Patterns of locoregional treatment of breast cancer among radiation oncologists in India: A practice survey

Background: The objective of the study was to assess and evaluate the practice patterns of locoregional treatment of early and advanced breast cancer among radiation oncologists (ROs) in India. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based survey was served to practicing ROs through electronic mails and personal communication between November 2006 and March 2008. Patterns of practices with respect to locoregional treatment of breast cancer in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, early breast cancer (EBC), locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were studied. Results: We analyzed sixty completed forms from ROs in India. The median number of breast cancer patients evaluated per year by the treating oncologist was 130, wherein EBC comprised 30%; locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), 50%; and MBC, 20%. A median 46% of the ROs favored breast-conserving therapy (BCT) in EBC and 92% of this subgroup advised adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in BCT. For LABC, a majority 90% of the respondents advocated a modified radical mastectomy, whereas 42% chose to include the axilla in their RT portals. Conclusions: The survey highlights the prevalent varied treatment policies followed across the country and encourages us to understand and adopt a uniform consensus for the management of breast cancer.