ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy plus in-tensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after breast-conserving surgery for stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ breast cancer.Methods After breast-conserving surgery, 108 patients received six cycles of chemotherapy followed by IM-RT. The irradiation dose of the whole breast was 50 Gy given by 25 fractions, followed by 10 Gy boost to the tumor bed given by 5 fractions with electron beams. Patients with positive estrone receptor or progesterone re-ceptor were given endocrine treatment, mostly with tamoxifen. Results The follow-up rate was 100% by December 2007. The number of patients followed-up at 1-, 2- and 3-year was 108,88 and 58. The 1-, 2- and 3-year over survival rates were 100% ,100% and 98%. Three patients had local recurrence. Different degree of dermatitis occurred with good long-term cosmetic results. No severe side effects occurred such as radiation-induced pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis and heart injury. Conclusions Breast cancer patients treated by adjuvant chemotherapy plus IMRT after breast-conserving surgery have high survival rate and low side-effect rate. The survival quality and local control can be improved.