Breast cancer. Experiences with conservation therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Breast conservation therapy (BCT) is a standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer.
• The role of axillary dissection and radiation in BCT for node-negative patients requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term survival and recurrence rates in node-negative breast cancer patients treated with BCT.
• To assess the impact of axillary dissection and radiation on outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 1,504 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer treated with BCT.
• Long-term follow-up for survival and recurrence patterns.
• Analysis of the effects of breast irradiation, regional node irradiation, and axillary dissection.

Main Results:

• 5-year relative survival was 84%, and 10-year relative survival was 72%, comparable to radical surgery.
• Breast irradiation significantly reduced breast relapse.
• Regional node irradiation did not improve survival and was deemed unnecessary.
• Lumpectomy alone provided equivalent survival to more radical treatments.
• Younger patients had larger tumors, higher breast relapse risk, and reduced survival.
• Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status did not influence relapse.

Conclusions:

• Lumpectomy alone is an effective treatment for node-negative breast cancer, yielding survival rates similar to radical surgery.
• Breast irradiation is beneficial for reducing local recurrence, while regional node irradiation is not indicated.
• Younger age is a significant prognostic factor associated with poorer outcomes.