Radiation-Induced Breast Angiosarcoma: Updates on a Rare Disease

Although rare, breast angiosarcoma imparts poor outcomes relative to other breast malignancies. Here, we review the current literature focusing on radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast (RIA), a subset of secondary breast angiosarcoma.

The risk of developing RIA increases with time after radiation therapy, and incidence is expected to increase. Cross-sectional imaging with MRI or CT has a higher sensitivity for RIA detection than ultrasound and mammography studies. The clinical outcomes of RIA are improving with the use of wide resections and systemic chemotherapy, with up to an 85% 5-year overall survival in surgically resected patients. Multidisciplinary team engagement improves access to emerging therapies and correlates with increased survival.

Improvements in diagnostic techniques, multidisciplinary care, and inclusion of modern systemic therapies in treatment of RIA may be responsible for improved survival. Future studies focusing on systemic treatment and access to sarcoma expertise may play a further impact survival for this rare disease.