Long-term results of wide field brachytherapy as the sole method of radiation therapy after segmental mastectomy for T-is,T-1,T-2 breast cancer

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that wide-field brachytherapy (BRT) after margi n negative excision would result in complication rates, local recurrence ra tes, and cosmesis scores equivalent to external beam radiotherapy (ERT). METHODS: Patients with T tumors less than or (is,1,2) equal to 4 cm, 0 to 3 positive axillary nodes, and negative inked surgical margins were entered prospectively into BRT phase I/II trial, Patients who met the eligibility c riteria for BRT but were treated with ERT during the same time period were retrospectively identified as controls. A blinded panel of healthcare profe ssionals graded cosmetic outcome. RESULTS: Fifty patients with 51 breast cancers received BRT from January 19 92 to October 1993. We identified 94 patients eligible for BRT but concurre ntly treated with ERT. At a median follow-up of 75 months, the two groups w ere similar for grade III treatment toxicities, local/regional recurrence r ates, and cosmesis scores. CONCLUSIONS: For selected breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conservi ng therapy, BRT is an attractive alternative to ERT. (C) 2000 by Excerpta M edica, Inc.