Oligometastatic breast cancer from the perspective of the radiation oncologist

PurposeTechnical improvements over the last few years regarding administration of locally ablative radiotherapy to oligometastatic (OMD) and oligoprogressive (OPD) disease in breast cancer has created increased interest. This article gives an overview of the current situation from the perspective of a radiation oncologist.FindingsStereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is the most common form for applying ablative radiotherapy doses in metastases-directed therapy (MDT) to oligometastatic or oligoprogressive sites in breast cancer. To the present day, the literature mainly consists of retrospective or nonrandomized trials with mixed results. Nevertheless, there is a growing number of prospective randomized and phase III trials which will soon give us more data in this promising field.ConclusionWith growing interest in treating patients with OMD or OPD in a curative intent, locally ablative therapies are gaining more importance. SBRT is a feasible modality with very good results in local disease control and a low toxicity profile and therefore a promising option for treating breast cancer patients with OMD or OPD. Nevertheless, current data does not yet back the routine use, with more prospective data expected soon. Until then, treatment options for those patients should be discussed individually.