Radiation therapy for breast cancer.

Over the past five decades, radiotherapy (RT) has become an integral part in the combined modality management of breast cancer. Although its significant effect on local control has been long demonstrated, only recently has adjuvant RT been shown to have a significant effect on breast cancer mortality and overall survival. This article summarizes the adjuvant role of RT after mastectomy and lumpectomy, as well as the rationale and techniques for partial-breast irradiation.