Margin status and survival outcomes after breast cancer conservation surgery: meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 68 studies (1980-2021; 112,140 patients) found that after breast conserving surgery for early stage, invasive breast cancer, involved or close pathological margins were associated with increased distant recurrence and local recurrence. Surgeons should aim to achieve a minimum clear marging of at least 1 mm. The authors conclude that international guidelines should be revisited (visual abstract).