Retrospective analysis of radiotherapy outcomes in breast cancer radiotherapy at a single institution

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. With the challenges of cancer treatment in developing countries there is a need for a systematic and methodical approach to treatment in resource-limited settings.

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate the profile of breast cancer patients irradiated with curative intent and discuss the therapeutic outcomes, and to compare this cohort with the available developed-world data.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 689 breast cancer patients from 2010–2014 at Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape Province was analysed. The best-case disease-free survival was calculated at five years and compared with the SEER database. Various prognostic factors were calculated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The five-year best-case disease-free survival (DFS) for Stage I is 94.7% (95% CI 68–99) and for Stage IIIC, 71.3% (95% CI 39–88).

Conclusion

Outcomes of treatment at this institution are comparable to data reported in first-world countries. As twodimensional radiotherapy compares with most Cobalt specifications, the majority of breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa can be treated efficiently with Cobalt-type technology.