The Evolving Role of Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

Ashlyn S Everett; Jennifer F De Los Santos; Drexell Hunter Boggs

doi:10.1016/j.suc.2018.03.010

The Evolving Role of Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

Surg Clin North Am. 2018 Aug;98(4):801-817. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.03.010. Epub 2018 May 28.

Authors

Ashlyn S Everett¹, Jennifer F De Los Santos², Drexell Hunter Boggs³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Hazelrig Salter Radiation Oncology Center, 1700 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
² Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Kirklin Clinic at Acton Road, 2145 Bonner Way, Birmingham, AL 35243, USA.
³ Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Hazelrig Salter Radiation Oncology Center, 1700 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. Electronic address: dboggs@uabmc.edu.

PMID: 30005775
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.03.010

Abstract

Throughout various eras of breast cancer therapy, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) has played an important role in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. PMRT decreases locoregional recurrence and may improve overall survival in patients with tumors over 5 cm or positive lymph nodes. As novel cancer therapies improve survival in breast cancer, the role of radiation therapy is evolving. Individualized recommendations for PMRT dependent on pathologic response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy are under investigation. This review summarizes the role of PMRT during breast cancer therapy and discusses open questions that may change the landscape of future breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: Chest wall; Neoadjuvant chemotherapy; Postmastectomy; Radiation; Regional nodes.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Breast Neoplasms / mortality
Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
Female
Humans
Mastectomy*
Neoadjuvant Therapy*
Patient Selection
Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
Survival Rate
Treatment Outcome