Question

At a prominent state hospital, a 45-year-old woman is receiving a ‘combined modality' treatment for the initial stage of breast cancer. State the two aspects included in this treatment. State the methods by which a radiation oncologist can administer these therapies. Additionally, state four major differences between the two modes of treatment

Answer 1

The treatment of early breast cancer is separated into the treatment of local disease and systemic disease.

Treatment methods for local disease include surgery, radiation therapy, or both. Treatment of systemic disease includes one or a combination of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or biologic therapy.

Selection of therapy is based upon tumor variables such as histology, stage, and tumor markers; patient variables such as age, menopausal status, and comorbid conditions; as well as patient preference, such as a desire for breast preservation.

Techniques for Radiation Therapy include breast irradiation or chest wall irradiation.