Locoregional recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery and radiation.
BACKGROUND
The results of radiation on the local control of triple receptor-negative breast cancer (negative estrogen [ER], progesterone [PR], and HER-2/neu receptors) was studied.


METHODS
Conservative surgery and radiation were used in 753 patients with T1-T2 breast cancer. Three groups were defined by receptor status: Group 1: ER or PR (+); Group 2: ER and PR (-) but HER-2 (+); and Group 3: triple-negative (TN). Factors analyzed were age, menopausal status, race, stage, tumor size, lymph node status, presentation, grade, extensive in situ disease, margins, and systemic therapy. The primary endpoint was 5-year locoregional recurrence (LRR) isolated or total with distant metastases.


RESULTS
ER- and PR-negative patients were statistically significantly more likely to be black, have T2 disease, have tumors detectable on both mammography and physical examination, have grade 3 tumors, and receive chemotherapy. There were no significant differences noted with regard to ER- and PR- patients by HER-2 status. There was a significant difference noted in rates of first distant metastases (3%, 12%, and 7% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; P = .009). However, the isolated 5-year LRR was not significantly different (2.3%, 4.6%, and 3.2%, respectively; P = .36) between the 3 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with TN breast cancer do not appear to be at a significantly increased risk for isolated LRR at 5 years and therefore remain appropriate candidates for breast conservation.
Freedman
Gary M
GM
Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA. gary.freedman@fccc.edu
Anderson
Penny R
PR
Li
Tianyu
T
Nicolaou
Nicos
N
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000473:pathology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism
D011374:Progesterone; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; C508053:ERBB2 protein, human