Management of Breast Cancer Case Leads to Untimely Death

ByMichael Talve, CEO

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Updated onAugust 25, 2021

Management of Breast Cancer Case Leads to Untimely Death

This case involves a fifty-six-year-old woman who presented to her Ob/Gyn after discovering a large lump in her breast. The patient was sent for several tests, including a needle biopsy that confirmed an invasive ductal breast cancer that was HER2 positive. The patient also underwent imaging tests that demonstrated distant liver and pulmonary masses. Shortly after receiving the prognosis, surgery was recommended to remove the primary breast mass without explaining the risks or other therapeutic options. The surgery was met with great complication, as the mass was highly invasive. The patient suffered unsustainable bleeding and went into cardiac arrest on the operating table. CPR was performed but a normal heart rate could not be returned, and she was pronounced dead after thirty minutes of resuscitation.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Should surgical resection have been the first step in this patient's management of the cancer?

Expert Witness Response E-000029

inline imageThe current standard of care in such a case would focus on reducing metastatic disease in the liver, which is more likely to directly affect overall survival than is the tumor in the breast. Although surgery might be used to reduce the local tumor burden, and thereby ameliorate local symptoms, first-line treatment for a patient with newly diagnosed advanced breast cancer should focus on systemic control of the metastatic disease.

About the author

Michael Talve, CEO

Michael Talve, CEO

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.

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