Development of CNS metastases in breast cancer patients treated with curative intent: a case-control study.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors that may predispose breast cancer patients to the development of CNS metastases. Materials & methods: We conducted a matched case-control study of breast cancer patients treated with surgery with curative intent. A total of 71 cases and 71 controls were analyzed, matched by year of surgery. Results: In our multivariable model, positive lymph node status (odds ratio [OR]: 5.08; CI: 2.04-12.65), the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR: 6.02; CI: 2.06-17.57) and triple-negative breast cancer (OR: 5.44; CI: 1.99-14.90) were statistically significant predictors of the development of CNS metastases. Conclusion: Women with certain risk factors have an increased odds of developing CNS metastases and evaluation of utility in brain metastases screening should be considered.