Treatment Options for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Radiation Therapy for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Because women who undergo breast-conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are at risk for recurrence of a tumor (invasive or in situ) either in the same or contralateral breast, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) may be used to treat the remaining breast tissue. Most commonly, radiation therapy is used in cases of high-grade DCIS. Radiotherapy is usually given daily for 3 to 6 weeks.

Research has shown that radiation therapy following breast-conserving surgery for DCIS reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast by approximately 50%. Research is currently ongoing to identify sub-populations of women with DCIS who may not need radiation therapy following breast-conserving surgery. In the United States, the current practice is to administer radiation therapy following breast-conserving surgery for DCIS to prevent recurrence.