Dissection or irradiation of the axilla in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer? Long-term results and late effects in 655 patients

Patients and methods: From 1986 to 1993 we irradiated 655 patients with breast cancer after breast conserving surgery (BET). In all 144 cN1- and all 209 premenopausal cNO-patients axillary dissection was recommended. Of 302 postmenopausal cNO-patients 129 had breast surgery in our institution. In a total of 129 patients axillary dissection was replaced by irradiation (AxRT-group). They were compared with all 173 patients referred from other hospitals for irradiation after both breast conserving surgery and axillary dissection (AxOP-group). Dissected patients with gross tumor involvement of the axilla or less than eight nodes removed had additional axillary irradiation. Patients age, tumor size, vessel-, muscle- or skin invasion and grading were similar in both groups. However, in the AxRT-group there were more patients with negative hormon receptors, multifocal and medial sited tumors. Late complications after dissection and/or irradiation of the axilla were evaluated in 502 patients free of locoregional relapse and with a minimal follow up of 3 years (media 9,5 years). Results: After 5, 10 and 15 years tumor free survival rated were 90%, 82% and 79% in the AxOP-group vs 91%, 82% and 80% in the AxRT-group, respectively (p = 0.95). Overall survival (p = 0.98) local (p = 0.47) and axillary control (p = 0.12) were equal in both groups. However, serious problems like lymphedema of the arm, pain, mobility impairment occured in 26% patients following axillary dissection but only in 1% after axillary irradiation. No difference in late sequelae after axillary dissection with or without irradiation could be detected (26 vs 27%). (orig.)