Role of Post Mastectomy Radiotherapy in T1,T2 Lesions with 1-3 Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes - A Retrospective Study of 101 Cases.

Abstract

Postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) has been shown in
multiple randomized trials to reduce locoregional
recurrence (LRR) rates and improve survival in women
with locally advanced breast cancer.1There is
international consens us to recommend PMRT for
patients with tumour size more than 5 cm (T3), tumour
invasion of the skin, pectoralmuscle or chestwall (T4)
and patients with > 4 positive lymphnodes (LN) . The role
of PMRT in patients with early-stage T1-2 disease with
limited nodal metastasis remains a subject of ongoing
debate.2 Controversy surrounding the optimal
locoregional management of the subset with one to
three positive nodes stems from conflicting data on the
benefits of PMRT in this population. The side effects of
radiotherapy and it sassociated morbidity have to be
considered in the risk benefit ratio, thus difficult to arrive
at consensus in early breast cancer.3This study reports
the findings from use of post operative RT (radiotherapy)
on such less afflicted patients at tertiary regional cancer
centre in India.