Stereotactic Re-irradiation for Recurrence of Breast Cancer in Lymph Nodes
By
Zied Fessi
Salomé Bonnier
Kaoutar Lodyga
Jennifer Wallet
Maël Barthoulot
Chloé Delerue
Pauline Lemoine
Paul Archer
Marie Dworczak
David Pasquier
December 8, 2025
Clinical Scorecard: Stereotactic Re-irradiation for Recurrence of Breast Cancer in Lymph Nodes
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Breast Cancer with Lymph Node Recurrence
Key Mechanisms Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for targeted re-irradiation
Target Population Adults over 18 years with prior breast cancer treatment and confirmed lymph node recurrence
Care Setting Oncology centers with advanced radiotherapy capabilities
Key Highlights
Lymph node recurrence in breast cancer is linked to poor prognosis and higher metastatic risk. Stereotactic re-irradiation (re-RT) can be classified into Type 1 (overlap) and Type 2 (no overlap). SBRT shows promise for managing nodal recurrences but has limited data available. Acute and late toxicities were assessed using CTCAE version 5.0. The study was conducted at the Oscar Lambret Center in Lille, France.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Confirm recurrence through imaging and/or biopsy.
Management
Consider SBRT for nodal recurrence, especially when close to previously irradiated areas.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Assess locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).
Risks
Monitor for cumulative dose toxicity, particularly in critical structures.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with a history of breast cancer and lymph node recurrence.
SBRT is selected for cases with anatomical proximity to previously irradiated regions.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize a multidisciplinary tumor board for treatment planning. Employ advanced imaging techniques for accurate treatment planning. Follow internal protocols for organ at risk (OAR) constraints.
References