A 65-year-old woman has a modified radical mastectomy for a 1.0-cm, well-differentiated breast cancer. The tumor is positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors and negative for HER2. Sentinel node mapping and excision show that none of the three lymph nodes removed is positive for metastasis. She is otherwise healthy. What is the best treatment for this patient at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's age, hormone receptor-positive status, and lack of lymph node involvement, the best treatment is adjuvant hormonal therapy with tamoxifen for 5 years. Radiation therapy is not indicated in this scenario due to the successful mastectomy and absence of lymph node metastasis. Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is another option for postmenopausal women, but it is not combined with tamoxifen due to differing mechanisms of action and potential for adverse interactions.

A 65-Year-Old Woman Has a Modified Radical Mastectomy for a 1.0-Cm