Adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer. Consideration of cost-benefits in relation to the CRC (Cancer Research Campaign) (King's/Cambridge) trial.
The Cancer Research Campaign (CRC) Trial demonstrates a decreased incidence of local recurrence for patients randomized to prophylactic radiotherapy following mastectomy. Irradiated patients alive after 5 years, however, have a small increased risk of dying from causes other than breast cancer. How to estimate the cost-benefit of such therapy is discussed.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics*; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D006113:United Kingdom