[Radiotherapy of invasive breast cancer in the female].

In curative treatments irradiation following breast-conserving operations reduces the local recurrence rate. Stage-adapted regional lymphatic irradiation remains controversial and is recommended only for advanced cases. Combination with adjuvant systemic treatment is possible. Following modified radical mastectomy irradiation reduces locoregional recurrences and improves recurrence-free survival. Inflammatory breast cancer is treated by chemotherapy, irradiation and mastectomy. The prognosis regarding local recurrence after breast-conserving treatment is better than after modified radical mastectomy. In palliative treatments irradiation improves quality of life.