Objective:

To provide comprehensive, pooled survival data for breast cancer subtypes with spinal metastases, specifically addressing the knowledge gap in survival outcomes based on immunohistochemistry classification, particularly in the context of limited existing literature.

Key Findings:

• Significant median survival disparities were observed among breast cancer subtypes: HR + (26.4 months), HER2 +/HR + (19.2 months), HER2 +/HR − (8.4 months), and TNBC (6.0 months), underscoring the need for subtype-specific treatment strategies.
• Immunohistochemistry-based profiling may provide better survival predictions compared to traditional prognostic systems, suggesting a shift in clinical practice.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the critical role of immunohistochemistry subtyping in predicting survival outcomes for breast cancer patients with spinal metastases, which can inform treatment decisions and improve patient management.

Limitations:

• Limited literature on spinal metastases specifically, with many studies being small and retrospective, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
• Potential bias in included studies and variability in patient management over time, which could affect the reliability of survival estimates.

Conclusion:

This review underscores the importance of immunohistochemistry subtypes in survival estimation for breast cancer with spinal metastases, aiding clinicians in therapeutic decision-making.