A 58-year-old woman with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (T1N0M0) undergoes breast conservation surgery. The tumor is 1.2 cm with clear margins. What is the mandatory adjuvant therapy following breast conservation surgery?
- A Chemotherapy alone
- B Whole breast radiotherapy ✓
- C Trastuzumab
- D No further treatment needed
Correct answer: B. Whole breast radiotherapy
Explanation
Whole breast radiotherapy is mandatory after breast conservation surgery to reduce local recurrence. Omitting radiotherapy significantly increases recurrence risk. Chemotherapy depends on recurrence score and risk factors. Trastuzumab is for HER2-positive disease. Observation alone is inappropriate after lumpectomy.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.