and non-invasive local recurrences without any demonstrable effect on overall survival.
Level of evidence 1a	(Bijker N et al. 2006; Clarke M et al. 2005; Cochrane: Goodwin A et al. 2009; Cutuli B et al. 2002; Cuzick J et al. 2011; EBCTCG: Correa C et al. 2010; Emdin SO et al. 2006; Holmberg L et al. 2008)
Grade of recommendation A	b. The absolute risk reduction in the local recurrence rate by radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for DCIS depends on individual factors.
Level of evidence 1b	(Baxter NN et al. 2005; Boyages J et al. 1999; Cochrane: Goodwin A et al. 2009; Cuzick J et al. 2011; EBCTCG: Correa C et al. 2010; Houghton J et al. 2003; Omlin A et al. 2006; Shelley W et al. 2006; Smith BD et al. 2006)

Preinv-5	Pharmacotherapy
	Tamoxifen can lower the risk for an ipsilateral and contralateral recurrence of a DCIS. There is no effect on survival. The decision for the adjuvant use of tamoxifen should be made individually after weighing the benefits and sideeffects.
GCP	(Fisher B et al. 1999; Fisher B et al. 2001b; Houghton J et al. 2003)

4.4 Surgical treatment of invasive carcinoma

4.4.1 General recommendation[]

Surg-1	Tumor resection
	a. Tumor excision with a negative resection margin (R0 status) is the basis of therapy for all non-advanced breast carcinomas.
GCP	(Blichert-Toft M et al. 1998; Renton SC et al. 1996)
	b. The resection margin status has a prognostic effect in invasive breast carcinoma. There is a significant relationship between the resection margin status (positive vs. close vs. negative) and the local recurrence rate.
Level of evidence 3a	(Houssami N et al. 2010)

Surg-2	Minimum safety distance
Grade of recommendation A	For this reason, the minimum safety distance in invasive breast carcinoma between the tumor (invasive carcinoma and associated DCIS) and the resection margin should be at least 1 mm.
Level of evidence 3a	(Houssami N et al. 2010; NZGG 2009)

4.4.2 Breast-conserving treatment

Surg-3	Breast-conserving treatment
	a. The objective of surgical treatment is removal of the tumor. Breast-conserving treatment (BCT) followed by radiotherapy of the whole breast is equivalent in terms of survival to modified radical mastectomy (MRM) alone.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 1995; Fisher B et al. 2001; Veronesi U et al. 2002; Wald NJ et al. 1995; Weaver DL et al. 2000)
	b. For this reason, all patients should be briefed on the options of breast-conserving treatment (BCT) and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with the possibility of primary or secondary reconstruction.
GCP	(NZGG 2009)

4.4.3 Mastectomy

Surg-4	Modified radical mastectomy
Grade of recommendation A	The following constitute indications for modified radical mastectomy: diffuse, extensive calcifications of the malignant type multicentricity incomplete removal of the tumor (including the intraductal component), even after repeat excision inflammatory carcinoma of the breast, (including following neoadjuvant treatment) likelihood of an unsatisfactory cosmetic result with breast-conserving treatment postoperative radiotherapy clinically contraindicated after breast-conserving treatment patientʼs informed preference
Level of evidence 2b	(Fisher B et al. 1994; NZGG 2009; Voogd AC et al. 2001)

4.4.4 Plastic reconstructive procedures

Surg-5	Breast reconstruction
Grade of recommendation A	Every patient due to undergo a mastectomy should be informed about the possibility of immediate or later breast reconstruction or of not having any reconstructive procedure at all; contact with other patients or self-help groups or organizations should also be offered.
Level of evidence 2b	(Lanitis S et al. 2010; NICE 2009; Potter S et al. 2011)

4.4.5 Surgical treatment of the axilla[]

Surg-6	Surgical treatment of the axilla
	a. Determination of the histological node status (pN status) is part of the surgical treatment of invasive breast cancer. This should be done by means of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).
GCP	(Kuehn T et al. 2005; Lyman GH et al. 2005; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
	b. SLNB is equivalent to axillary dissection in terms of local control in SLN-negative patients.
Level of evidence 1b	(Krag DN et al. 2010; NZGG 2009)
	c. Morbidity after SLNB is significantly reduced compared with axillary dissection.
Level of evidence 1a	(Fleissig A et al. 2006; Mansel RE et al. 2006; NICE 2009; Veronesi U et al. 2003)
	d. Axillary dissection must be performed in patients in whom no SLN is detected.
GCP
Grade of recommendation A	e. In patients who exhibit a positive SLN (macrometastasis), axillary dissection with removal of at least 10 lymph nodes from levels I and II is indicated.
Level of evidence 1b	(NZGG 2009)
	f. For patients with pT1-pT2/cN0 tumors undergoing breast-conserving surgery followed by tangential field irradiation and who exhibit one or two positive sentinel lymph nodes, there is the option of refraining from axillary dissection.
GCP	(Giuliano AE et al. 2010)
	g. This procedure requires extensive preliminary information and briefing of the patient. The process and outcome quality must be evaluated prospectively in conjunction with quality assuring measures.
GCP
	h. Axillary dissection is not necessary if only micrometastases are present.
GCP

Surg-7	Removal of sentinel lymph nodes
	If the sentinel lymph node is removed, the quality criteria of the medical associations must be met.
GCP	(Kuehn T et al. 2005; Lyman GH et al. 2005; NICE 2009)

4.5 Pathomorphological examination

4.5.1 Preliminary remarks

(no statements)

4.5.2 General principles

Patho-1	General principles for surgical material
	The surgical material should be identified with unambiguous topographical markings and sent to the pathologist without the prior removal of any tissue by the clinician or surgeon (or others).
GCP	(Amendoeira I 2006b; NCCN 2011)

Patho-2	Histological classification of invasive carcinomas
	All invasive carcinomas must be classified histologically (according to WHO 2003).
GCP	(Amendoeira I 2006b; NCCN 2011; NHMRC2001; The Association of Breast Surgery at BASO RCoSoE 2005; WHO 2003)

Patho-3	Grading of invasive carcinomas
	All invasive carcinomas are to be graded according to the WHO system (Elston and Ellis modification of the Bloom and Richardson grading (Elston CW et al. 1991)).
GCP	(Amendoeira I 2006b; NCCN 2011; NHMRC2001; The Association of Breast Surgery at BASO RCoSoE 2005; UICC2010; WHO 2003)

