When is radiotherapy typically utilized in breast cancer treatment?

Radiotherapy is most commonly utilized in breast cancer treatment after breast-conserving surgery or in specific cases of larger lesions or high-grade tumors following mastectomy. This approach is justified as radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of local recurrence in patients who have undergone lumpectomy, where cancerous tissue is removed but some breast tissue is preserved.

In the case of mastectomy, radiotherapy may be indicated for patients with certain risk factors, such as large tumor size or high-grade tumors. This ensures that any microscopic cancer cells that may remain in the breast or surrounding tissue are addressed, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Utilizing radiotherapy post-surgery allows it to serve as an adjunct therapy, complementing surgical efforts to eradicate the cancer and improve long-term outcomes for patients. While radiotherapy may play a role in other scenarios—such as metastatic disease or potentially in some neoadjuvant settings—it is particularly focused on the post-operative context with specific criteria guiding its use.