Concurrent Paclitaxel and Radiotherapy for Node Positive Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in breast cancer (BC) can improve local control in node-positive patients.
• Assessing the feasibility of paclitaxel with radiotherapy for tolerability, cosmetic outcomes, and local control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, cosmetic results, and local control of concurrent paclitaxel chemotherapy and radiotherapy in stage II-III breast cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective feasibility study involving 43 female breast cancer patients (stage II-III) post-surgery.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy: 4 cycles AC followed by 4 cycles of weekly paclitaxel concurrent with 3D conformal radiotherapy.
• Toxicity and cosmesis assessed using RTOG and Harvard criteria; lung function evaluated by carbon monoxide diffusion.

Main Results:

• Median follow-up of 36 months showed 95% overall survival and 92.5% disease-free survival with no local relapse.
• No significant change in lung function (carbon monoxide diffusion) post-radiotherapy.
• 15% delay in radiotherapy due to acute GIII skin toxicity (10%), mucositis, and wound gap; 93% patient satisfaction with cosmetic results.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy with weekly paclitaxel offers acceptable tolerance and cosmesis.
• This regimen provides good local control and minimizes treatment duration.
• Feasible treatment option for node-positive breast cancer patients.