Patho-4	Hormone receptor (ER/PgR) and HER2 status of invasive carcinomas
Grade of recommendation A	a. In patients with invasive breast carcinoma, the primary diagnostic procedures should include determination of the estrogen and progesterone receptor status and of the HER2 status, preferably directly on the core biopsy.
Level of evidence 2a	(Hammond ME et al. 2010; ICSI 2005; NCCN 2011; NHMRC2001; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009; Wolff AC et al. 2007a)
	b. The estrogen and progesterone receptor status should be determined by immunohistochemistry assay. The percentages of positive tumor cell nuclei and the mean color intensity should be stated for each receptor type. In addition, scores can be calculated, in which case the procedure used should be specified (Allred (Quick) Score, Immunoreactive Score of Remmele and Stegner). At least 1 % positive tumor cell nuclei are required for classification as ER- or PgR-positive.
GCP	(Hammond ME et al. 2010; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009
Grade of recommendation A	c. HER2 positivity as a precondition for trastuzumab therapy is defined as protein overexpression with a score of 3+ demonstrated by immunohistochemistry assay, or gene amplification demonstrated preferably by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH).
Level of evidence 1b	(Carlson RW et al. 2006; Crump M 2005; NCCN 2011; NCRI 2005; Nothacker M et al. 2007; Wolff AC et al. 2007a)
	d. It must be ensured that the detection method used to determine the hormone receptor and HER2 status is reliable. This involves internal test validation, the use of standardized protocols and internal controls, and regular successful participation in external quality assurance measures.
GCP	(Carlson RW et al. 2006; Hammond ME et al. 2010; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009; Wolff AC et al. 2007a)

Patho-5.1	Prognosis and prediction
	The tumor characteristics and the patientʼs situation must be documented in order to be able to assess the course of the disease (prognosis) and the expected effect of systemic therapies (prediction). The following should be documented as prognostic factors:
Grade of recommendation A	a. pTNM status (tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastasis)
Level of evidence 1a	(Bundred NJ 2001; Carter CL et al. 1989; NCCN 2011; NZGG 2009; Page DL et al. 1992; Page DL et al. 1998; Rosen PP et al. 1991; Rosen PP et al. 1993)
Grade of recommendation A	b. Resection margin (R classification) and safety distances
Level of evidence 1b	(Bundred NJ 2001; Kurtz JM et al. 1989; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009; Park CC et al. 2000)
Grade of recommendation A	c. histological type
Level of evidence 2b	(Fisher ER et al. 1990; NCCN 2011; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	d. tumor grade
Level of evidence 2a	(Elston CW et al. 1991; NCCN 2011; NZGG 2009)
	The following should be documented as prognostic factors: e. Lymphatic and vascular invasion (Lx, Vx)
Level of evidence 2b	(Colleoni M et al. 2007; Gasparini G et al. 1994; Kato T et al. 2003; NCCN 2011; NZGG 2009)
	f. Age
GCP
Grade of recommendation 0	g. In the case of node-negative breast cancers, the determination of tumor concentrations of uPA and PAI-1 by ELISA can provide additional prognostic information.
Level of evidence 1a	(Harbeck N et al. 2009; Harris L et al. 2007; Janicke F et al. 2001; Look MP et al. 2002)
	The following predictive factors for adjuvant therapy should be documented:
Grade of recommendation A	h. Estrogen/progesterone receptor status for hormone therapy
Level of evidence 1a	(Bundred NJ 2001; EBCTCG 1992; EBCTCG 1998; NCCN 2011; Osborne CK 1998)
Grade of recommendation A	i. HER2/neu status for targeted anti-HER2 treatment
Level of evidence 1b	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; Nothacker M et al. 2007; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	j. Menopausal status for use of antiestrogen therapy.
Level of evidence 1c	(EBCTCG 2000; NCCN 2011)
	k. The prognostic and predictive value of the proliferation marker Ki-67 is not sufficiently documented. Outside of studies, therefore, it cannot be used clinically for subtyping ER-positive breast cancers (e.g. Ki-67 < 14 %: luminal A; Ki-67 ≥ 14 %: luminal B) as a basis for deciding on the use of systemic treatment.
GCP	(de Azambuja E et al. 2007; Dowsett M et al. 2011; Stuart-Harris R et al. 2008; Yerushalmi R et al. 2010)
	l. The use of gene expression analyses – PCR-based or by microarray – for evaluation of the prognosis or response to treatment (prediction) is not sufficiently validated for routine use and can therefore not be recommended.
GCP	(EGAPP Working Group 2009; Marchionni L et al. 2008; Paik S et al. 2004; Paik S et al. 2006)

Patho-5.2	Predictive factors in connection with neoadjuvant systemic treatment
Grade of recommendation A	Predictive factors that should be taken into account before administering neoadjuvant systemic treatment because they hold significant predictive value for the occurrence of a pathological complete remission (pCR)§: Age cT cN histological type histological grading ER and PgR status HER2 status
Level of evidence 1a	(von Minckwitz G et al. 2011)

Patho-6	Frozen section examination
	An intraoperative decision as to whether a lesion is benign or malignant on the basis of a frozen section should be made only in exceptional cases. Prerequisites for a frozen section of surgical specimens are: The lesion is palpable intraoperatively and in the specimen The lesion is sufficiently large (generally > 10 mm)
GCP	(Amendoeira I 2006b; NHMRC2001; NZGG 2009; OʼHiggins N et al. 1998)

4.5.3 Percutaneous biopsies used in connection with interventional diagnostic procedures

(no statements)

4.5.4 Excisional biopsies

(no statements)

4.5.5 Mastectomy specimens

(no statements)

4.5.6 Lymph nodes

Patho-7	Lymph node status
	The lymph node status is determined on the basis of histological examination of all the lymph nodes removed. Documentation of the following is mandatory: number of lymph nodes removed and involved, capsule penetration, pN category (according to TNM classification, 76th Edition, UICC20 022010).
GCP	(ICSI 2005; NHMRC2001; NZGG 2009; The Association of Breast Surgery at BASO RCoSoE 2005; UICC2010)

4.6 Adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer

4.6.1 Radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgical treatment[]

RT-1	Radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgical treatment (general)
Grade of recommendation A	In patients with invasive carcinoma, irradiation of the affected breast is indicated after breast-conserving surgery.
Level of evidence 1a	(Clarke M et al. 2005; EBCTCG 2011: Darby S et al. 2011; EBMG 2006; Harnett A et al. 2009; NZGG 2009; Peto R 2006)

