Comparison of Various Imaging Techniques for the Safe Removal of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (mammary carcinoma) is one of the most common cancers among women. The choice of treatment depends on various factors. An essential component of modern treatment regimens is the removal of the tumor from the breast, with the goal of preserving the breast (breast-conserving therapy) whenever possible. Complete removal of the tumor is crucial for a favorable prognosis, ensuring that no malignant tissue remains in the body. However, this is not always easy, and if the tumor is not completely removed, a second surgery may be necessary, which places an additional burden on patients. To ensure complete tumor removal, various imaging techniques are now used before or during surgery to mark the tumor tissue or assess the tissue structure during the procedure. There are about eight different techniques, but so far, none of them has been clearly identified as superior.

The goal of the MELODY study is to compare the effectiveness of these various imaging techniques. In particular, the study examines whether the tumor can be completely removed and what the probability is of needing a repeat surgery. The study is purely observational; no new technique is being tested, nor is any specific method mandated—the choice of technique is left to the treating physicians. Patients will be monitored for a period of two years following surgery to assess the long-term success rate.

Individuals who wish to participate in this study must be at least 18 years old and have breast cancer for which breast-conserving surgery is planned. Both women and men are eligible to participate. Patients who require a mastectomy—that is, complete removal of the breast—as their first surgery, or who cannot undergo surgery for medical reasons, are not eligible to participate. The study is being conducted at several hospitals and follows a prospective approach, meaning that patients are observed over an extended period to assess the long-term advantages and disadvantages of the various procedures.