Authors' objectives: Evaluate the available evidence about the efficacy, safety and policy issues related to insuring the use of three-dimensional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with breast cancer.

Authors' recommendations: There is no evidence about the superiority of IMRT in outcomes of clinical relevance such as local recurrence, serious side effects, disease-free survival or mortality. Studies also agree that this new technique reduces the acute toxic effects, mainly mild to moderate cutaneous and cosmetic, but does not alter the quality of life of patients. Based on the evidence analyzed, IMRT is not routinely indicated but may be considered in selected cases where the minimization of tissue surrounding the tumor is crucial and where refined accuracy is critical. No clinical practice guidelines were detected that conclude that IMRT could be routinely indicated in breast cancer. In conclusion, breast IMRT does not appear to provide clinical benefit in most patients with breast cancer.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2011

URL for published report: www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)