RT-2	Administration of radiotherapy after breast-conserving therapy (BCT)
Grade of recommendation A	a. The target volume of percutaneous adjuvant radiotherapy should encompass the entire residual breast and the adjoining chest wall.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 2011: Darby S et al. 2011; EBMG 2006; NCCN 2007; NHMRC2001; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009; SIGN 2005)
Grade of recommendation A	b. The dose should be approx. 50 Gy in conventional fractionation (5 × 1.8–2.0 Gy/week).
Level of evidence 1a	(Clarke M et al. 2005; EBCTCG 2011: Darby S et al. 2011; EBMG 2006; NCCN 2011; NHMRC2001; Peto R 2006; SIGN 2005)
Grade of recommendation B	c. In older patients without locoregional lymph node involvement and with tumors < 5 cm who do not require chemotherapy, hypofractionated regimens can also be used as an alternative to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for percutaneous homogeneous irradiation of the breast (e.g., 5 × 2.666 Gy per week up to 40 Gy).
Level of evidence 1a	(Goldhirsch A et al. 2011; Harnett A 2010; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; Smith BD et al. 2011a; Whelan TJ et al. 2010)
Grade of recommendation A	d. The application of a local booster dose (boost irradiation) to the tumor bed reduces the rate of local recurrence in the breast without conferring an advantage in terms of survival. Boost irradiation is generally indicated. The recommended boost dose is (10–)16 Gy in conventional fractionation (5 × 1.8–2.0 Gy/week).
Level of evidence 1a	(Antonini N et al. 2007; Bartelink H et al. 2007; Jones HA et al. 2009; Livi L et al. 2009; Poortmans P 2007; Poortmans PM et al. 2008; Poortmans PM et al. 2009; Romestaing P et al. 1997; Romestaing P et al. 2009; Sautter-Bihl ML et al. 2007; SIGN 2005)
Grade of recommendation C	e. In postmenopausal patients with a very low risk of local recurrence (in particular, age > 60 years, small tumors and favorable prognostic factors), the absolute advantage conferred by boost irradiation is small. In this subgroup, the administration of boost irradiation may be omitted if necessary.
Level of evidence 2a	(EBCTCG 2011: Darby S et al. 2011; NZGG 2009)

4.6.2 Partial breast irradiation

RT-3	Radiotherapy confined to parts of the breast (partial breast irradiation, PBI) as the sole form of irradiation, including intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) alone
	Partial breast irradiation as the sole form of intraoperative or postoperative radiation treatment is not standard therapy
Level of evidence 3b	(NCCN 2006; NCCN 2007)

4.6.3 Radiotherapy of the chest wall after mastectomy[]

RT-4	Radiotherapy of the chest wall after mastectomy
	a. Postoperative radiotherapy of the chest wall after mastectomy reduces the risk of locoregional recurrence.
Level of evidence 1a	(Clarke M et al. 2005; EBMG 2006; NCCN 2011; NHMRC2001; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009; Peto R 2006; Shafiq J et al. 2007; SIGN 2005; Whelan T et al. 2007)
	b. In patients with a high risk of a local recurrence, overall survival is also improved.
Level of evidence 1a	(Clarke M et al. 2005; Darby S et al. 2009; Fernando SA et al. 2007; Gebski V et al. 2006; Harris EE 2008; Jagsi R et al. 2009; Kyndi M et al. 2008b; Kyndi M et al. 2008a; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; Nielsen HM et al. 2006a; Nielsen HM et al. 2006b; NZGG 2009; Overgaard M et al. 2007; Peto R 2006; Poortmans P 2007; Rowell NP 2009; Rowell NP 2010; Voordeckers M et al. 2009; Whelan T et al. 2007)
	c. Postoperative radiotherapy of the chest wall after mastectomy is therefore indicated in the following situations:
Grade of recommendation A	T3/T4
Level of evidence 1a	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation B	pT3 pN0 R0 only in the presence of other risk factors (lymphatic vessel invasion, G3 grade, close resection margin, premenopausal status, age < 50 years)
Level of evidence 2b	(Floyd SR et al. 2009; Kunkler I 2010; McCammon R et al. 2008; Rowell NP 2009; Russell NS et al. 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	R1-/R2 resection and no possibility of a complete repeat resection
Level of evidence 1a	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	pN+ (> 3 lymph nodes)
Level of evidence 1a	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	d. After primary (neoadjuvant) systemic therapy, the indication for radiotherapy should be based on the pretherapeutic T and N category, regardless of the degree of response to the primary systemic therapy.
Level of evidence 2a	(Buchholz TA et al. 2002; Buchholz TA et al. 2008; Buchholz TA 2009; Garg AK et al. 2007; Goldhirsch A et al. 2009; Huang EH et al. 2006; Kaufmann M et al. 2003; Kaufmann M et al. 2010; NCCN 2007; NCCN 2011)

4.6.4 Radiotherapy of the regional lymphatic drainage system[]

RT-5	Radiotherapy of the regional lymphatic drainage system
Grade of recommendation A	a. In a pN0 situation, the regional lymphatic drainage areas should not undergo adjuvant irradiation.
Level of evidence 3b	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009)
	b. Radiotherapy of the axilla is recommended only in the following situations:
Grade of recommendation A	residual tumor in the axilla
Level of evidence 2b	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009; SIGN 2005; Truong PT et al. 2004; Truong PT et al. 2005b)
Grade of recommendation A	unequivocal clinical involvement and in the absence of axillary dissection.
Level of evidence 3b	(NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	c. The benefit of radiotherapy of the regional lymphatic drainage channels following detection of isolated tumor cells or micrometastases in regional lymph nodes (pNmic) is not substantiated and therefore it should not be performed.
Level of evidence 3b	(de Boer M et al. 2009; de Boer M et al. 2010; Lupe K et al. 2011; Tjan-Heijnen VC et al. 2009; Truong PT et al. 2008)
	d. Radiotherapy of the internal mammary lymph node drainage region should not be performed.
GCP	(NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
	e. Radiotherapy of the supraclavicular and infraclavicular lymphatic drainage channels is recommended in the following situations:
Grade of recommendation B	patients with > 3 positive axillary lymph nodes (> pN2a)
Level of evidence 1b	(NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation B	level III axillary involvement
Level of evidence 3b	(NZGG 2009; SIGN 2005)
Grade of recommendation B	where irradiation of the axilla is indicated (residual tumor in the axilla)
Level of evidence 3b	(NZGG 2009; SIGN 2005)
	f. The indication for radiotherapy of the regional lymph drainage channels following primary systemic therapy should be dependent on the pretherapeutic baseline situation and independent of the response of the tumor manifestations to systemic therapy.
Level of evidence 3b	(Buchholz TA et al. 2002; Garg AK et al. 2007; Huang EH et al. 2006; Kaufmann M et al. 2010; McGuire SE et al. 2007; NCCN 2011)
	g. Where irradiation of lymphatic drainage areas is indicated, radiotherapy is administered with approx. 50 Gy in conventional fractionation (5 × 1.8–2.0 Gy/week). For irradiation of the supraclavicular lymphatic drainage region, a single dose of 1.8 Gy should be preferred.
GCP

4.6.5 Radiotherapy of advanced or inoperable tumors

RT-6	Radiotherapy for locally very advanced tumors and primary inoperability
Grade of recommendation A	a. Primary systemic therapy followed by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy is recommended for patients with primarily inoperable or inflammatory carcinomas.
Level of evidence 1b	(Kaufmann M et al. 2003; Kaufmann M et al. 2010; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009
	b. If systemic therapy fails to achieve operability, radiotherapy – possibly in combination with simultaneous systemic therapy – is indicated.
GCP	(Kaufmann M et al. 2003; Kaufmann M et al. 2010; NCCN 2007; NCCN 2011; Shenkier T et al. 2004; Truong PT et al. 2004)

