The MARECA study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The MARECA study- National study of management of breast cancer locoregional recurrence and oncological outcome
IRAS ID
285389
Contact name
Baek Kim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
7 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Although the 5 year UK breast cancer survival is favourable at 86.6%, patients continue to develop breast cancer recurrence within the same breast after breast conserving surgery, as well as in the remaining skin or chest wall after mastectomy. Patients also present with breast cancer recurrence in the nearby lymph glands (under the arms or above/below the collarbone). These recurrences are collectively termed locoregional recurrence (LRR). It is estimated that up to 8% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with LRR 10 years after their diagnosis.
Currently there is a lack of high-quality data and clinical guidance for the optimal management of breast cancer patients diagnosed with LRR. In the UK, breast cancer recurrence is under-reported at individual hospital level to the national cancer registries. As a result, retrospective analysis of existing routine data sources are unlikely to provide data on patient management that is reflective of current national practice.
The MARECA study is a prospective observational multicentre longitudinal cohort study which will determine the frequency, current management and prognosis of patients diagnosed with breast cancer LRR +/- distant metastasis in the UK with the aim of establishing best practice and inform future national guidelines. Over 50 UK breast units will participate in the study.
We will establish a national prospective cohort of patients newly diagnosed with LRR (+/- distant metastasis) and describe how these patients are managed, and examine any geographical variation in the care received. The study participants will be followed up at two time points (3 and 5 years) in order to determine patient survival outcome (breast cancer related or not), as well as development of any further locoregional re-recurrence or distant metastasis. Patient survival analysis will identify prognostic factors, which will in turn generate hypothesis for future related studies with an aim of improving patient outcome.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/1128
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion