Long-term outcomes of malignant phyllodes tumors patients: an institutional experience

Background Malignant phyllodes tumors are an extremely rare breast tumor. Prognostic features and overall survival data have not been consistent across studies. Methods Retrospectively, we examined the clinicopathologic features of 27 breast cancer patients treated for malignant phyllodes tumors from 1995 to 2004 and analyzed their recurrence and survival outcomes using contingency tables, a logistic regression model, or a proportional hazard model. Results The mortality rate was 12% (n = 3) of the cohort and 75% of the group with distant metastases. The median follow-up period was 51 months (range, 12–192 mo). A mitotic index greater than 10 per high-powered field, the presence of stromal overgrowth, mastectomy at initial surgery, and larger tumor size were associated with an increased incidence of distant metastases. Larger tumor size also was associated with an increased incidence of death. Conclusions Most patients with malignant phyllodes tumors will enjoy significant long-term survival if treated appropriately with local excision with clear margins.