Breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer

Abstract

This provides a contemporary look at the current trends of breast-conserving therapy. Though outcomes are improving, such as local control and survival, the rate of lumpectomy versus mastectomy in breast cancer patients continues to decline. Evolving techniques for the critical roles of tumor localization, margin assessment, and margin control are described. Novel complementary therapies, such as cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, intraoperative radiation therapy, brachytherapy, partial breast irradiation, and various forms of external beam radiation deployment, are discussed. The concept of oncoplastic breast surgery, combining oncologic principles with plastic surgery techniques, has emerged as an important part of breast-conserving therapy. The combination of oncoplastic repair with partial breast radiation is changing the face of breast conservation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with tumor size reduction, is allowing breast conservation in patients who would traditionally not be eligible. These advances continue to redefine breast conservation therapy.