4.6.6 Sequencing of chemotherapy, antibody therapy, systemic endocrine therapy and hormonal therapy

RT-7	Sequencing of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Grade of recommendation B	The superiority of a particular chronological sequence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has not been sufficiently established. As a basic rule, the postoperative sequence depends on the type of recurrence most likely to occur, especially since the optimal time is not sufficiently substantiated.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Hickey BE et al. 2006; Kaufmann M et al. 2010; NCCN 2011; NICE 2009; Poortmans P 2007; Recht A 2003; Recht A 2010; Rouesse J et al. 2006; Tsoutsou PG et al. 2010)

RT-8	Sequencing of antibody therapy and radiotherapy
	The concurrent administration of trastuzumab and radiotherapy can be justified as long as no irradiation of the internal mammary lymph nodes is planned.
GCP	(Azria D et al. 2010b; Balduzzi A et al. 2010; Belkacemi Y et al. 2008; Chargari C et al. 2011a; Chargari C et al. 2011b; Halyard MY et al. 2009; Kirova YM et al. 2009; Romond EH et al. 2005; Shaffer R et al. 2009)

RT-9	Sequencing systemic endocrine therapy and radiotherapy
	Endocrine treatment modalities can be performed concurrently or sequentially with radiotherapy.
Level of evidence 1a	(Ahn PH et al. 2005; Harris EE et al. 2005; Hoeller U et al. 2007; Pierce LJ et al. 2005; Whelan T et al. 2005)

4.7 Systemic adjuvant therapy (endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and antibody therapy)[]

Adj-1	Diagnostic procedures before the start of chemotherapy
	A sentinel node biopsy should be performed before the beginning of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with cN0; in those with cN1, the diagnosis can also be made by core biopsy or fine-needle biopsy.
GCP

Adj-2	Pharmacotherapy of the primary disease
Grade of recommendation A	Pharmacotherapy of the primary disease is undertaken before or after surgery in the form of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, anti-HER2 antibody therapy or a combination or sequence of these different forms.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 2005; NCCN 2006)

Adj-3	Recurrence rate and mortality
	The recurrence rate and mortality can be reduced by systemic therapy. This applies to polychemotherapy, in particular the administration of anthracyclines and taxanes, pharmacological suppression of ovarian function, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors and trastuzumab. The extent of this effect in absolute terms depends on the disease risk.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Ferguson T et al. 2007; EBCTCG 1998; EBCTCG 2005; EBCTCG 2011; NIH 2001)

Adj-4	Supportive therapy
	Optimal supportive therapy (e.g., stimulation of granulopoiesis, anti-emetic medication, provision of wigs, etc.) is an integral part of all systemic therapies. All patients should be briefed on possible side effects and late sequelae and offered prophylactic measures.
GCP	(NICE 2009)

Adj-5	Systemic therapy in older patients
* “Older” patients are deemed to be all patients > 65 years. The deciding factors in the choice of adjuvant therapy are organ function and comorbidities.
Grade of recommendation B	Older* patients should receive similar systemic adjuvant therapy to that given to younger patients. Changes in organ function and comorbidities should be taken into account when establishing the indication for and implementing adjuvant treatment measures.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 2011)

4.7.1 Endocrine therapy

Adj-6	Indications for endocrine therapy
Grade of recommendation A	a. Endocrine therapy is indicated in patients with estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive tumors.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 1998; EBCTCG: Davies C et al. 2011; Fisher B et al. 1997; NICE 2009; Thuerlimann B et al. 2001)
Grade of recommendation A	b. This should not be initiated until after chemotherapy has been completed.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 1998; EBCTCG: Davies C et al. 2011; Fisher B et al. 1997; NICE 2009; Thuerlimann B et al. 2001)

Adj-7	Therapy in premenopausal patients
Grade of recommendation A	In premenopausal patients, tamoxifen is the endocrine therapy of choice. Antihormonal therapy with tamoxifen 20 mg per day should be given over a period of 5 years or until recurrence.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 1998; EBCTCG: Davies C et al. 2011)

Adj-8	Therapy in postmenopausal patients
	a. In women who are definitely postmenopausal, third-generation aromatase inhibitors are superior to tamoxifen in terms of disease-free survival.
Level of evidence 1b	(Burstein HJ et al. 2010; NZGG 2009)
	b. The following endocrine treatment regimens can be used: tamoxifen for 5 years aromatase inhibitors for 5 years tamoxifen for 2–3 years followed by aromatase inhibitors, up to a total treatment duration of 5 years aromatase inhibitors for 2–3 years followed by tamoxifen, up to a total treatment duration of 5 years tamoxifen for 5 years followed by aromatase inhibitors for 5 years
GCP

4.7.2 Chemotherapy[]

Adj-9	Adjuvant chemotherapy in receptor-negative tumors
Grade of recommendation A	a. All patients with receptor-negative tumors (pN0 and pN+) should receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Level of evidence 1a	(EBCTCG 2011; NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation A	b. Chemotherapy should be administered at the recommended dosages.
Level of evidence 1a	(Budman DR et al. 1998; EBCTCG 2011; Fisher B et al. 1997; French Adjuvant Study Group 2001; Fumoleau P et al. 2003)
	c. Underdosing or a reduction in the number of cycles is liable to cause a loss of effectiveness.
Level of evidence 1a	(Bonadonna G et al. 1995; Budman DR et al. 1998; Cady B et al. 1993; Fisher B et al. 1990; French Adjuvant Study Group 2001)

Adj-10	Administration of cytostatics
Grade of recommendation A	Cytotoxic agents should be administered concurrently or sequentially. Dose-dense treatments should be used in patients with an increased risk of recurrence.
Level of evidence 1b	(Bonadonna G et al. 1995; Citron ML et al. 2003; Eiermann W et al. 2011; Francis P et al. 2008; Moebus V et al. 2010; NIH 2001)

Adj-11	Indications for adjuvant chemotherapy
Grade of recommendation B	An indication for adjuvant chemotherapy should be established in the case of: HER2-positive tumors Tumors that are not sensitive to endocrine therapy (ER- and PR-negative). node-positive tumors or node-negative tumors with a high risk of recurrence G III young age of disease onset (< 35 years)
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Ferguson T et al. 2007; EBCTCG 2005; EBCTCG 2011; EBM Reviews 2003; NIH 2001; NZGG 2009)

Adj-12	Taxane-containing adjuvant standard chemotherapy
Grade of recommendation B	Adjuvant chemotherapy should include a taxane. Anthracycline- and taxane-containing adjuvant standard chemotherapy lasts 18–24 weeks.
Level of evidence 1b	(Bria E et al. 2006; Citron ML et al. 2003; Clavarezza M et al. 2006; Cochrane: Ferguson T et al. 2007; Estevez LG et al. 2007; Henderson IC et al. 2003; Mamounas EP et al. 2005; Roche H et al. 2006)

