Management of inoperable carcinoma of the breast by curative radiotherapy and chemo-hormonotherapy

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate local control and its rela tion to survival in patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated wi th curative irradiation and systemic therapy. Patients and Methods: 240 pat ients with unresectable breast cancer were treated with curative radio- and chemo- or hormonotherapy from 1990-1995. The frequency of distant dissemin ation and the overall survival of patients with and without complete local control were compared. Results: Complete local control was achieved in 63% of patients. Complete local control correlated with decrease of distant met astases and increase of survival in comparison with patients without comple te local control. Conclusion: Radiotherapy without surgery provides insuffi cient local control in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Comple te local control is an important factor for prevention of distant dissemina tion and for survival.