Reirradiation in the management of locally recurrent breast cancer

ABSTRACT

Thirty one female patients with breast cancer recurring in previously irradiated fields were reirrdiated. The fields were previously treated by 45 Gy/4 1/2 weeks of elective postoperative irradiation, eight to 34 months before recurrence. Reirradiation was given on a daily fractionation basis, with a dose per fraction of 2-3 Gy, to a total dose of 30-40 Gy, using megavoltage irradiation or electron beam therapy. Systemic treatment was used in 19 cases due to the presence of metastatic disease. Six patients showed complete regression and 14 cases showed partial regression. The median duration of response was 5 months. Acute skin reactions in the form of moderate to severe erythema and/or moist desquamation were seen in 12 patients. Late radiation effects seen before reirradiation did not show any increase during the follow up period of 2 to 9 months. A higher radiation dose was associated with a higher probability of complete response and acute skin reactions [P<0.05]. Reirradiation is tolerable and offers a good means of palliation in recurrent breast cancer, in previously irradiated fields