A recent study conducted states that researchers have observed a low recurrence rate with breast cancer patients who underwent radiation therapy. While breast cancer surgery can definitely lower the risks, that risk can be further lowered with radiation therapy.
After a long 12-year follow-up, the data was presented at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). In the update, it was stated that patients with "good risk" DCIS defined by the research team as cancer found only on a mammogram or incidentally during a breast biopsy for another reason, continued to experience extremely low recurrence 12 years after the breast conservation surgery.
They also observed that people who underwent whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) and those who also opted to take tamoxifen experienced the lowest recurrence rates. Also, those who did not undergo any therapy post surgery too experienced a low recurrence. "I think the most surprising thing was that the recurrence rate in patients randomised to receive radiation therapy was so low. Radiation reduced recurrence by more than 70 per cent, and this was a much more profound impact than we expected," said lead researcher, Beryl McCormick.
"Not all DCIS is the same, this type of cancer will not impact life expectancy. We found that radiation does significantly reduce the risk for recurrence, but you are starting with an extremely low recurrence rate even without radiation. Therefore, there should be a meaningful discussion between patient and doctor about whether additional treatment is something the patient wishes to pursue," said Dr McCormick.
The researchers found that for those who did not receive radiation therapy, the recurrence rate increased by one percentage point each additional year of follow-up, climbing from just under 7 per cent to just under 12 per cent after 12 years.
