Breast cancer in the elderly: the role of adjuvant radiation therapy.

摘要: Abstract Purpose: To evaluate available data on breast conserving surgery (BCS) with or without radiation therapy (RT), and alternative options (e.g. Tamoxifen alone) (Tam), focusing specifically the older patients. Methods materials: The MEDLINE was searched for terms elderly, BCS, adjuvant/postoperative RT, Tamoxifen, randomized trials from 1992 to 2002. Results: Authors reviewed papers of general interest elderly cancer (BC), meta-analysis, BCS±RT Tam±surgery retrospective non-randomized trials, reported prognostic factors local recurrence in BCS alone, including biomarkers, attempts made define a low-risk group, methods modification current, protracted standard adjuvant RT course. Conclusions: Postoperative after has firm rationale; current clinical practice, if BCS+RT is medically appropriate patient shares choice, full information their implications, it clinically sound propose this approach. However, there controversy whether subgroup patients could be safely spared: setting trial clearly warranted.