[Elective radiotherapy in breast carcinoma]

From March 1972 to November 1979 a total of 157 patients with stage I to III primary breast cancers have been irradiated after segmental resection (12 cases), tilectomy (89 cases) or biopsy (56 cases). Complete local control was achieved in all Stage I lesions, in 97% of Stage II lesions and in 68% of Stage III lesions. Non recurrence has been observed in patients previously operated by segmental resections, while local failures occurred in 6/89 and in 16/56 patients operated by tilectomy or biopsy, respectively. Of the 28 Stage I patients, 24 (86%) are alive, one with distant metastases. Four patients of this group are dead, 2 of intercurrent disease and 2 of breast cancer. Of the 61 (Stage II) patients, 38 (62%) are alive, 5 of these with distant metastases. Twenty-three patients are dead, 15 with active disease, and 8 suffered intercurrent death. Of the 68 Stage III patients, 21 (31%) are alive, 6 of these with distant metastases. Fourty-seven patients are dead, 43 of breast cancer and 4 of intercurrent disease. The high probability of initial subclinical deposits is evidenced by the fact that 49 of the 68 patients in this group developed distant metastases. The patients with T1 lesions appear to comprise the most favourable group with a relapse free survival at five years of 76%. The 5 years relapse free survival was 62% for T2 lesions and 25% for T3 and T4 lesions. N0 status does not confer the same favourable prognosis as T1 status. N+ status, however, resulted in a definitely negative prognostic factor. Cosmetic results after our treatment approach appear to be extremely good. A marked difference between the irradiated and controlateral breast occurred only in 10 of the 125 patients after a minimum of 2 years observation.