Breast Cancer pp 637-644 | Cite as

Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy of Early Breast Cancer

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Abstract

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in high-risk breast cancer patients reduces the risk of locoregional recurrence and improves disease-free and overall survival. This has been established in randomized trials where patients were also treated with systemic therapy indicating that in radically operated breast cancer patients, both optimal systemic and optimal locoregional therapies are important and contribute to improved prognosis of the patient.

The target of PMRT is the chest wall, and depending on tumour risk parameters, all or part of the lymph node areas draining the glandular breast tissue are included in the irradiated volume. Data pointing to the effect of including the internal mammary lymph nodes are highlighted. The ESTRO consensus for target delineation is presented, and technical issues like dose, fractionation, field arrangements, breathing-adapted respiratory techniques and use of bolus are discussed.

Balancing the gain and risk from PMRT in the individual patient is very important, and future directions in providing more individualized therapy are mentioned.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Birgitte Vrou Offersen
    • 1
  • Mette Skovhus Thomsen
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of OncologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark

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