Radical irradiation in the primary management of localized breast carcinoma.

One hundred-twelve females with stage I-III breast carcinoma were treated primarily with radical megavoltage irradiation. The loco-regional area received 50 Gy/5 weeks with a boost to the primary site of 10 Gy/1 week to 20 Gy/2 weeks. Local control rates were as follows: 94 per cent in stage I, 86 per cent in stage II and 69 per cent in stage III. Survival rates were comparable to those reported by other authors. Complications correlated with disease stage and extent of radiation fields.