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Is pectoralis muscle invasion an indication for post-mastectomy radiation (PMRT) for an otherwise early stage, node negative breast cancer with clear margins?

3 Answers
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Radiation Oncology · University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Answered on

In and of itself no. Given the inclusion of specific node negative patients in MA.20 and EORTC 22922 and small but significant DFS benefit in both, by extrapolation to mastectomy it behooves us to consider carefully the potential benefit of PMRT in node negative patients without over-treating. In re...

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Radiation Oncology · Varian Medical Systems/Allegheny health network
Answered on

The data in a node negative situation is lacking /limited but in 1-3 positive node, pec fascia involvement was associated with high risk of recurrence even when surgeon excised muscle with negative margin.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11395242

Plus Danish study did allow pec fascia involvement ...

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Mednet Member
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Radiation Oncology · Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center
Answered on

I think if this is the only potential indication for PMRT and the involved muscle has been removed with negative margins, I would not treat.

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