Ten-year results of accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole-breast radiation with concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity after conserving surgery for early breast cancer

Accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) is considered a standard therapeutic option for early breast cancer (EBC) in the postoperative setting after breast conservation (BCS). A boost to the lumpectomy cavity may further increase local control. We herein report on the 10-year results of a series of EBC patients treated after BCS with hypofractionated WBRT with a concomitant photon boost to the surgical bed over 4 weeks. Between 2005 and 2007, 178 EBC patients were treated with a basic course of radiotherapy consisting of 45 Gy to the whole breast in 20 fractions (2.25 Gy daily) with an additional boost dose of 0.25 Gy delivered concomitantly to the lumpectomy cavity, for an additional dose of 5 Gy. Median follow-up period was 117 months. At 10-year, overall, cancer-specific, disease-free survival and local control were 92.2% (95% CI 88.7–93.4%), 99.2% (95% CI 96.7–99.7%), 95.5% (95% CI 91.2–97.2%) and 97.3% (95% CI 94.5–98.9%), respectively. Only eight patients recurred. Four in-breast recurrences, two axillary node relapses and two metastatic localizations were observed. Fourteen patients died during the observation period due to other causes while breast cancer-related deaths were eight. At last follow-up, ≥G2 fibrosis and telangiectasia were seen in 7% and 5% of patients. No major lung and heart toxicities were observed. Cosmetic results were excellent/good in 87.8% of patients and fair/poor in 12.2%. Hypofractionated WBRT with concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity after BCS in EBC led to consistent clinical results at 10 years. Hence, it can be considered a valid treatment option in this setting.     

乳腺癌保乳术后同步加量调强放疗的临床疗效

目的:探讨乳腺癌保乳术后同步加量调强放疗的疗效、不良反应及美容效果。方法:2008年~2010年收治乳腺癌保乳术后患者78例,其中38例行瘤床同步加量调强放疗（A组）,剂量分割方案为全乳50Gy/25次（2Gy/次）,瘤床同步加量至60Gy/25次（2.4Gy/次）,总疗程33~35天;40例行常规分割调强放疗（B组）,剂量分割方案为全乳50Gy/25次,后续瘤床推量10Gy/5次（2Gy/次）,总疗程40~42天。应用Kaplan-Meier法生存分析,Log-rank法检验差异。结果:中位随访时间为73个月,随访率为100%。两组5年总生存率均为100%。A组和B组5年局部无复发生存率、无病生存率分别为97.4%、97.5%（P=0.978）;97.4%、95.0%（P=0.589)。A组和B组1、2级急性皮肤反应发生率分别为57.9%、52.5%(P＝0.632); 13.2%、12.5%(P＝0.931);A组和B组的1级皮肤及皮下组织晚期反应发生率分别为15.8%、15.0%（P=0.932）;1级白细胞减少发生率分别为7.9%、10.0%（P=0.745）。A组和B组在放疗前、放疗后3、5年美容效果优良率分别为86.8%、87.5%（P=0.931）;84.2%、85.0%（P=0.932）;81.6%、82.5%（P=0.916）。结论:保乳术后同步加量调强放疗的疗效与常规分割调强放疗相似,美容效果及不良反应相当。     

乳腺癌保乳术后同步加量IMRT前瞻性研究

目的 前瞻性评估乳腺癌保乳术后瘤床同步加量IMRT的疗效和不良反应。     

Influence of boost radiotherapy in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer: a multicenter,retrospective study in Korea (KROG 11-04)

