A 55-year-old woman with a 2 cm ER-positive, HER2-negative, node-negative invasive ductal carcinoma undergoes breast-conserving surgery. Which factor most strongly supports the need for adjuvant radiotherapy?

• A Age greater than 50 years
• B Grade 1 histology
• C ER-positive status
• D Tumor size greater than 1 cm ✓

Explanation

Adjuvant whole-breast radiotherapy is standard after breast-conserving surgery for invasive breast cancer to reduce local recurrence. The absolute benefit is greatest for tumors greater than 1 cm. Age greater than 50, ER positivity, and low grade are favorable prognostic factors but do not eliminate the need for radiotherapy.

Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.