In order to compare the effects of modified radical mastectomy(MRM) and partial mastectomy(MPM), axillary lymph node dissection(AD) radiotherapy(RT) on locoregional recurrence, overall survival and disease-free survival, a randomized clinical study of 187 patients with Tl, T2 breast cancer was performed One hundred eighty seven patients with T1, T2 breast cancer. admitted at Yongdong Severance Hospital from April 1991 to August 1994, were randomized into two different treatement groups. Of the 187 patients, 111 patients had received MRM and 76 had received PM, AD RT. In any of the variables considered, with the sole exception of age, such as tumor size, incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis, histologic grading, estrogen and progesteron receptor positive rate, no significant difference of patient characteristics between the two groups was found(p>0.05). Using the Kaplan-Meier Product-limit method and log-rank test, the differences of locoregional recurrence, overall and disease-free survival, between these comparable groups were analyzed. Three out of 111 MRM patients and two out of 76 PM, AD RT patients had locoregional recurrence. The overall survival rates in MRM and PM, AD RT patients were, respectively, 93.7% and 94.1%. Furthermore, the disease-free survival rates were, respectively, 89.2% and 93.9%. This result indicates that there was no significant difference between two groups in locoregional recurrence, overall and disease-free survival. Having gained a better cosmetic appearance, the conservative treatment group was satisfied with the PM, AD RT. In this study, we conclude that PM, AD RT is a good alternative Surgical treatment modality for T1, T2 Korean breast cancer patients, which could substitute the more traditional MRM.
However, further follow-up period will be needed for long term results.