Subtotal mastectomy and radiation therapy in the definitive management of localized breast malignancy

Between 1961 and 1974, 51 women with primary carcinoma of the breast were treated by external radiation following surgery that was limited to diagnostic biopsy. All patients tolerated therapy well with minimal long term morbidity. While the reported follow-up periods are brief (most patients at risk for less than 3 years), 29 patients remain alive, 25 of whom show no evidence of persistent or recurring disease. These data suggest that local-regional control rates match those obtained following mastectomy. Definitive statements as to local failures and long term survival rates are not yet available.