Our Summary
This research paper discusses a study that compared different methods of combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy in patients who had a specific type of breast cancer surgery called modified radical mastectomy.
The study involved 112 patients divided into three groups. Each group received the same chemotherapy treatment before radiation therapy, but the radiation treatment was different for each group. Group A received a specific type of radiation therapy called intensity modulated radiotherapy, group B received chemotherapy along with the same type of radiation therapy as group A, and group C received chemotherapy along with a different type of radiation therapy called hypo-fractionation.
The researchers then compared the rates of side effects, cancer recurrence, and survival among the three groups. They found that the group C had better overall survival rates and fewer side effects than the other two groups. However, the rates of cancer recurrence and spread to other parts of the body were similar among all three groups.
They also found that certain measures related to the radiation dose, represented by V5, V10, V20 and V30, increased in all of the groups, and V5 and V10 in Group C were higher than those in the other two groups. However, the comparison between V20 and V30 showed no significant differences.
The study concluded that combining hypo-fractionation radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be an effective and safe treatment method after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. But more research is needed to confirm these findings.
FAQs
- What types of radiation therapy were used in the study on patients who had a modified radical mastectomy?
- What were the findings of the study regarding the rates of side effects, cancer recurrence, and survival among the three groups?
- What does the study suggest about the effectiveness and safety of combining hypo-fractionation radiation therapy and chemotherapy after a modified radical mastectomy?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to discuss with their healthcare team the best combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve overall survival. It is important to consider the potential side effects of each treatment option and weigh the benefits against the risks. Additionally, staying informed about the latest research and discussing any concerns or questions with their healthcare provider can help make informed decisions about their treatment plan.
Suitable For
Patients who have undergone a modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer are typically recommended radical mastectomy if they have:
Large tumors: Radical mastectomy may be recommended for patients with larger breast tumors that have not responded well to other treatments.
Aggressive or advanced cancer: Patients with aggressive or advanced breast cancer may benefit from radical mastectomy to ensure complete removal of cancerous tissue.
High risk of recurrence: Patients with a high risk of breast cancer recurrence may be recommended radical mastectomy to reduce the chances of cancer returning.
Invasive cancer: Patients with invasive breast cancer, where the cancer has spread beyond the milk ducts into surrounding breast tissue, may be recommended radical mastectomy.
Positive lymph nodes: Patients with positive lymph nodes indicating that the cancer has spread beyond the breast may be recommended radical mastectomy to remove any remaining cancer cells.
Genetic mutations: Patients with genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 that increase the risk of breast cancer may be recommended radical mastectomy as a preventative measure.
It is important for patients to discuss their individual circumstances and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if radical mastectomy is the best course of action for their specific situation.
Timeline
Before radical mastectomy: The patient undergoes various diagnostic tests such as mammograms, biopsies, and MRI scans to confirm the presence of breast cancer. Once diagnosed, the patient may undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy or hormone therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Day of radical mastectomy: The patient undergoes surgery to remove the entire breast, including the breast tissue, skin, and nipple. Lymph nodes may also be removed during the procedure.
Post-surgery recovery: The patient will stay in the hospital for a few days to recover from the surgery. They may experience pain, swelling, and limited arm movement in the days and weeks following the surgery.
Follow-up treatment: After the surgery, the patient may undergo adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. This treatment may last for several weeks or months.
Long-term follow-up: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their oncologist to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence and to assess their overall health and well-being. They may also undergo imaging tests such as mammograms and CT scans to check for any new tumors.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is a radical mastectomy and why was it recommended for me?
- What are the potential risks and side effects of a radical mastectomy?
- What are the benefits of combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy after a radical mastectomy?
- What are the different types of radiation therapy and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness and side effects?
- How will combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect my overall treatment plan and recovery?
- What is the expected timeline for receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy after a radical mastectomy?
- Are there any specific factors that may make me a better candidate for a certain type of radiation therapy?
- How will my progress be monitored during and after treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined therapy?
- What are the potential long-term effects of receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy following a radical mastectomy?
- Are there any alternative or complementary treatments that may be beneficial in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy?
Reference
Authors: Zhao XB, Ren GS. Journal: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016 Nov;20(22):4705-4709. PMID: 27906432