To estimate the effect of boost radiotherapy on local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer. We included patients from nine institutions who met the following criteria: having Tis, age 18 years or older, having breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy within 12 weeks after surgery. From 1995 through 2006, 728 patients were analyzed retrospectively by the Korean Radiation Oncology Group. All patients received whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT) after BCS. 232 patients (31.9 %) also received boost radiation therapy (RT) (median 10 Gy). After median follow-up of 82 months, 5-year LRFS was 98.4 % and 10-year LRFS was 95.8 % for all patients. There was no statistically significant difference of LRFS between the boost and no-boost groups. Nineteen (2.6 %) patients had ipsilateral breast recurrences, including 12 of invasive recurrence and 7 DCIS. The presence of the HER2 receptor was associated with more invasive recurrences. Nine (1.2 %) patients developed contralateral breast cancer, including six invasive breast cancer and three DCIS. In the multivariate analysis, only the margin status was a significant prognostic factor for LRFS. Boost RT was not associated with further improvement of local control in DCIS after BCS and WBRT. HER2 receptor-positive patients may need further treatment with the anti-HER2 agents.     

早期乳腺癌保乳术后瘤床同步加量短疗程放疗临床观察

目的 探讨早期乳腺癌保乳术后瘤床同步加量短疗程放疗疗效、不良反应以及美容效果。方法 2008—2010年本院收治早期乳腺癌保乳术后患者 306例,其中 160例行常规分割放疗(常规组),两野切线全乳照射,后续瘤床电子线推量,总疗程 46~48 d;146例行短疗程放疗(短程组),两野切线全乳照射,同步瘤床电子线推量,总疗程 30~32 d。Kaplan-Meier法计算生存率和局部复发率并Logrank检验差异,χ²检验两组资料可比性、不良反应及美容效果。结果 中位随访时间26个月,随访率为100%。两组1、2、3年生存率均为100%,均无局部复发(χ²=0.00,P=1.000)。常规组与短程组1、2级急性皮肤反应发生率分别为46.9%与45.1%(χ²=0.73,P=0.695)、16.3%与13.7%(χ²=0.73,P=0.695),1级皮肤及皮下组织晚期反应发生率分别为16.9%与17.1%(χ²=0.00,P=0.954);1级中性粒细胞减少发生率分别为11.9%与13.7%(χ²=0.23,P=0.633);美容优良率分别为66.2%与65.5%(χ²=0.01,P=0.927)。结论 保乳术后全乳放疗同步瘤床加量的短疗程方案与常规放疗的疗效相似,美容效果相当且未加重皮肤反应,但还需进一步研究。     

Repeat breast-conserving therapy for ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence: A systematic review

The standard of care for patients with an ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is a salvage mastectomy. However, there is growing interest in the feasibility of repeat BCT for these patients. This systematic review contains the latest insights on BCT options for patients with an IBTR after initial BCT.A PubMed literature search was performed for articles on BCT options for IBTR after primary lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy. Weighted estimates were calculated for 5- and 10-year local control, distant metastasis-free and overall survival rates. Secondary outcomes were toxicity, cosmesis and quality of life.In total, 34 studies were eligible for analysis, of which 5 reported on repeat breast-conserving surgery (BCS) alone, 10 with mixed populations (BCS ± RT and/or mastectomy), 18 on repeat BCS followed by re-irradiation (whole-breast or partial) and one on quality of life. The weighted estimates for 5-year overall survival for repeat BCS and repeat BCS followed by reirradiation were 77% and 87%, respectively. Five-year local control was 76% for repeat BCS alone and 89% for repeat BCS followed by re-irradiation. Grade III-IV toxicity rates after re-irradiation varied from 0 to 21%, whereas the cosmesis was excellent-good in 29–100% of patients and unacceptable in 0–18%.Repeat BCS followed by re-irradiation, with either whole breast or partial breast re-irradiation, seems a feasible alternative to mastectomy in case of IBTR, in selected patients. Toxicity rates are low and the cosmetic outcome is good, but the size and follow-up of the published patient series is limited.     

