Radiotherapy and Tamoxifen for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Following local excision, radiotherapy had long-lasting benefits and tamoxifen had small absolute benefits for breast cancer outcomes.

The landmark U.K., Australia, and New Zealand ductal carcinoma in situ (UK/ANZ DCIS) trial began about 20 years ago, just after screening mammography was initiated in the U.K. The trial had a complex and unusual randomization scheme that involved use of adjuvant tamoxifen and whole-breast radiotherapy in 1701 women, with elective decisions by physicians and patients to withhold or include either of these treatments. Now, investigators report long-term results (median follow-up, 12.7 years) of this trial.

Whole-breast adjuvant radiotherapy lowered incidence of all new breast events (P<0.0001), including both ipsilateral invasive disease and ipsilateral DCIS. Compared with patients who were randomized to no radiotherapy, those who received rad…

Reviewing Author

Henry Mark Kuerer, MD, PhD, FACS

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)