A 52-year-old woman with ER+/PR+ HER2-negative breast cancer, pathological T2N1M0, undergoes breast-conserving surgery with axillary clearance. Her Oncotype DX recurrence score returns at 18. According to TAILORx trial findings, what is the most appropriate adjuvant systemic therapy?
- A Chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy
- B Endocrine therapy alone ✓
- C Chemotherapy alone without endocrine therapy
- D Observation without systemic therapy
Correct answer: B. Endocrine therapy alone
Explanation
The TAILORx trial demonstrated that in postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2-negative node-negative breast cancer and Oncotype DX recurrence scores of 0–25, chemotherapy conferred no benefit over endocrine therapy alone. A score of 18 falls in the low-intermediate range where endocrine therapy alone is sufficient. Option A adds unnecessary chemotherapy toxicity. Option C omits essential endocrine therapy. Option D is inappropriate for stage II disease.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.