title: Radiation therapy to the breast: practical aspects.
abstract: The use of conservative surgery and radiation therapy in the treatment of early stage breast cancer is increasing. Several prospective randomized trials have reported survival rates for patients treated with conservative surgery and radiation therapy equivalent to those of patients treated with mastectomy. This paper will review the evidence supporting the use of conservative surgery and radiation therapy, discuss the process of patient selection, review the technique and complications of radiation treatment, and outline follow-up for women after conservative surgery and radiation therapy.
authors.affiliation: Harvard University Medical School, Joint Center for Radiation Therapy, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000592:standards; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015996:Survival Rate