Post mastectomy radiotherapy in breast cancer: a survey of current United Kingdom practice.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) is increasingly used following mastectomy for breast cancer. While indications for post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) are clear in patient groups at high risk of local recurrence, guidelines are less clear in intermediate-risk patients and patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This study aimed to determine variations in the use of PMRT in the United Kingdom (UK).

METHODS

A postal survey of all consultant breast surgeon members of the Association of Breast Surgery in the UK.

RESULTS

Tumour size and nodal status were confirmed as the most important indications for PMRT. There was significant variation in the influence of other factors such as tumour grade, lymphovascular invasion and margin status. Nineteen per cent of respondents stated that they would consider the use of PMRT in cases of DCIS alone.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant variation in practice across the UK with regard to the use of PMRT in intermediate risk breast cancer and patients with DCIS. Further work is required to determine which patients in these groups are likely to benefit from the use of PMRT.