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Radiographic evaluation of therapeutic response in bony metastases of breast cancer

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Abstract

Response to chemotherapy was evaluated in 50 previously untreated patients with bony metastases of breast cancer. Lytic metastases respond in a definite sequence: sclerotic rim, filling-in, uniformly blastic, uniform fading. Increase in size of lytic areas or destruction in previously responding areas signals worsening. Mixed metastases are considered as beginning with a sclerotic rim. Response is otherwise similar. Particular attention is paid to the lytic areas. Blastic metastases are considered as beginning at the uniformly blastic stage. Progression is marked by a volumetric increase in blastic change or destruction in blastic regions. Change occurs slowly. Review of multiple studies is often necessary to reach the correct conclusion and clinical history is necessary.

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Libshitz, H.I., Hortobagyi, G.N. Radiographic evaluation of therapeutic response in bony metastases of breast cancer. Skeletal Radiol 7, 159–165 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361858

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