Young Age Is Not Associated With Increased Local Recurrence for DCIS Treated by Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiation

Background: We report local recurrence (LR) after breast-conserving Surgery and radiation (BCS + RT) for ductal carcinoma ill Situ (DCIS) to determine outcomes for patients aged <= 40 years compared with older women. Methods: The study included 440 women with DCIS treated front 1978 to 2007. All patients received whole-breast radiotherapy with a boost in 95% of cases. Demographics, characteristics, surgical, and adjuvant treatments were analyzed for an effect oil LR. Results: Median age was 56.5 years with 24 patients aged <= 40. Median DCIS size was 0.8 cm. Re-excision was required in 62% of patients, and in 75% of those aged <= 40. Tamoxifen was used in 22% but Only one patient aged <= 40. Median follow-up was 6.8 years. Actuarial LR was 7% (95% confidence interval of 4-11%) at 10 years and 8% (5-14%) at 15 years. There was no difference in LR by age (P = 0.76). Conclusions: The long-term risk of LR after BCS + RT for DCIS is low, even in patients <= 40 years. This may be due to patient selection for small size, high utilization of re-excision, and radiation boost. Young age may be a smaller contributor to LR risk in DOS than previously suggested. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009; 100: 25-31. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.