Results of breast-conserving therapy for multifocal or multicentric breast cancers

Aim: To evaluate the outcome of breast-conserving treatment including adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with multifocal or multicentric breast cancers. Methods: Between February 1996 and January 2002 13 patients presented with multifocal or multicentric breast tumors underwent breast-conserving therapy. Their median age was 44 years (range; 32-56). Nine patients had T1 disease and four had T2 disease. Nodal involvement was confirmed in three patients. All patients had breast-conserving surgery and axillary lymph node dissection with clear resection margin. Whole breast irradiation was given up to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions followed by 10 Gy boost to tumor bed. Twelve patients received adjuvant systemic therapy: chemotherapy in four patients, hormonal therapy in five patients and both in three patients. Results: At a median follow-up duration of 70 months, all patients were alive without evidence of disease. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated in 11 patients. Cosmesis was excellent in two patients, good in six patients and fair in three patients. Conclusion: Multifocal and/or multicentric breast cancers can be successfully treated with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy when complete microscopic resection and contemporary systemic therapy are given.