Role of Radiotherapy in Elderly Patients (≥65 Years) With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy Research
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents unique challenges, particularly in older adults (≥65 years).
• The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in elderly TNBC patients remains an area of active investigation.
• Existing evidence is limited, necessitating a comprehensive review of available data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first meta-analysis on the benefits of adjuvant radiotherapy in older patients with TNBC.
• To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on overall survival and cancer-specific survival in this demographic.
• To synthesize findings from relevant clinical studies to inform treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of medical literature was performed for randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, and cohort studies.
• Studies included patients aged >65 years with TNBC who received or did not receive radiation therapy.
• Four cohort studies published between 2015-2019, involving 10,710 patients, were eligible for meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• Patients who received radiotherapy (n=6283/8526) demonstrated significantly better 5-year overall survival (77% vs. 55%, p<0.001).
• Addition of radiotherapy was associated with improved cancer-specific survival (n=815/1957).
• Multivariable analyses from large retrospective studies suggest radiotherapy may enhance overall and disease-free survival when combined with breast-conserving surgery.

Conclusions:

• Adjuvant radiotherapy appears beneficial for improving overall survival in elderly patients with TNBC.
• The findings support considering radiotherapy as part of the treatment regimen for older individuals diagnosed with TNBC.
• Further research may clarify optimal radiotherapy strategies for this specific patient population.