title: Prophylactic supraclavicular fossa radiotherapy in early breast cancer: is it worthwhile?
abstract: A total of 291 consecutive patients with early breast cancer who did not receive any supraclavicular prophylactic irradiation of the ipsilateral fossa have been followed for a minimum of 5 years. Isolated relapse in that site occurred in 4.5% of patients and was controlled by radical radiotherapy with a post-relapse 5-year survival of 33%. Relapse with co-existing distant metastases occurred in a further 7% and no patient survived to 3 years. Supraclavicular fossa irradiation contributes to morbidity, does not improve survival and should be abandoned in favour of delayed treatment for proven recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Radiotherapy Department, Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fairlamb
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Machin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010166:Palliative Care; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome