RESULTS OF THE TREATMENT BY RADIATION OF PRIMARY INOPERABLE CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST: A REPORT OF 83 CASES TREATED IN THE BREAST CLINIC AT THE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF NEW YORK, N. Y

A note from history: landmarks in history of cancer, part 5

In the 3 decades from 1910 to 1940, more progress took place in cancer research and the diagnosis and treatment of cancers than during the prior centuries combined. The discovery of several carcinogens, precancerous conditions, and hereditary cancers adduced new thoughts about the genesis of cancers. Even though diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy became apposite specialties, surgery retained its primacy in the treatment of cancer patients. The delineation of new and distinct neoplastic entities, several precancerous lesions, and noninvasive carcinomas as well as the introduction of histopathologic grading of cancers promulgated cogent changes in therapy. Yet, with all the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, very little betterment could be demonstrated in the overall survival of patients, and by the end of the 1930s, cancer became the second most common cause of death in the United States.

Partial breast irradiation by brachytherapy, 1927

PURPOSE

Examination of Geoffrey Keynes's contributions to brachytherapy and the management of breast cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Review of publications and texts of the era.

RESULTS

In an era when radical mastectomy was accepted as standard treatment for breast cancer, Keynes demonstrated that brachytherapy (with or without local excision) was equally effective, while sparing body form and function.

CONCLUSIONS

Keynes established that conservative surgery, combined with radiotherapy, was the preferable option for managing breast cancer.