[10 years' experiences with an innovative irradiation technic in breast carcinoma. An analysis of the late sequelae in normal tissue].
OBJECTIVE
In "high risk" breast cancer patients radio- and chemotherapy or hormonal strategies are applied after mastectomy. To reduce the risk of hot spots we developed an innovative irradiation technique using only 2 portals to encompass the chest wall and the regional lymph node areas.


METHODS
In a retrospective analysis we evaluated 131 patients concerning late normal tissue reactions. We compared one group of combined treated patients (radio- and chemotherapy) with women who only had irradiation after surgery.


RESULTS
The most frequent findings are telangiectasia in the chest wall (electron portal): grade 3 (1.5%), grade 2 (4.6%), grade 1 (35.8%), 58% no telangiectasia. A moderate lymphoedema of the arm was seen in 4.5%. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Our treatment concept allows simultaneous application of radio- and chemotherapy without enhancement of late normal tissue reactions.
Katsohi
D
D
Klinik für Strahlentherapie, RWTH Aachen.
Krenkel
B
B
Schmachtenberg
A
A
Ammon
J
J
D001940:Breast / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008408:Mastectomy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors