Breast conserving surgery in combination with intra-operative radiotherapy is an option for patients with recurrence of breast cancer who have previously had chest irradiation

This study aimed to examine breast conserving surgery (BCS) in combination with intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) for patients who have previously had radiation treatment to the chest. This study found that BCS in combination with IORT provides good local control and overall survival in patients with previous chest irradiation. 

Mastectomy is a treatment option for patients who have breast cancer recurrence. Mastectomy is the standard procedure in patients with in-breast tumor recurrence when radiation has been delivered to the chest before. In certain cases, a second breast conserving surgery (BCS) in combination with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is possible. This entails a second surgery to remove the tumor that has recurred. During the operation, low levels of radiation are administered to the site of recurrence to prevent recurrence. However, there is limited data on the use of IORT with BCS for patients with previous chest irradiation. 

This study aimed to identify local recurrence, distant disease recurrence (metastases) and overall survival time from treatment until death from any cause). Information on 41 patients was included in the analysis. Patients were followed for an average of 5 years. 

Local recurrence-free survival was 89.9% and overall survival was 82.7% after five years. Seven patients developed metastasis.

This study found that BCS in combination with IORT provides good local control and overall survival in patients with previous chest irradiation and is comparable to mastectomy as a treatment option.

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