4.7.3 Neoadjuvant (primary systemic) therapy (NACT or PST)[] []

Adj-13	Neoadjuvant systemic therapy
	Neoadjuvant (primary, preoperative) systemic therapy is now deemed the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced, primarily inoperable or inflammatory breast carcinoma within the context of a multimodal therapeutic strategy.
GCP	(Brito RA et al. 2001; Fisher B et al. 1997; Kaufmann M et al. 2006; von Minckwitz G et al. 2011)

Adj-14	Neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy
Grade of recommendation 0	a. If chemotherapy is indicated, this can be undertaken preoperatively (neoadjuvant) or postoperatively (adjuvant). The two procedures are equivalent in terms of overall survival. Neoadjuvant therapy can result in a higher rate of breast-conserving treatments.
Level of evidence 1a	(Kaufmann M et al. 2006; von Minckwitz G et al. 2011)
	b. The effect is greatest on hormone receptor-negative carcinomas.
Level of evidence 1a	(Bear HD et al. 2006; von Minckwitz G et al. 2005; von Minckwitz G et al. 2011)
	c. Resection within the new tumor margins is possible if R0 resection with a sufficient safety distance can be achieved.
Level of evidence 1a	(Kaufmann M et al. 2003; von Minckwitz G et al. 2011)

Adj-15	Primary hormonal therapy in postmenopausal patients
	Primary hormonal therapy represents an option for postmenopausal patients with receptor-positive and HER2-negative tumors in cases where surgery is contraindicated or refused.
GCP

Adj-16	Neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic combination
	If a chemotherapeutic combination is used as neoadjuvant therapy, this should include an anthracycline and a taxane (trastuzumab if HER2-positive). The duration of preoperative therapy should be 6–8 cycles (equivalent to 18–24 weeks).
GCP	(von Minckwitz G et al. 2011)

4.7.4 Antibody therapy

Adj-17	Indications for antibody therapy
Grade of recommendation A	a. Patients with HER2-overexpressing tumors with a diameter ≥ 1 cm (immunohistochemical score 3+ and/or ISH-positive) should receive (neo-)adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab for one year.
Level of evidence 1b	(NICE 2009; NZGG 2009)
Grade of recommendation B	b. Adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab should preferably be started simultaneously with the taxane phase of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Level of evidence 2a	(Petrelli F et al. 2011)
	c. If there is an indication for chemotherapy in tumors < 10 mm, trastuzumab should be given additionally.
GCP

4.7.5 Bisphosphonates

(no statements)

5 Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer

5.1 Definition and prognosis

(no statements)

5.2 Diagnostic procedures for local or locoregional recurrence

(no statements)

5.3 Treatment of local/locoregional recurrence

5.3.1 Local (in-breast) recurrence

Rec-1	Local (in-breast) recurrence
	a. In patients with an in-breast recurrence (DCIS or invasive carcinoma), the best local tumor control is achieved by secondary mastectomy.
GCP	(Borner M et al. 1994; Dalberg K et al. 1998)
Grade of recommendation 0	b. In patients with a favorable baseline situation, e.g. patients with DCIS or invasive carcinoma with a long recurrence-free interval and no skin involvement, an organ-conserving surgical procedure can be performed in cases where this is deemed justified.
Level of evidence 4a	(Deutsch M 2002; Haffty BG et al. 1996; Kurtz JM et al. 1991; Whelan T et al. 1994)
	c. The possibility of re-irradiation (partial breast irradiation) must be investigated in the case of breast-conserving surgery.
GCP
	d. Patients who undergo organ-conserving surgery must be advised of the higher risk of a repeat in-breast recurrence.
GCP

5.3.2 Local recurrence after mastectomy

Rec-2	Local recurrence after mastectomy
	An isolated recurrence in the chest wall should be removed completely by surgery (R0) where possible.
GCP	(Schmoor C et al. 2000)

5.3.3 Locoregional recurrences and isolated supraclavicular lymph node recurrences

Rec-3	Isolated regional recurrence
	In patients with an isolated regional recurrence, the aim should be to achieve local control of the disease by surgery and/or radiotherapy.
GCP

5.3.4 Pharmacotherapy

Rec-4	Postoperative systemic therapy
	The value of postoperative systemic therapy following surgical resection of a locoregional recurrence in terms of improved overall survival has not been sufficiently substantiated. There is evidence that the disease-free interval can be prolonged by systemic therapy.
GCP	(Cochrane: Rauschecker H et al. 2001; Cochrane: Rauschecker HHF et al. 2008; Haffty BG et al. 1996)

5.3.5 Radiotherapy

Rec-5	Radiotherapy after surgery for recurrence
	a. The need for radiotherapy after surgery for a recurrence should be discussed and decided upon within an interdisciplinary team. Postoperative radiotherapy can be performed if radiotherapy was not administered previously or radical surgical excision of the local recurrence was not performed (R1–2).
GCP	(Aberizk WJ et al. 1986)
	b. In patients with an inoperable local recurrence, palliative radiotherapy may be beneficial.
GCP	(Jones EL et al. 2005; Karasawa K et al. 2003; Semrau S et al. 2006; Sherar M et al. 1997)

5.4 Distant metastases

5.4.1 General principles

Met-1	Patient briefing on therapeutic options
	A patient with demonstrated distant metastases of breast cancer should be briefed in particular detail about the therapeutic options and involved in the decision-making process. The patientʼs request for information about all the relevant available measures, including supportive and complementary treatment options, should be satisfied.
GCP	(NICE 2009)

Met-2	Criteria of choice of treatment
	The choice of treatment should be adapted to the disease and individually tailored to the patientʼs expectations, values and preferences, as well as her symptoms, comorbidities, age and general state of health, the aggressiveness of the disease and location of the metastases, the type of prior adjuvant and palliative treatment, HER-2 status, hormone-receptor status and menopausal status.
GCP

Met-3	Prognostic and predictive factors
Grade of recommendation A	The following prognostic and predictive factors should be determined before instituting treatment of metastatic breast cancer: hormone receptor status for hormonal therapy HER-2 status for treatment with anti-HER2 active substances bone metastases for the administration of bisphosphonates, or where applicable a RANK ligand inhibitor the previous response to chemoendocrine therapy for further systemic and local therapies the performance status for the effect and usefulness of chemotherapy
Level of evidence 1a	(Andersson M et al. 1999; Cheung KL et al. 1997; Hortobagyi GN et al. 1996; NICE 2009)

5.4.2 Diagnostic procedures in patients with distant metastases

(no statements)

5.4.3 Systemic therapy of metastatic breast cancer

5.4.3.1 Systemic endocrine therapy[]

Met-4	Systemic endocrine therapy
Grade of recommendation A	Endocrine therapy is the treatment of choice for patients with a positive hormone receptor status.
Level of evidence 1b	(Fossati R et al. 1998; NICE 2009; Stockler M et al. 1997; Stockler M et al. 2000)

