Sequencing of tamoxifen and radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in early-stage breast cancer

J Clin Oncol. 2005 Jan 1;23(1):24-9. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2005.01.198. Epub 2004 Nov 15.

Abstract

Purpose: Tamoxifen (TAM) is thought to exert a cytostatic effect on hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. Some preclinical studies show reduced radiosensitivity in irradiated malignant mammary epithelial cells when pretreated with TAM; other studies refute these results. Recent randomized clinical trials suggest an antagonistic effect of TAM on cytotoxic therapy, with improved disease-free survival (DFS) with sequential versus concurrent TAM. An exploratory analysis was undertaken to evaluate the optimal sequencing of TAM and radiotherapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery.

Patients and methods: Southwest Oncology Group trial 8897 (Intergroup 0102) randomly assigned node-negative women with T1-3 breast cancers to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, fluorouracil (CAF); CAF --> TAM; cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil (CMF); and CMF --> TAM. For this analysis, data are reported only in the TAM groups. RT was allowed either before adjuvant therapy (sequential [SEQ] RT; 107 patients) or after chemotherapy but concurrent with TAM (concurrent [CONC] RT; 202 patients). Survival data were adjusted for receptor status, age, and tumor size.

Results: With a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 10-year DFS values were 83% and 83% for CONC versus SEQ RT groups (log-rank P = .73; P = .76 adjusted for patient characteristics), and 10-year overall survivals were 88% and 90%, respectively (log-rank P = .59; adjusted P = .65). Patterns of failure showed no increase in in-breast recurrence rates between CONC RT and SEQ RT groups, with 10-year local recurrence rates of 7% for CONC RT and 5% for SEQ RT (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.26 to 2.04; P = .54).

Conclusion: The current analysis does not suggest an adverse effect on local or systemic control with CONC versus SEQ TAM and RT in node-negative breast cancer. A randomized trial is encouraged to validate these results.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy, Segmental
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Tamoxifen / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Tamoxifen
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Fluorouracil

Supplementary concepts

  • CAF protocol