Breast conserving surgery and definitive irradiation for early stage breast cancer

Breast conserving surgery and postoperative breast radiotherapy were used to treat 219 cases of AJCC Stage I and II breast carcinoma at the Michael Reese and University of Chicago Hospitals. Most patients were treated with lumpectomy and axillary sampling followed by breast irradiation to a dose of 46 Gy followed by a boost dose of 14-16 Gy to the surgical bed. The 5-year actuarial local control is 92%. Follow-up is 1 to 10 years and the median follow-up is 36 months. Of the seven patients who recurred in the breast, three failed in the boost site and three failed adjacent to the boost site. The seventh patient recurred diffusely in the breast and skin. Four of the seven recurrences were in patients with positive surgical margins. The 5-year actuarial relapse-free survival is 80%. Factors which had an adverse affect on the cosmetic results were a scar length greater than 8 cm and a volume of resected breast tissue greater than 100 cm3. Treatment related complications were minor and infrequent. Breast conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy is effective in achieving local control with good to excellent cosmetic results.     

Comparative acute toxicity from whole breast irradiation using 3-week accelerated schedule with concomitant boost and the 6.5-week conventional schedule with sequential boost for early-stage breast cancer

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute toxicity in a 3-week accelerated radiation therapy (RT) schedule with a concomitant boost compared with the 6.5-week conventional schedule with a sequential boost for early-stage, node-negative breast cancer.Materials and MethodsThis study included the first 50 patients treated on protocol using the accelerated schedule as well as 74 patients with comparable stages of disease treated over the same period using the conventional schedule. An accelerated schedule of 40.5 Gy × 2.7 Gy/fraction to the whole breast with 4.5 Gy × 0.3 Gy/fraction concomitant boost, for a delivered total dose of 45.0 Gy × 3.0 Gy/fraction in 15 fractions to the lumpectomy site. The conventional schedule used 46.8 Gy × 1.8 Gy to the whole breast with a sequential boost of 14.0 Gy × 2.0 Gy/fraction, delivering a total dose of 60.8 Gy × 33 fractions to the lumpectomy site. The side effects observed during RT and through the initial 8 weeks after treatment were scored for acute toxicity.ResultsA lower incidence of ≥ grade 2 skin toxicity was observed among patients treated on the accelerated schedule compared with those treated on the conventional schedule (p = .0015). There was a higher incidence of breast pain among patients receiving the conventional schedule (p = .045). No significant difference in the incidence of breast edema, fatigue, or hematologic side effects was observed between the 2 groups.ConclusionOur observations suggest that there is acceptable toxicity with the accelerated schedule as used in this study. Further, it is not associated with a higher risk of acute toxicity when compared with the conventional schedule. Patients in the study are being followed, and clinical outcomes will be reported as the data mature.     

早期乳腺癌保乳术后全乳大分割照射同步瘤床加量的临床分析

目的：观察早期乳腺癌保乳术后全乳大分割照射同步瘤床加量的短期疗效与不良反应。方法64例早期乳腺癌患者保乳术后行两野切线全乳照射,全乳腺照射40．5 Gy／15 f,单次剂量2．7 Gy／f,同步瘤床推量至48 Gy／15 f,单次剂量3．2 Gy／f,总疗程3周,观察分析患者局部复发情况、美容效果及不良反应。结果中位随访时间17月,随访率为100％,无局部复发情况发生。3例患者表现乳腺中度胀痛;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级急性皮肤反应发生率分别为17．2％、4．7％、1．6％;Ⅰ级血小板下降发生率与Ⅰ～Ⅱ级中性粒细胞减少发生率分别为1．6％、4．7％;放疗完成后4、7月美容优良率分别为90．6％、87．5％。结论早期乳腺癌保乳术后全乳放疗同步瘤床加量的短期疗效与以往常规放疗方式相似,缩短放疗时间,不会增加皮肤不良反应及降低美容效果。     

Accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole breast radiation with simultaneous integrated boost using volumetric modulated arc therapy for early breast cancer: A phase I/II dosimetric and clinical feasibility study from a tertiary cancer care centre of India

Background

Hypofractionation has become standard of care after Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT) in many European and few others western countries. Though still debatable, tumor cavity boost is routinely practised in our centre. Hypofractionation is not yet the current standard of practice in Asian countries. Employing hypofractionation and simultaneous integrated boost to lumpectomy cavity with conformal technique is not the current practice in this region. Hence the study was performed to see whether accelerated hypofractionation and simultaneous boost can be combined using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in treating early breast cancer (EBC) patients.

