[Long-term results of exclusive radiotherapy and brachytherapy of breast cancer].

Purpose: To report retrospective long-term results of historical experience of breast radiotherapy (RT) including external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy.

Patients And Methods: Between 1971 and 1983, at our service 474 breast cancer patients underwent exclusive conserving radiotherapy treatment. The RT included an initial external irradiation followed by interstitial LDR brachytherapy (37Gy) to the residual tumour. The local regional nodes received 47.5Gy followed by a 15Gy boost delivered to the mammary nodes internal (IMN) and 25Gy axilla.

Results: Median follow-up was 139months (8-342). There were 40 T1, 356 T2, and 78 T3. Local recurrences (LR) were observed in 20% of cases. The rate of recurrences free at 5, 10, 15 and 20years were 86%, 77%, 73% and 67% respectively. At 5, 10, 15 and 20-year, the disease-free survival rates were 63%, 42%, 32% and 24%. Overall survival rates at 5, 10, 15 and 20-years were 75%, 53%, 34% and 25% respectively.

Conclusion: Although the historical retrospective character of these series, it is interesting to have this experience and to analyse it according to our new knowledge and advances. The described technique was a standard for many years and could be still used in some cases.