Julie A. Margenthaler, MD

Future randomized studies should focus on determining which patients benefit most from the inclusion of molecular diagnostics in treatment decision making and on the development of treatment algorithms that incorporate patient factors, histologic and biologic findings, and molecular markers.

Breast-conserving therapy (BCT), which includes wide local excision of the tumor followed by irradiation, has become a standard treatment option for women with early-stage invasive breast cancer.