Intraoperative radiation therapy delivered prior to lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer: a single institution study

Objective: To evaluate the safety, cosmesis, and clinical outcome of intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) delivered prior to lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer. Methods: From December 2008 to March 2012, 75 breast cancer patients (ages 34-66 years) were treated with IOERT during breast conservative surgery. IOERT was delivered using a mobile linear accelerator. Suitable energy and applicator size were chosen to ensure coverage of the tumor with anterior and posterior margins of 1 cm and lateral margins of 2 cm. Patients with sentinel node metastases or younger than 40 years received 8 Gy as boost followed by post-operative external beam radiation therapy of 50 Gy/25F; the others had 15 Gy, prescribed to the 90% isodose depth. Adjuvant treatment consisted of chemotherapy (55 patients), hormonal therapy (59 patients), or combined chemotherapy and hormonal therapy (41 patients). The safety, cosmesis, and short-term outcome were evaluated. Results: Median follow-up was 54 months (range: 30-66 months). Two (2.7%) patients developed post-surgical hematoma. Six (8.0%) patients developed mild breast fibrosis. Eight (10.7%) patients suffered from local pain. One (1.2%) patient experienced a post-operative infection. Sixteen (21.3%) patients developed Grade 1 pulmonary fibrosis. Forty-three (57.3%) patients had an excellent cosmetic result and 23 (30.7%) had a good cosmetic result. Three patients had an ipsilateral breast recurrence, with an actual 3-year local recurrence rate of 4.0%. One patient had an ipsilateral axillary recurrence, resulting in a 3-year regional recurrence rate of 1.3%. No distant metastases or deaths were observed. The 3-year disease free survival was 94.6%. Conclusions: Intraoperative electron radiation therapy delivered prior to lumpectomy is safe and feasible for selected patients with early-stage breast cancer. Early side effects, cosmesis and short-term efficacy are acceptable, but a longer follow-up is needed for evaluation of late side effects and long-term outcome.     

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a boost in patients with early-stage breast cancer -- acute toxicity

BACKGROUND: We report on acute toxicities as well as the early cosmetic outcome of patients receiving intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) followed by whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) compared to patients treated with standard WBRT alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2/2002 until 2/2005, 84 breast cancer patients were treated with IORT during breast-conserving surgery (BCS) as a boost (20 Gy/50 kV X-rays) followed by WBRT. After wound healing, all IORT patients were treated with WBRT at a total dose of 46 Gy. For the purpose of comparison, 53 patients treated consecutively between 1/2003 and 12/2004 in our institution with BCS followed by WBRT at a total dose of 50-66 Gy, were analyzed. All patients had a defined followup schedule. Toxicities were prospectively documented using the CTC/EORTC Score. Cosmesis was evaluated after 6 months using a 1-4 score. RESULTS: Treatment was well tolerated with no grade 3/4 acute toxicity. Rare adverse effects following IORT included wound healing problems (2%), erythema grade I-II (3%), palpable seroma (6%) and mastitis (2-4%). The number of patients with induration of the tumor bed was comparably low. CONCLUSION: IORT with the IntrabeamTM system applied as a boost during BCS, followed by 46 Gy WBRT, exerts similar acute toxicity as standard WBRT. Further follow-up is needed to assess long-term toxicity and efficacy.     

Long-term outcome of hypofractionated radiotherapy to the whole breast of Japanese women after breast-conserving surgery

Background

In Japan, there are still no reports of long-term outcome for hypofractionated radiotherapy to the whole breast after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). We report our institution’s results from evaluation of the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy for Japanese women.

