Primary radiation therapy in the treatment of early breast cancer.

The results of the treatment of 184 breast cancers in 176 patients are reported. Local recurrence occurred in 5% of Stage I patients and 7% of Stage II patients. Local control was significantly greater in those who received an iridium implant. By combining these data with those for Stage II breast cancer patients, local control could be shown to occur with a greater likelihood and at a lower dose when gross tumor excision preceded the radiation.