Survey of current status of post-mastectomy radiotherapy for breast cancer in China

Objective: To study the way of applying post-mastectomy radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer in China. Methods: Two cycles of questionnaire were sent to the departments of radiation oncology of different hospitals through out China to survey the indications and techniques of post-mastectomy radiotherapy for breast cancer. Results: Proportions of hospitals which applied post-mastectomy radiotherapy to breast cancer of stage T1-T2N0, T1-T2N0 with tumor located in the center m inner quadrant of the breast, T1-T2N + 1-3 and T3 m N + ≥ 4 were 11.9%, 63.8%, 87.6% and 97.1%. Proportion of hospitals in which only T3 or N + ≥ 4 were the standard indication of post-mastectomy radiotherapy was 7.1%. As to irradiation targets, the supra- and infra-clavicular region was the most common target in 96.2% of different hospitals, followed by inner quadrant region (85.2%), chest wall (79.0%) and axillary region (74.8%). Conclusions: We have the same standpoint that breast cancer of stage T3 or N + ≥ 4 should receive post-mastectomy radiotherapy. However, there is controversy in the decision making of radiotherapy for stage T1-T2N + 1-3 breast cancer, which is worth further, prospective clinical trials for a final conclusion. (authors)