Methods

Data in the medical records of 327 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy between January 2003 and December 2006 at the Kawasaki Medical School Hospital and were followed for more than 3 years. The median age was 54 years old (the age range was 28–80 years). The whole breast was irradiated with a total dose of 42.56 Gy/16 fx with boost irradiation to positive margins. Adjuvant therapy consisted of chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy and was administered to 300 patients, based on their stage or pathological findings.

Results

Follow-up periods ranged from 21 to 92 months; the median follow-up period was 60 months. At 5-year follow-up, overall survival, cause-specific survival, relapse-free survival, and local control were 96.0, 97.5, 95.3, and 99.7% respectively. Grade 2 radiation pneumonitis occurred in five patients. Grade 2 radiation dermatitis occurred in 17 patients. Severe late complications were not observed.

Conclusions

In our study, hypofractionated radiotherapy led to good results without severe toxicity. We believe hypofractionated radiotherapy after BCS is safe and efficient treatment for Japanese women.     

Early breast cancer with positive margins: excellent local control with an upfront brachytherapy boost

Standard breast conservation therapy consists of lumpectomy and whole breast radiation with boost. The effectiveness of radiation in cases of positive margins is controversial. Two potential treatment-related factors are time to initiation of radiation and localization of the boost. Here, we examine long-term outcomes of positive margin cases treated with an upfront interstitial brachytherapy boost. This particular treatment arrangement may reduce those treatment-related effects on local control. Historically, a low dose interstitial implant was a common boost technique. One approach administered the boost before external beam. A review of 521 cases treated at our institution was conducted. Patients were selected for this study if they received an upfront brachytherapy boost and had close or positive margins. Forty-four breast cancers were identified. Median follow-up of survivors was 11.3 years (8.1-21.7). Implant was performed at lumpectomy (12) or axillary dissection (32). Margin statuses were: focal carcinoma at ink (37), multifocal carcinoma at ink (1), carcinoma <1 mm from ink (2), and DCIS at ink (4). Median tumor size was 1.2 cm (0.5-3.5 cm). Ten patients had nodal involvement. Total median dose was 60 Gy (58.6-65.3 Gy). Median boost dose was 15 Gy (12-20.3 Gy). Lumpectomy to boost interval was median of 3 weeks (0-10.8). No ipsilateral breast recurrences or second primaries were identified. Four developed contralateral breast cancer. Eleven are deceased, four from breast cancer-all from metastasis. 12-year Kaplan-Meier estimates were: overall survival 78 ± 7 %, cause specific survival 93 ± 4 %, and recurrence-free survival 82 ± 6 %. Univariate analysis identified nodal disease as significant for cause specific survival (log rank p = 0.005). No ipsilateral breast recurrences were found. Early administered radiation and accurate boost localization were identified as suspected treatment-related factors for local recurrence. When these two treatment-related factors are minimized, long-term local control rates do not suffer.     

Breast edema in breast cancer patients following breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy: a systematic review

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is commonly used in breast cancer treatment. Despite its benefits, some women will be troubled by breast edema. Breast edema may cause an unsatisfactory cosmetic result, influencing the quality of life. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the incidence of breast edema and to identify risk factors of breast edema in breast cancer patients following BCS and radiotherapy. A systematic literature search was performed using different electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase) until June 2014. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) research studies that included female breast cancer patients who were treated with BCS and radiotherapy and (2) studies that investigated the incidence of breast edema and/or risk factors of breast edema. Exclusion criteria were (1) reviews or case studies and (2) studies published before 1995. We identified in total 28 papers which represented 4,011 patients. There was a great variation in the incidence of breast edema (0–90.4 %). We identified several possible risk factors for breast edema namely increasing irradiated breast volume, increasing boost volume, the use of a photon boost, increasing breast separation, a higher density of the breast tissue, a large tumor, a higher specimen weight, postoperative infection, acute postoperative toxicity, and diabetes mellitus. However, their prognostic value remains uncertain. Breast edema is a common complaint after BCS and radiotherapy. A number of possible risk factors associated with breast edema were identified, but further research is warranted.     

