[Primary radiation therapy of breast cancer (author's transl)]

Many experiences with breast-saving primary radiation therapy following tumorectomy justify the utilization of this method as an alternative to mastectomy. Complications are insignificant, cosmetic results excellent in general, on the condition, however, of rigorous indication, of careful and atraumatic surgical technique and of exactly planned and accurately delivered megavoltage therapy. Local and regional tumor control amounts to 90% in Stage-I cases, to 85% in Stage II, and to about 65% in Stage III. Five-year survival is obtained in 85 to 95% of Stage I cases, in 65 to 75% of Stage II and in about 25% of Stage III cases. Ten-year survival rate lies between 45 and 60%. No sign of secondary malignomas possibly induced by curative radiation therapy has been found till now.