Conservation Therapy of Breast Cancer

Abstract

From 1987 to 1994, twenty-one cases of early breast cancer (stage I or II) received conservative operation to preserve breasts. They were referred to the Department of the Radiation Oncology for radiotherapy. Tangential field irradiation using a Theratron Cobalt-60 unit or a 6-MV Linear Accelerator unit was given to the involved breast with a dose of 5040 cGy in 28 fractions, followed by surgical sear boost of 1000 to 2000 cGy in 180 cGy per fraction with 6-MeV or 9-MeV electron beam. With two patients lost to follow-up after radiotherapy excluded, nineteen patients were analysed with an encouraging results showing an 80% 5-year overall survival rate and a 100% local control rate. In conclusion, Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT) with adjuvant irradiation should be encouraged for early stage breast cancer because it has the benefits of a good local tumor control and superior breast cosmetic result.