ADJUVANT RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF BREAST-CANCER

Recent studies on the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on local control , survival and quality of life in patients with breast cancer have bee n evaluated. Following these studies, breast conserving surgery with s ubsequent radiation therapy is the standard treatment for early breast cancer In advanced disease, radiation is indicated for patients with T3-or T4 and/or with four or more positive lymph nodes. In general, ra diotherapy leads to a 2-4 fold reduction of local ralapse. In addition , there is considerable evidence that radiotherapy is associated with a higher overall survival. In elderly women Postoperative radiotherapy should not be withheld. An extensive intraductal component (EIC) or m ulticentric disease can be compatible with breast conserving therapy i f surgery has been completed. Self assessment of patients rated the co smetic results of breast conserving therapy higher than mastectomy and breast reconstruction.