Examining the Impact of Cholecystectomy on Tumor Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Previous studies have found that bile acids influence the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro, suggesting that naturally occurring bile acids may also influence the growth of human breast cancer cells. Cholecystectomy alters modulation of bile acid metabolites, and therefore postcholecystectomy women could be at an increased risk of cancer development and recurrence. This study examined the breast cancer outcome in women who underwent cholecystectomy as compared to those with intact gallbladder. Ninety-three patients diagnosed with Stage I-III invasive mammary carcinoma in 2014 were retrospectively identified and patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed. Results revealed 36% of patients who underwent cholecystectomy had recurrence compared to 25% recurrence in patients with intact gallbladders ( p = .30). Forty-six percent of cholecystectomy patients were deceased, and 23% of those with intact gallbladder were deceased ( p = .024). The effect of cholecystectomy on bile acid modulation and breast cancer recurrence requires further investigation.