[Radiotherapy and breast conserving therapy: past, present and future]

Clinical trials in the 1970s and 80s showed the survival rate of women with early breast cancer (stage I-II, 0-5 cm) who underwent treatment by means of breast conserving therapy (BCT) to be equal to that of those who underwent radical mastectomy. Since the 1980s the risk of both local recurrence and late toxicity after BCT has been significantly reduced. Studies are identifying subgroups of patients with low-risk breast cancer in whom it is possible to abstain from giving further radiation treatment. Over recent years the number of effective systemic therapy options has increased, leading to a reduction in the risk of recurrence in breast cancer. Developments in genetic profiling are expected to lead to further individualized loco-regional treatment.