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to deliver nodal irradiation in breast cancer patients

To evaluate feasibility, safety, toxicity profile and dosimetric results of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to deliver regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after either mastectomy or breast conservation (BCS) in high-risk breast cancer patients. Between January 2015 and January 2017, a total of 45 patients were treated with VMAT to deliver RNI together with whole breast or post-mastectomy radiotherapy. The fractionation schedule comprised 50 Gy in 25 fractions given to supraclavicular and axillary apex nodes and to whole breast (after BCS) or chest wall (after mastectomy). Two opposite 50°–60° width arcs were employed for breast ad chest wall irradiation, while a single VMAT arc was used for nodal treatment. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Acute skin toxicity was G2 in 13.3% of patients. Late skin toxicity consisted of G1 induration/fibrosis in six patients (13.3%) and G2 in 1 (2.2%). Dosimetric results were consistent in terms of both target coverage and normal tissue sparing. In conclusion, VMAT proved to be a feasible, safe and effective strategy to deliver RNI in breast cancer patients after either BCS or mastectomy with promising dosimetric results and a mild toxicity profile.     

3-D Conformal Photon Boost in the Treatment of Early Stage Breast Cancer: Four Year Follow Up Results

In the treatment of early stage breast cancer, breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by whole breast irradiation (WBI) is the standard treatment. The impact of the tumor bed boost following WBI is well-defined, but there are various delivery methods. In this study we demonstrate our 4?year experience with the 3-D conformal boost technique. Between January 2004 and June 2005, 77 early stage (Stage I?CII) breast cancer patients were treated in our institute with whole breast irradiation (WBI, 50.4?Gy in 28 fractions) after breast conserving surgery. Following WBI, 3-D conformal photon boost was delivered (10?C16?Gy in five to eight fractions) for all patients. The clinical outcome was retrospectively recorded in terms of survival and local control. The side effect profile (fibrosis, fat necrosis and cosmetic outcome) was also recorded and studied. In our patient group the mean follow up time was 46.8?months (median: 52, range: 17?C71, SD: 14.4) The 4-year probability of local tumor control was 96% (crude rate: 74/77?C96.1%), the 4-year probability of overall survival was 96% (crude rate: 74/77?C96.1%) in this patient group. In case of the distant metastasis free survival the probability was 89, 5% (crude rate: 70/77?C90, 1%). Probability of disease specific survival was 98% (crude rate: 76/77?C98. 7%). Local relapse occurred in three cases (3.9%). In ten cases (12.9%) asymptomatic grade I?CII breast fibrosis, in eight cases (10.4%) asymptomatic breast fat necrosis were registered. For 14 patients (18.2%) asymptomatic lung fibrosis was recorded on the control CT scans. In term of the relapse free survival, the close resection margin and the nodal positivity resulted in significant difference in favor of the clear resection margin group and the node negative group. In this study the 3-D conformal photon boost resulted in good local control and side effect profile. The presence of tumor bed clips resulted in significantly lower boost PTV volumes, but no correlation was found between the irradiated boost volume and the breast fibrosis. In the relapse free survival analysis, nodal negativity and clear margin status resulted in significantly better RFS.     

Hypofractionated boost after whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma: chronic toxicity results and cosmesis

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of hypofractionated boost after hypofractionated whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma.

Methods and materials

Patients after breast conservative surgery were treated all time with hypofractionation of 2.67 Gy/day. Whole breast dose was 40.05 Gy followed in case of risk of local relapse by a boost of 16.02 Gy or 8.01 Gy. Acute and chronic toxicity results were evaluated including cosmetic software-assisted assessment and objective evaluation of fibrosis parameters (elasticity and hydration) by means of a skin tester.

