Optimal approach in early breast cancer: Radiation therapy.

ABSTRACT: Radiation therapy significantly reduces by at least 70% the relative risk of local and regional recurrences for breast cancer after surgery. A positive influence on overall survival has been clearly demonstrated, especially for patients with a high absolute risk for locoregional recurrences. However, this is partially counterbalanced by late toxicity (dependent upon the radiation dose) especially to cardiac structures. Apart from this toxicity, a clear influence of radiation-therapy-related factors on functional and cosmetic outcome has also been demonstrated. Over time, technical improvements have led to a marked reduction in dose to the neighbouring organs, with a consequent drop in acute and late toxicity. This has also allowed the introduction of shorter radiation schedules, lowering t

SUBMITTER: Poortmans P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4041558 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature