S. Min1, and H. K. Byun2; 1Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of (South), 2Department of Radiation Oncology Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea, Republic of (South)
Purpose/Objective(s): To evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on symptomatic relief and tumor control in patients with breast cancer with skin involvement. Materials/
Methods: This retrospective study included patients who received palliative radiotherapy (RT) of the breast or chest wall for breast cancer with skin involvement. Tumor response, overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), local progression free survival (LPFS), and symptomatic response were evaluated. The prescribed dose to tumor was calculated as the biologically effective dose (BED) using a/ß of 10. Tumor and symptomatic responses were evaluated until 6 months after RT. Results: Of the 44 patients included in this study, 48 Gy in 15 fractions was the most common regimen, and the median BED was 63.4 Gy (range, 14.4-90.0 Gy). With a median follow-up of 16.4 months (range, 1.6-63.5 months), the median LPFS and PFS were 8.3 and 3.5 months, respectively. The 1-year LPFS rates in patients who received BED =50 Gy and BED <50 Gy were 75.9% and 38.2%, respectively (P=0.030). BED =50 Gy was independently associated with LPFS (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.99). Within 6 months after RT, 75% of patients showed relief of discharge, 67% showed relief of bleeding, and 36% showed relief of pain. There was no grade 3 or higher skin toxicity or other adverse events. Conclusion: RT is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with breast cancer with skin involvement, providing effective symptomatic relief. The administration of BED =50 Gy can offer a benefit in achieving durable local control.
