Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy Review
Author Information
Author(s): Maria Vilarino-Varela, Yaw Sinn Chin, Andreas Makris
Primary Institution: Mount Vernon Cancer Centre
Hypothesis
What are the current indications for post-mastectomy radiation therapy?
Conclusion
Post-mastectomy radiation therapy reduces the risk of locoregional failure and increases overall survival in high-risk patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-mastectomy radiation therapy has been shown to reduce locoregional failure rates by two-thirds.
- Survival advantages of post-mastectomy radiation therapy have been demonstrated in high-risk patients.
- Current guidelines recommend post-mastectomy radiation for patients with four or more positive axillary nodes.
Takeaway
After breast surgery, radiation can help prevent cancer from coming back and can help patients live longer, especially if they are at high risk.
Methodology
Review of literature on post-mastectomy radiation therapy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the evolution of systemic therapies and variations in study designs.
Limitations
Older studies may not reflect current systemic therapy practices and were not always adequately powered.
Participant Demographics
High-risk breast cancer patients, including premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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