Do the intervals between operation and irradiation and further therapeutic measures influence damage in the brachial plexus in cases of operated breast cancer

In a retrospective investigation, the case histories of 1030 female patients were evaluated - 516 being post-examined - who had been operated on because of a carcinoma of the breast and post-irradiated. 39 patients suffered from a radiation-induced damage of the plexus. As for the development of the damage, in addition to the dose dependence, also an influence by hyperaemisation and hyperhydration as it can come into existence in the postoperative phase and by hormonal influences must be assumed. For radically operated-on patients, following conclusions were derived. 1) The starting date of the irradiation should not be too long before the 20th postoperative day. 2) Patients under the age of 45 and/or with arm oedema must be controlled especially carefully, as far as dose calculation and starting date of irradiation are concerned. 3) For patients treated with hormones and/or chemotherapeutically no maximal doses should be aimed at, max, 42-45 Gy. (orig.) 891 MG/orig. 892 RDG