A controlled trial of extended radical mastectomy

One hundred twenty-three women younger than 70 years of age and at clinical Stages I or II were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of radical versus extended radical mastectomy. The 5-year survival rates in the radical and extended radical groups were 75 +/- 6.7% and 80 +/- 6.7%, respectively. (Cox P value for comparison of survival curves = 0.32.) Of the total series, 112 were treated by the same surgeon and confirmed pathologically as having invasive mammary carcinoma. In this more homogeneous subgroup, the 5-year survival rates for the radical and extended radical groups were 71 +/- 7.6% and 85 +/- 6.2%, respectively (P = 0.09). For patients from this subgroup with central or medial tumors, the 5-year survival rates were 66 +/- 10% and 88 +/- 8.2%, respectively (P = 0.06). For patients with lateral tumors, the 5-year survival rates were nearly equal: 79 +/- 11% and 81 +/- 9.7%, respectively. The findings in a nonrandomized series of similar patients were comparable. The results are not definitive, but suggest an advantage of extended radical mastectomy over radical mastectomy for patients with central or medial tumors. Continued follow-up of the randomized series may lead to more conclusive results.