Surgery and radiotherapy do not necessarily ensure longer survival for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — cancer that has spread to other vital organs in the body. Chemotherapy and hormonal treatment can achieve almost similar benefits, a landmark study by Parel’s Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) has established.

The study, presented in the ongoing San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in US, could alter the way metastatic breast cancer is managed and save many patients from needless surgery or exposure to radiation.