Preoperative Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) presents significant clinical challenges.
• Multidisciplinary and multimodal therapeutic strategies are essential for LABC management.
• The role of radiation therapy (RT) in LABC is under ongoing investigation, particularly in the preoperative setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a narrative review of preoperative RT in LABC.
• To emphasize clinical considerations for neoadjuvant RT in LABC.
• To discuss the integration of chemotherapy with neoadjuvant RT and its impact on breast reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on preoperative RT for LABC.
• Analysis of clinical outcomes associated with neoadjuvant RT.
• Examination of the interplay between RT and chemotherapeutic agents.
• Evaluation of neoadjuvant RT's role in breast reconstruction outcomes.

Main Results:

• Neoadjuvant RT demonstrates encouraging outcomes in LABC.
• Potential benefits include improvements in both clinical and cosmetic results.
• The review highlights the complex interplay between RT and chemotherapy regimens.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative RT is a valuable component of LABC treatment.
• It offers potential advantages in patient outcomes and aesthetic results.
• Further research into optimizing neoadjuvant RT strategies, including combination with chemotherapy, is warranted.