Postmastectomy radiotherapy: toxicities and techniques to reduce them.

The role of locoregional radiation therapy after mastectomy is controversial. It reduces the risk of tumor relapse, improves breast cancer-specific survival and possibly overall survival, but has potential morbidity. This article reviews the technical aspects of postmastectomy radiation therapy and its associations with treatment-related morbidity. We consider common problems that arise in the technical setup of radiation fields. Adverse effects of postmastectomy radiation therapy may be reduced or prevented by careful radiation treatment planning.