Met-5	Contraindications to endocrine therapy
Grade of recommendation A	Endocrine therapy is not indicated in the following cases: need to achieve rapid remission to prevent severe symptoms in the affected organ negative hormone receptor status brain metastases (no adequate/sufficient therapy).
Level of evidence 1b	(Fossati R et al. 1998; NICE 2009; Stockler M et al. 1997; Stockler M et al. 2000)

Met-6	Combined chemoendocrine therapy
Grade of recommendation A	Combined chemoendocrine therapy is not recommended. Although it can improve remission rates, it causes increased toxicity without prolonging either the progression-free interval or overall survival.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Carrick S et al. 2005; Sledge Jr. GW et al. 2000)

5.4.3.2 Endocrine therapy in premenopausal patients[]

Met-7	Ovarian suppression and tamoxifen in premenopausal patients
Grade of recommendation A	Suppression of ovarian function (GnRH analogs, oophorectomy, and ovarian ablation by radiotherapy) in combination with tamoxifen is the first-choice therapy in premenopausal patients.
Level of evidence 1b	(Klijn JG et al. 2001; NBOCC2010; NICE 2009)

Met-8	Other treatments in premenopausal patients
Grade of recommendation 0	In premenopausal patients, ovarian suppression can be used subsequently in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. Treatment with high-dose progestins (MA/MPA) represents a further step.
Level of evidence 2c	(NICE 2009; Taylor CW et al. 1998; von Minckwitz G et al. 1991)

5.4.3.3 Endocrine therapy in postmenopausal patients[]

Met-9	Aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal patients
Grade of recommendation A	In postmenopausal patients with metastases, the first step in endocrine treatment following adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen or no adjuvant endocrine therapy is the administration of an aromatase inhibitor.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Gibson L et al. 2009; Ellis MJ et al. 2000; Fossati R et al. 1998; Hayes DF et al. 1995; Mouridsen H et al. 2001a; Mouridsen H et al. 2001b; NICE 2009)

Met-10	Treatment cascade in postmenopausal patients
	Depending on the prior treatment, further steps in the cascade of endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women are the administration of antiestrogens, estrogen receptor antagonists, switch from a steroidal to a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (or vice versa), or the use of high-dose progestins.
GCP	(Fossati R et al. 1998; Robertson JF et al. 2003)

5.4.4 Chemotherapy of metastatic breast cancer

Met-11	Criteria for chemotherapy
	The patientʼs general condition and comorbidities must be established and compliance must be assessed before chemotherapy is administered.
GCP

Met-12	Assessment of toxicity
	Toxicity must be assessed both objectively and subjectively at regular intervals during therapy. The doses administered, as well as the intended time intervals, must conform to generally accepted standard or currently published therapeutic regimens. After a suitable and representative measurement parameter has been selected prior to the institution of therapy (e.g., symptoms, tumor markers, indicator metastasis), the therapeutic effect should be evaluated at least every 6–12 weeks, depending on the clinical requirements/studies. Cytotoxic maintenance therapy increases toxicity without improving survival. For this reason, cytotoxic therapy is recommended only in the event of progression (increased symptoms and/or progression of the tumor process).
GCP

Met-13	End of chemotherapy
	Treatment should be stopped immediately if progression or intolerable toxicity occurs.
GCP

Met-14	Combination chemotherapy
	a. The administration of combination, as opposed to single-agent, chemotherapy may confer a slight advantage in terms of survival, but is often associated with a higher rate of toxicity.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Carrick S et al. 2005; Cochrane: Carrick S et al. 2009; Fossati R et al. 1998)
Grade of recommendation B	b. In patients with mild symptoms and slow tumor growth, as well as cases where endocrine therapy is ineffective, single-agent chemotherapy is useful. In patients with severe symptoms and rapidly growing or aggressive tumors (i.e. where there is a strong pressure to achieve remission), combination chemotherapy should be administered.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Carrick S et al. 2005; Fossati R et al. 1998)

Met-15	Monotherapy
	The following substances, for example, may be used for single-agent chemotherapy: Anthracyclines (including those in liposomal form), alkylating agents, anthraquinones, taxanes, vinorelbine fluoropyrimidine, platinum complexes and halichondrin. In combination chemotherapy, these cytotoxic agents can be combined with each other or with other substances. The highest remission rates are achieved with a taxane in combination with an anthracycline or antimetabolite. Patients should be checked to see whether they are eligible for inclusion in studies.
GCP	(Cochrane: Carrick S et al. 2005; Fossati R et al. 1998)

Met-16	Further chemotherapies
Grade of recommendation B	After the benefits of anthracycline and taxane treatments have been exhausted, patients should not be denied further chemotherapies, e.g., to stabilize the disease or alleviate symptoms.
Level of evidence 2b	(Feher O et al. 2002; NBOCC2010; Vogel C et al. 1999)

Met-17	Dose-intensified and high-dose therapies
Grade of recommendation A	Dose-intensified and high-dose therapies do not exhibit any improvement in survival and should therefore not be used.
Level of evidence 1b	(Cochrane: Farquhar C et al. 2005; Stadtmauer EA et al. 2000)

5.4.5 Targeted therapies

5.4.5.1 HER2 inhibitors (trastuzumab, lapatinib)[]

Met-18	Hormone receptor status and HER2 status
	The histology of the suspected metastatic lesion should be determined in advance of any therapy, if possible, to reassess the benign or malignant nature of the tumor and, where applicable, the hormone receptor and HER2 status.
GCP	(NICE 2009)

Met-19	Anti-HER2 therapy
	a. Treatment with HER-2 inhibitors is indicated in patients with HER-2-overexpressing tumors in combination with chemotherapy, or after remission induction as single-agent therapy, or after previous treatment with taxanes or anthracyclines with a non-cross-resistant chemotherapeutic agent.
GCP	(Burstein HJ et al. 2001; NBOCC2010; Seidman AD et al. 2001; Slamon DJ et al. 2001)
	b. Any secondary therapy following progression during trastuzumab therapy should continue to include anti-HER2-directed therapy.
Level of evidence 2b	(NBOCC2010)

Met-20	Monitoring of cardiac function
	It is essential to monitor cardiac function before and during therapy with potentially cardiotoxic substances.
GCP

5.4.5.2 Antiangiogenesis: VEGF inhibitors (bevacizumab)[]

Met-21	Use of bevacizumab
	In patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving paclitaxel or capecitabine as first-line cytostatic therapy, bevacizumab can be administered additionally to improve the therapeutic outcome.
GCP	(NBOCC2010; Robert NJ et al. 2011)

