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Influence of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

  • Breast Oncology
  • Published:
Annals of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard treatment option for patients with locally advanced operable breast cancer and is increasingly used in early breast cancer. Initial randomized trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy established equivalency to adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of survival, but they also demonstrated improved rates of breast conservation and the ability to modify the risk of locoregional recurrence after a favorable response to chemotherapy. High-quality nonrandomized data have helped to tailor radiotherapy treatment recommendations after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Results from an ongoing phase 3 randomized trial (NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304) will help to clarify the value of locoregional radiotherapy for patients with clinical N1 disease that becomes node negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

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Disclosure

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Amit K. Garg MD & Thomas A. Buchholz MD

Authors
  1. Amit K. Garg MD
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  2. Thomas A. Buchholz MD
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Correspondence to Amit K. Garg MD.

Additional information

Acknowledgment: This educational review series, “Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer” is supported by an educational grant from Genentech, Inc. The Society of Surgical Oncology offers CME/MOC for this educational review series. Visit moc.surgonc.org for additional information.

Annals of Surgical Oncology educational reviews represent the journal’s commitment to the peer review and publication of high quality research necessary to define the safety, toxicity, or effectiveness of potential therapeutic agents compared with conventional alternatives.

This Educational Review Series may include information regarding the use of medications that may be outside the approved labeling for these products. Physicians should consult the current prescribing information for these products. Authors of Annals of Surgical Oncology educational reviews are provided at the time of article solicitation with this statement regarding off-label pharmaceutical information and research.

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Garg, A.K., Buchholz, T.A. Influence of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 22, 1434–1440 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-015-4402-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-015-4402-x

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