Evaluation of role of post-operative irradiation in early carcinoma of breast--preliminary report (retrospective analysis)
Bhalavat, R.L.; Pinto, J.M.
Indian Journal of Cancer 15(3): 47-54
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-509X PMID: 757404 Document Number: 138609
Post-operative irradiation to lymph nodal areas in early breast carcinoma (stages I and II) is controversial. A retrospective analysis was done on 198 cases registered at the Tata Memorial Hospital [Bombay, India] in 1969 and early 1970 to evaluate the efficacy of post-operative irradiation. Cases were given radiation with deep X-rays. The 5-yr survival rate was 54% in stage I and 27% in stage II. The survival rates appeared low as a large number were lost to follow-up. Clinical impression and histological status correlated. C-P- (clinically and histologically negative) and C+P-(clinically positive but histologically negative) cases showed better 5-yr survival rates and reduced recurrence rates in non-irradiated cases, while C-P+ (clinically negative but histologically positive) cases showed better results in the irradiated group. Recurrences were more common at distant sites in the irradiated group. Local recurrences were also more common in the irradiated groups. The average time before recurrence was 1 yr, 7 mo. in the non-radiated group and 6 mo. in the irradiated group. Essential comparison with megavoltage radiation is planned to verify this observation.