Radiation vs. Radiation + Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Radiation vs. Radiation + Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer?
Research suggests that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) may not be necessary for some breast cancer patients, as radiation therapy alone can effectively reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Studies show that radiation on lymph node areas can decrease recurrence risk, and in some cases, omitting ALND can lead to better overall survival and physical functioning.12345
Is radiation plus lymph node dissection safe for breast cancer treatment?
How does the treatment of radiation plus lymph node dissection differ from other breast cancer treatments?
This treatment is unique because it combines radiation therapy with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), which may be unnecessary for some patients with limited lymph node involvement. Studies suggest that omitting ALND and using radiation alone can reduce arm problems and maintain similar survival rates, making it a less invasive option for certain breast cancer patients.14589
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase III trial studies lymph node dissection and radiation therapy to see how well it works compared to radiation therapy alone in treating patients with breast cancer previously treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Lymph node dissection may remove cancer cells that have spread to nearby lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x rays or protons to kill tumor cells. It is not yet known if radiation therapy works better alone or with lymph node dissection in treating patients with breast cancer previously treated with chemotherapy and surgery.
Research Team
Judy Boughey, MD
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for breast cancer patients who've finished chemotherapy and surgery, with certain hormone receptor statuses checked. They should have a performance status of 0-1, indicating they're fully active or restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory. Participants must not be pregnant, have no history of invasive cancer in the opposite breast within 5 years (except certain skin cancers or cervical carcinoma in situ), and no prior radiation therapy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Participants receive chemotherapy prior to surgery to shrink tumors
Surgery
Participants undergo axillary lymph node dissection or prepare for radiation therapy
Radiation Therapy
Participants receive radiation therapy 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)
- Axillary Radiation Therapy
- Nodal Radiation Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
Canadian Cancer Trials Group
Collaborator