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World J Clin Oncol. Aug 10, 2014; 5(3): 425-439
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.425
Current role of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast cancer
Gokhan Ozyigit, Melis Gultekin
Gokhan Ozyigit, Melis Gultekin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
Author contributions: Ozyigit G and Gultekin M designed review; Ozyigit G and Gultekin M wrote the paper; Ozyigit G and Gultekin M checked and revised the manuscript accordingly.
Correspondence to: Gokhan Ozyigit, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 101 Gevher Nesibe Street, Altindag, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. gozyigit@hacettepe.edu.tr
Telephone: +90-312-3052900 Fax: +90-312-3052914
Received: December 28, 2013
Revised: March 7, 2014
Accepted: May 29, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Processing time: 215 Days and 18.9 Hours
Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy in females. Advances in systemic therapies and radiotherapy (RT) provided long survival rates in breast cancer patients. RT has a major role in the management of breast cancer. During the past 15 years several developments took place in the field of imaging and irradiation techniques, intensity modulated RT, hypofractionation and partial-breast irradiation. Currently, improvements in the RT technology allow us a subsequent decrease in the treatment-related complications such as fibrosis and long-term cardiac toxicity while improving the loco-regional control rates and cosmetic results. Thus, it is crucial that modern radiotherapy techniques should be carried out with maximum care and efficiency. Several randomized trials provided evidence for the feasibility of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast cancer. However, the role of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast cancer will continue to be defined by the mature results of randomized trials. Current review will provide an up-to-date evidence based data on the role of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Radiotherapy; Intensity modulated radiotherapy; Partial breast irradiation; Hypofractionation

Core tip: Several randomized trials provided evidence for the feasibility of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast cancer. Current review will provide an up-to-date evidence based data on the role of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast cancer.