ABSTRACT
Radium needle implantation of the breast and axilla was used as an alternative to radical surgery. In this study 250 patents were reported with 3 years of follow-up and 201 with 5 years. In the 85 patients with disease apparently restricted to the breast, the 5-year survival rate was 86%, comparable to that seen with radical surgery. The technique evolved over time, and later in the series, patents first underwent local removal of the tumor. The cosmetic results appeared good, but some patients developed excessive fibrosis and many developed ‘neuralgia’ in the treated area. (Of historical interest, the procedure was discontinued at the start of World War II because of the danger of bombing in relation to the radium needles and because Professor Keynes became heavily involved in the war effort.)
Summary
British Medical Journal 1937; ii:643-647
Breast conserving therapy (optimally using limited breast surgery) is possible using irradiation.
