In a remarkable medical achievement, Renji Hospital has effectively treated a woman diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy, emphasizing the commitment to the well-being of both mother and child. This success challenges the conventional belief that one must choose between the health of the patient or that of the unborn baby.
The patient, surnamed Wang, received her breast cancer diagnosis while residing overseas, and she was five months pregnant at the time. Overwhelmed by the disease’s implications and concerned for her baby’s safety, Wang hastily returned to Shanghai and sought the expertise of Dr. Lu Jinsong at Renji Hospital. Dr. Lu had previously performed breast cancer surgery on Wang’s mother nine years ago, establishing a trusted medical connection.
Medical experts acknowledge that breast cancer treatments during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period present increased risks, as these treatments impact the safety of both the mother and the unborn child. Many standard treatments, including radiation and targeted therapy, cannot be administered during this delicate period, leaving the patient susceptible to the cancer’s spread, which can jeopardize both lives.
Wang’s unique circumstance lay in her pregnancy being at a mid-stage, leaving her with a critical decision. Her breast cancer required prompt attention, and delaying treatment was not an option. Dr. Lu collaborated with top specialists across multiple departments to craft a comprehensive plan that prioritized the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.
The medical team decided on a carefully timed approach. Once the fetus reached 32 weeks of gestation, they performed a Caesarean section to ensure the child’s survival and health. Immediately following the delivery, Wang underwent breast cancer surgery, followed by a regimen of post-surgery chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
The execution of the treatment plan adhered precisely to the schedule. Within one day of delivering her baby, Wang underwent breast cancer surgery. Subsequently, she commenced the prescribed post-surgery treatment. Remarkably, both mother and child have since been discharged from the hospital and are in stable condition, according to medical professionals at Renji Hospital.
Experts from Renji Hospital reported that their breast surgery department has successfully treated four pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer in the past six months, with all undergoing surgery and giving birth successfully.
Dr. Lu emphasized the complexity of such cases, noting that they demand thorough evaluation, continuous monitoring, and collaborative treatment efforts across multiple medical specialties. “We tailor treatment plans to each patient’s individual condition and stage of pregnancy to ensure the utmost safety and health for both mother and child,” Dr. Lu stated.
In light of this groundbreaking case, Dr. Lu recommended that individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer seek timely genetic counseling and cancer gene screening to facilitate cancer prevention and management.
