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Radiation therapy and breast cancer
1Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Current Opinion in Oncology
|November 25, 1997
Summary
Radiation therapy significantly lowers recurrence rates in early-stage invasive breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery. For those receiving systemic therapy, chemotherapy should precede radiation therapy when nodes are positive and margins are clear.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- The role of radiation therapy in ductal carcinoma in situ remains debated.
- Radiation therapy is a proven benefit in breast-conserving treatment for early-stage invasive breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of radiation therapy in reducing recurrence rates for early-stage invasive breast cancer.
- To clarify the optimal sequencing of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in specific patient subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recurrence rates in patients undergoing tumor excision with clear margins.
- Comparison of outcomes with and without radiation therapy.
- Review of treatment sequencing in patients receiving systemic therapy.
Main Results:
- Patients treated with radiation therapy show low recurrence rates, irrespective of an extensive intraductal component.
- Absence of radiation therapy is associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence.
- In patients with positive nodes and negative margins, initiating chemotherapy before radiation therapy is preferable.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy is crucial for minimizing recurrence in breast-conserving treatment of early-stage invasive breast cancer.
- The sequence of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is critical, with chemotherapy recommended first for specific patient profiles.