Results

A total of 362 patients were evaluated. Acute toxicities comprised grade 1 dermatitis in 48.1 %, grade 2 in 44.5 % and grade 3 in 17 patients 4.7 %, respectively. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, in 308 cases (86.6 %) there was no chronic skin or subcutaneous changes. In the first consecutive 50 patients, measures with skin tester showed no statistical differences in parameters for skin and subcutaneous fibrosis. Cosmetic results were considered excellent and good in 26 and 62 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Boost to tumour bed with hypofractionated doses is well tolerated and acute and chronic toxicities are mild with good cosmetic results. Objective systems are encouraging methods to assess skin quality and cosmesis.

     

乳腺癌保乳术后放疗疗效和美观效果

目的　观察乳腺癌保乳术后放疗的疗效和美观效果。方法　保乳术后全乳外照射和瘤床加量共10 9例,79例除应用高剂量率插植技术[T1期肿瘤用单排插植,针距为1.5cm ,T2期以上肿瘤用双排或三排插植;针距间单次剂量(DB) 10～12Gy ,靶区周边剂量为85 %DB]外,其中4 8例还经组织间插植加量放疗;30例除采用电子线常规外照射15Gy外,其中2 7例还经电子线外照加量放疗。全乳照射应用6MV直线加速器,采用双切线半野照射技术,靶区剂量为4 5～5 2Gy(平均4 8.6Gy)。采用医生评分与患者问卷方法评价美观效果。结果　5年生存率为93.8% ,局部复发率为6 .5 %。全组无放射性溃疡发生,5例出现位于插植针孔周围急性皮肤炎症。在经临床随访体检的75例中,医生打分和患者自评满意度为优的比例分别占87%和81% (P >0 .0 5 )。两组满意度医生总评为优的患者比例分别为81.2 %和85 .2 % (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　乳腺癌保乳术后放疗可降低术后复发率,并发症少。不同的瘤床加量放疗方法不影响美观满意度。     

Interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost: the feasibility and cosmetic outcome of a fractionated outpatient delivery scheme

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, potential toxicity, and cosmetic outcome of fractionated interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost for the management of patients with breast cancer at increased risk for local recurrence.

Methods and Materials: From 1994 to 1996, 18 women with early stage breast cancer underwent conventionally fractionated whole breast radiotherapy (50–50.4 Gy) followed by interstitial HDR brachytherapy boost. All were considered to be at high risk for local failure. Seventeen had pathologically confirmed final surgical margins of less than 2 mm or focally positive. Brachytherapy catheter placement and treatment delivery were conducted on an outpatient basis. Preplanning was used to determine optimal catheter positions to enhance dose homogeneity of dose delivery. The total HDR boost dose was 15 Gy delivered in 6 fractions of 2.5 Gy over 3 days. Local control, survival, late toxicities (LENT-SOMA), and cosmetic outcome were recorded in follow-up. In addition, factors potentially influencing cosmesis were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

Results: The minimum follow-up is 40 months with a median 50 months. Sixteen patients were alive without disease at last follow-up. There have been no in-breast failures observed. One patient died with brain metastases, and another died of unrelated causes without evidence of disease. Grade 1–2 late toxicities included 39% with hyperpigmentation, 56% with detectable fibrosis, 28% with occasional discomfort, and 11% with visible telangiectasias. Grade 3 toxicity was reported in one patient as persistent discomfort. Sixty-seven percent of patients were considered to have experienced good/excellent cosmetic outcomes. Factors with a direct relationship to adverse cosmetic outcome were extent of surgical defect (p = 0.00001), primary excision volume (p = 0.017), and total excision volume (p = 0.015).

Conclusions: For high risk patients who may benefit from increased doses, interstitial HDR brachytherapy provides a convenient outpatient method for boosting the lumpectomy cavity following conventional whole breast irradiation without overdosing normal tissues. The fractionation scheme of 15 Gy in 6 fractions over 3 days is well tolerated. The volume of tissue removed from the breast at lumpectomy appears to dominate cosmetic outcome in this group of patients.