Orbital metastases of breast cancer

Abstract

Orbital metastases are a defined subgroup within ocular affection secondary to the distant spread of breast cancer. We review the published experience on the incidence of orbit extension from this type of tumour, with reference made to our experience as medical oncologists, together with the most common clinical features and the relevant aspects for imaging and histopathological diagnoses. The therapy for orbital metastases from breast cancer is included within the systemic therapy required by the distant spread of the disease, with some clinical benefits obtained from hormone therapy, chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies. Palliative radiation and surgery may also play an important role in providing care to these patients. Although there are some published cases with long-term survival, the prognosis for these patients is poor, and new advances in knowledge and therapy are needed for this complication due to breast cancer.