Breast conserving treatment of locally advanced carcinoma T2 and T3 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by quadrantectomy and high dose-rate brachytherapy, as a boost, complementary teletherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the treatment of breast cancer T2 and T3(T> = 4cm), through neoadjuvant chemotherapy, quadrantectomy and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachyterapy as a boost, complementary radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, considering its method problems, its esthetics results, the aspect of local control, overall survival, and disease-free survival. Patients and Method: This clinical prospective descriptive study was based on the evaluation of 26 patients ranging from 30 to 70 years old, with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, clinical stage IIB and IIIA, responsive to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Early and late radiotherapy complications were evaluated according to the criteria established by the RTOG/EORTC (Radiotherapy and Oncology Group /European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) groups. Esthetics evaluation was done in accordance with the criteria set by a plastic surgeon. Local control was evaluated by clinical method, mammography and ultrasonography. Overall survival (OS) and the disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed according to Kaplan-Meier methodology. All the patients were treated at the Dr. Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer Institute, from June/1995 to November/2001, and evaluated in March, 2002, with median follow-up of 28.7 months. Results: Early complications were observed in 8 patients (30.6%). Two patients were classified as G3 and G4 (RTOG/EORTC). Six patients had late complications and three of them (11.5%) were classified as G3 and G4. One patient (3.8%) had local recurrence, 64 months after having local treatment. Esthetics results were considered good or regular in 16 patients (60.5%) out of 24 patients who were examined. Overall survival and disease-free survival in 24, 36 and 60 months were 100%, 92.3% and 83.1% respectively. Conclusion: Early and late radiotherapy complications were considerate high when compared to literature, but esthetic results were considered acceptable. RL, OS and DFS were comparable to other forms of treatment.