5.4.6 Specific treatment of skeletal metastases

5.4.6.1 Indications for radiotherapy

Met-22	Indications for radiotherapy
Grade of recommendation A	Radiotherapy should be used for local therapy in patients with symptomatic bone metastases, or those posing a risk of fracture. The following constitute indications for radiotherapy: local pain symptoms risk to stability (if necessary in combination with surgical stabilization) impairment of mobility and/or function, in particular neurological symptoms (spinal cord compression is an emergency) pathological fractures that cannot be surgically treated postoperatively following the surgical treatment of bone metastases if R0 resection was not possible
Level of evidence 1a	(Hoskin PJ et al. 2001; NICE 2009; Roos DE et al. 2000; Steenland E et al. 1999)

5.4.6.2 Surgical therapy[]

Met-23	Surgical therapy
	Surgical therapy of skeletal metastases is undertaken for pain management and to restore or preserve function and stability, as well as quality of life. The decision to operate is made on the basis of the urgency and the therapeutic objective of this surgery, where necessary by an interdisciplinary team including the surgeon (general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon), radiation oncologist, medical specialist with oncological expertise, and pain therapist.
GCP	(Ali SM et al. 2003; Wunder JS et al. 2003)

Met-24	Indications for surgical therapy
	The following constitute indications for surgical therapy: pathological fractures (especially in the lower extremities and the acetabulum) unstable pathological vertebral fractures progressive spinal or radicular compression (the option of radiotherapy should be considered) impending fractures of the lower extremities
GCP	(Ali SM et al. 2003; Brown JE et al. 2003; Clohisy DR 2003; Fourney DE et al. 2003; Kelly CM et al. 2003; Koizumi M et al. 2003; Walker MP et al. 2003; Wunder JS et al. 2003)

5.4.6.3 Bisphosphonates/RANK ligand inhibitor therapy[]

Met-25	Bisphosphonates/RANK ligand inhibitor therapy
	The following constitute indications for bisphosphonate therapy: hypercalcemia, bone pain related to metastases, osteolytic metastases, and manifest osteoporosis induced by cancer therapy. Alternatively, RANK ligand inhibitor therapy can also be used.
GCP	(Conte PF et al. 1996; Hortobagyi GN et al. 1998; NICE 2009; OʼRourke N et al. 1995; Rosen LS et al. 2001; Stopeck AT et al. 2010; Theriault RL et al. 1999)

5.4.6.4 Specific treatment of brain metastases

Met-26	Treatment of brain metastases
Grade of recommendation 0	An isolated brain metastasis can be treated by surgery, by single-session stereotactic irradiation (RS), or by fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), especially if the extracerebral disease is under control.
Level of evidence 2a	(NICE 2009)

Met-27	Multiple brain metastases
Grade of recommendation A	In patients with multiple brain metastases, percutaneous irradiation of the entire cranium (whole brain radiotherapy), supported by steroid medication in patients with perifocal edema, is indicated for the control of existing neurological symptoms.
Level of evidence 2a	(Cochrane: Hart MG et al. 2004; Kondziolka D et al. 1999)

5.4.7 Special treatments of visceral metastases

Met-28	Treatment of visceral metastases
	In individual cases that satisfy the following criteria, local therapy may be indicated for patients with visceral metastases (liver, lungs or other organs): no disseminated metastases metastases in only one lobe of the lungs or liver; if both lobes are affected, surgery is not indicated the metastasis did not occur during the first year after primary treatment.
GCP	(Bathe OF et al. 1999; Vogl TJ et al. 1999)

5.4.7.1 Hepatic metastases

(no statements)

5.4.7.2 Pulmonary metastases

(no statements)

5.4.7.3 Malignant pleural effusion

Met-29	Malignant pleural effusion
	In cases where pleural carcinosis occurs with symptomatic effusion, pleurodesis may be indicated.
GCP	(Cardillo G et al. 2002)

5.4.7.4 Cutaneous and soft tissue metastases

(no statements)

6 Treatment, Care and Support

6.1 General concept

(no statements)

6.2 Psychosocial aspects and psycho-oncology

6.2.1 Basic principles of psycho-oncological care

Psych-1	Psycho-oncological assistance
	a. Psycho-oncological measures are an integral part of the overall strategy of cancer therapy.
Level of evidence 1b	(Cochrane: Edwards AG et al. 2004; NICE 2009b; Sheard T et al. 1999)
Grade of recommendation A	b. All patients and their relatives should be informed at an early stage of the possibilities of psycho-oncological assistance.
Level of evidence 1b	(NICE 2009b)

6.2.2 Psycho-oncological care strategies and interventions[]

Psych-2	Psycho-oncological interventions
Grade of recommendation A	The following psycho-oncological interventions should be offered, tailored to the patientsʼ individual requirement: relaxation techniques psychoeducative interventions individual psychotherapeutic interventions group psychotherapeutic interventions couple psychotherapeutic interventions
Level of evidence 1a	(Faller H et al. Metaanalysis in press)

Psych-3	Continuity of psycho-oncological care
	To ensure the continuity of psycho-oncological care after inpatient treatment, the patient should be informed about continuing outpatient and aftercare options from professional helpers and self-help groups.
GCP	(NICE 2009a)

Psych-4	Recommendation
Grade of recommendation B	The patientʼs quality of life should be assessed regularly in the course of the disease.
Level of evidence 2a	(Lemieux J et al. 2011; Velikova G et al. 1999; Velikova G et al. 2004)

6.3 Supportive therapy

Supp-1	Physical activity
Grade of recommendation A	The patient should be made aware of the need for physical activity during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as this can have a positive effect on patientsʼ physical fitness and thus help them to carry out activities of daily living (ADL).
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Markes M et al. 2006)

6.4 Rehabilitation[]

Rehab-1	Rehabilitation measures
	The tumor and its treatment by surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy can cause sequelae of varying degrees of severity that require targeted somatic and psychosocial rehabilitation measures. Patients should be informed at an early stage about the options for outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation measures and about additional claims arising under German social law. The patientʼs preferences should be taken into consideration when establishing the need for, and recommending, a particular type of rehabilitation.
GCP	(DRV Bund 2009)

Rehab-2	Strength and endurance training
	Strength training, alone or in combination with endurance training, in the rehabilitation phase is a suitable way of improving the state of health and quality of life.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cheema B et al. 2008)

Rehab-3	Movement programs
	Movement programs are suitable for reducing fatigue (tiredness) due to cancer.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Cramp F et al. 2008)

Rehab-4	Physiotherapy
Grade of recommendation A	Postoperative physiotherapy to mobilize the shoulder joint should start at an early stage.
Level of evidence 1a	(Chan DN et al. 2010; Cochrane: McNeely ML et al. 2010)

Rehab-5	Lymphedema
	In patients with lymphedema, combined physiotherapy (skin care, manual lymph drainage, movement therapy, and compression bandages) is a suitable treatment method.
GCP	(Devoogdt N et al. 2010)

