International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · May 1999
Multicenter StudyAccelerated superfractionated radiotherapy for inflammatory breast carcinoma: complete response predicts outcome and allows for breast conservation.
Chemotherapy and accelerated superfractionated radiotherapy were prospectively applied for inflammatory breast carcinoma with the intent of breast conservation. The efficacy, failure patterns, and patient tolerance utilizing this approach were analyzed. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that induction chemotherapy, accelerated superfractionated radiotherapy, and the selected use of mastectomy results in excellent locoregional control rates, is well tolerated, and optimizes breast preservation. Based on our present results, we recommend that a patient's response to induction chemotherapy guide the treatment approach used for locoregional disease, such that mastectomy be reserved for incomplete responders and avoided in those achieving a complete response.