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Michigan Oncology Journal Summer 2001

Of Interest

Clinical Trials

Due to the recent controversy in the literature of the value of radiation following mastectomy in patients with 1 to 3 positive nodes, SWOG has opened a new phase III trial in stage II breast cancer with 1 to 3 positive nodes. Patients are randomized to radiotherapy or observation following mastectomy and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy will be administered using CT-based therapy. The primary end points of the study are disease-free and overall survival.

Eligibility:
Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the breast, with the primary tumor less than 5 cm and 1 to 3 positive axillary lymph nodes. Must have had a modified radical mastectomy with a level I and II axillary dissection. A minimum of 10 nodes must have been removed and pathologically examined. Radiation therapy must begin no later than eight months after mastectomy. No prior chest wall or nodal radiation. No other prior malignancy except for adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, in situ cervical cancer, or any cancer for which the patient has been disease-free for five years.

Patients will undergo a modified radical mastectomy and level I/II axillary dissection and receive chemotherapy per their institution or on another randomized trial prior to registration for the current study. At time of registration, the patient will be randomized either to observation or local-regional radiotherapy. This protocol is coordinated by the Southwest Oncology Group. The identification number is S9927. Other participating oncology groups are Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, North Central Cancer Treatment Group, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, American College of Surgeons, Cancer Leukemia Group B.

For more information, contact Cancer AnswerLine 800-865-1125.

A complete database of University of Michigan Cancer Center clinical trials is available online at http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/trifin.htm.

New Faculty

John Yee, M.D.
Assistant Professsor of Surgery

Previously served for two years as a thoracic surgery faculty member at McGill University in Montreal.

Expertise: general thoracic surgery and the treatment of patients with lung and esophageal cancer.

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