Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer

Radiation treatment is a well-established component of breast cancer treatment, in both breast conservation and also for many patients who have had mastectomy as well as those with metastatic disease. The basis for this was established in multiple large meta-analyses, and multiple modern studies have further defined the role of radiation. The radiation must be delivered to the area at risk, which can include the partial breast, whole breast, chest wall, and/or regional lymph nodes. There are a number of acceptable radiation treatment techniques and dose-fractionation schedules that can be individualized to each patient. Radiation can also play an important role in patients with metastatic cancer.