Ishida et al. – Preliminary results using 5 factors rather than 2 as criteria for post-breast-conserving treatment (BCT) irradiation appear promising and invite further investigation. Methods
Local recurrence rates were examined in irradiated and nonirradiated pts who had undergone BCT, to investigate the question of RT appropriateness across groups
Pts were divided into 2 groups: a 2-factor group and a 5-factor group
Results
85 pts were classified using only 2 factors (margin-positivity and lymphatic metastasis-positivity)
318 pts were classified using 3 additional factors (lymphatic invasion, intraductal extension, and metachronous/synchronous bilateral br ca)
The use of 5 clinicopathological factors rather than 2 as the criteria for RT led to an increase in the irradiation ratio from 47.1% to 63.2% and a decrease in local recurrence from 12.9% to 2.2%
Investigators cautioned that this study was limited by the short average follow-up period and that randomized comparative studies are required, noting that patient age and margin condition as mandatory criteria for irradiation may also be necessary
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