6.5 Follow-up care including diagnostic workup of recurrences and metastases and support during therapy

6.5.1 Objectives

FU-1	Follow-up care for breast cancer
	Follow-up care for breast cancer begins when locoregional primary treatment is completed. It consists of history- taking, a physical examination, medical advice, support and continuing care, as well as diagnostic imaging procedures to detect locoregional recurrences. In the event of abnormal findings, follow-up care should be designed so as to be symptom-oriented.
GCP	(Cochrane: Rojas MP et al. 2005; Grunfeld E et al. 2005; Gulliford T et al. 1997; Hurria A et al. 2003; Khatcheressian JL et al. 2006; NBOCC2010; Palli D et al. 1999; Pestalozzi BC et al. 2005; Rosselli DT et al. 1994)

FU-2	Interdisciplinary support and continuing care
	As part of her follow-up care, the breast cancer patient requires intensive interdisciplinary support and continuing care. Oncology specialists and also other healthcare professionals such as psycho-oncologists, physiotherapists, oncological nursing staff, breast care nurses, etc., should be involved as needed. The patient should be given information appropriate to her individual needs about the options for further treatment and support.
GCP	(NBOCC2010; Selby P et al. 1996)

6.5.2 Examinations to detect locoregional and in-breast recurrences, or contralateral breast cancer

FU-3	Instrumental diagnostic procedures after BCT
	In asymptomatic women who have undergone breast-conserving therapy, regular instrumental diagnostic procedures (mammography and ultrasonography) in the area of the ipsilateral breast are indispensable.
GCP	(Grunfeld E et al. 2002; Khatcheressian JL et al. 2006; Loprinzi CL2004)

FU-4	Follow-up mammograms
	All patients should undergo annual follow-up mammograms (where necessary supplemented by ultrasonography) of the contralateral breast.
GCP	(Geller BM et al. 2003; Johnson RC et al. 2000; Jubelirer SJ 1998; Kollias J et al. 2000)

6.5.3 Examination for metastases

FU-5	Intensified instrumental and technical laboratory diagnostic procedures
Grade of recommendation A	Intensified instrumental and technical laboratory diagnostic procedures, including chest X-ray, bone scan, CT, PET or MRI, as well as blood counts, serum biochemistry or tumor marker determination, are used for the diagnostic workup of metastases and not for standard follow-up care, and are only indicated in the event of clinical abnormalities.
Level of evidence 1a	(Aguiar-Bujanda D et al. 2004; Bornhak S et al. 2007; Cochrane: Rojas MP et al. 2000; Cochrane: Rojas MP et al. 2005; GIVIO Investigators 1994; Hayes DF 2007; NBOCC2010)

6.5.4 Diagnostic workup and treatment of side effects and sequelae of primary and long-term treatments

FU-6	Briefing about lymphedema
Grade of recommendation A	All patients who have undergone axillary lymphadenectomy must be briefed about the options for detection, prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative lymphedema.
Level of evidence 1b	(Armer J et al. 2004; Bani HA et al. 2007; Francis WP et al. 2006; Golshan M et al. 2003; Hamner JB et al. 2007; Harris SR et al. 2001; Hayes S et al. 2005; Moseley AL et al. 2007; NICE 2009; Sanjuan A et al. 2005; Torrenga H et al. 2004)

6.5.5 Frequency of follow-up examinations[]

FU-7	Follow-up intervals
	Follow-up visits should be scheduled four times a year during the first three years after local primary therapy, twice a year during the fourth and fifth years, and annually from the sixth year onwards. These visits should incorporate screening for early detection.
GCP	(Khatcheressian JL et al. 2006)

FU-8	Physical activity
	Patients should be encouraged to undertake physical activity (> 2–3 hours/week) and to normalize their bodyweight (if they have an increased BMI) as part of their follow-up care. Assistance should be provided.
GCP	(Grunfeld E et al. 2005; Hauner D. et al. 2011; Voskuil DW et al. 2010)

FU-9	Patient motivation
	An essential part of follow-up care is the constant motivation of the patient to regularly take the medications prescribed for adjuvant therapy, particularly endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors). The patient should be questioned in detail about tolerability and/or side effects. Appropriate measures must be used to treat the symptoms.
GCP

6.6 Palliative medicine

Pall-1	Palliative medicine measures
	Palliative medical measures are part of the overall strategy of oncological care.
GCP

Pall-2	Briefing of the patient and her relatives
	The patient and her relatives should be informed about the possibilities of palliative medical measures and care structures.
GCP

6.7 Complementary therapy

Compl-1	Complementary and alternative therapies
	All patients should be asked whether they employ complementary and/or alternative therapies. Patients who use such procedures should be briefed about the possible risks and, where applicable, about interactions with standard treatments.
GCP

6.7.1 Diagnostic workup

Compl-2	Diagnostic measures for complementary treatment strategies
	The diagnostic measures based on scientifically unproven concepts and/or incorrect interpretations of the relationships between the different functions of the body that are offered in conjunction with complementary and alternative treatment strategies should not be recommended.
GCP

Compl-3	Food supplements
	During chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiotherapy, food supplements such as vitamins and trace elements should be supplied, where possible, through the natural diet and according to physiological requirements.
GCP	(S3 Leitlinie Magenkarzinom 2011)

6.7.2 Mistletoe therapy

Compl-4	Mistletoe therapy
	Mistletoe therapy does not prolong the survival of patients with breast cancer and an improvement in the quality of life is doubtful on the basis of current data.
Level of evidence 1a	(Cochrane: Horneber MA et al. 2008)

6.7.3 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

(no statements)

6.7.4 Cimicifuga (black cohosh)

(no statements)

6.7.5 Homeopathy

(no statements)

6.7.6 Meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction

(no statements)

6.7.7 Alternative methods

Compl-5	Alternative treatment procedures
	Alternative treatment procedures should not be recommended to patients. In a sympathetic counseling situation, the patient should be informed about the harm and benefit of this treatment in a value-neutral, competent and comprehensive way.
GCP

6.8 Documentation

Docu-1	Documentation of findings, treatments and outcomes
	Findings, treatments, both primary and during the course of the disease, and relevant outcome events should be documented by hospitals, office-based physicians, and institutes responsible for care, used as needed at any time, and analyzed regularly.
GCP

• 8 References

• 1 Aberizk WJ, Silver B, Henderson IC et al. The use of radiotherapy for treatment of isolated locoregional recurrence of breast carcinoma after mastectomy. Cancer 1986; 58: 1214-1218
• 2 Aguiar-Bujanda D, Bohn-Sarmiento U, Aguiar-Morales J. False elevation of serum CA 15–3 levels in patients under follow-up for breast cancer. Breast J 2004; 10: 375-376
• 3 Ahn PH, Vu HT, Lannin D et al. Sequence of radiotherapy with tamoxifen in conservatively managed breast cancer does not affect local relapse rates. J Clin Oncol 2005; 23: 17-23
• 4 Albert US, Schulz K, Alt D et al. Eine Leitlinie für Leitlinien: methodische Erstellung und Anwendung der Leitlinie Fraueninformation. Zentralbl Gynaekol 2003; 125: 484-493
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