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Postmastectomy Irradiation: Indications and Techniques

  • Chapter
Breast Cancer

Part of the book series: M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series ((MDA))

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Abstract

After mastectomy and systemic therapy, viable cancer can remain in residual breast tissue, skin, and connective tissue of the chest wall as well as in the regional lymph nodes. Postmastectomy irradiation is an effective means of eliminating these occult deposits of tumor in locoregional tissues after surgical removal of macroscopic tumor. Over the decades, an understanding of the role of postmastectomy irradiation has evolved as a result of studies analyzing such variables as patient selection factors, technical advances, and changing treatment practice patterns, as well as advances in the understanding of tumor biology and normal tissue effects. Irradiation of the chest wall and regional lymphatics is routinely used in patients who present with locally advanced (stage III) breast cancer, but the role of postmastectomy irradiation in patients with stage II breast cancer remains controversial despite decades of study. Many of the early clinical trials are now understood to have had significant design flaws, some of which are addressed in this chapter, and are no longer relevant to decision-making.

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Authors
  1. Eric A. Strom
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  2. Marsha D. McNeese
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Surgical Breast Section, Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Box 106, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    S. Eva Singletary M.D., FACS (Professor of Surgery, Chief) (Professor of Surgery, Chief)

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Strom, E.A., McNeese, M.D. (1999). Postmastectomy Irradiation: Indications and Techniques. In: Singletary, S.E. (eds) Breast Cancer. M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2146-3_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2146-3_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7432-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-2146-3

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