[Development of the methods of preoperative radiotherapy in breast cancer]

The following conclusions were made on the basis of long-term follow-up of 3680 breast cancer patients receiving various irradiation modalities as component of combined or complex treatment. Surgery may be recommended as single or starting procedure for stage I tumors only. Otherwise, preoperative large-fraction irradiation in combination with microwave hyperthermia, if available, should be preferred for operable tumors whereas inoperable cases call for application of standard fraction radiotherapy of primary tumor and regional lymph node areas.