Whole-breast radiation therapy can significantly lower the risk of recurrent breast cancer in patients who undergo breast conservation surgery, according to a Sunday presentation at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in San Antonio.
The findings are an update to a multicenter trial (NRG Oncology [NRG]/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] 9804) assessing the value of whole-breast radiation therapy. Researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center analyzed the data of 629 patients who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer and then either had whole-breast radiation therapy or observation for a median of 12.4 years.
At the end of the period, the incidence of breast cancer recurrence was lower by a statistically significant degree in the radiation therapy group, compared with the observation group (2.8% vs. 11.4% for local recurrence, or in the same breast; 1.5% vs. 5.8% in the other breast).
Further analysis revealed that radiation therapy and treatment with tamoxifen had statistically significant associations with a reduction in local recurrence.
"We found that radiation does significantly reduce the risk for recurrence, but you are starting with an extremely low recurrence rate even without radiation," lead investigator Dr. Beryl McCormick said in a statement. "Therefore, there should be a meaningful discussion between patient and doctor about whether additional treatment is something the patient wishes to pursue."
