Local Therapy of Early Breast Cancer*

This review discusses the 2007 St. Gallen oral presentations and posters on the subject of local treatment of primary breast cancer. With a view to surgical interventions, recent results are examined in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ and advanced disease, in sentinel node biopsy and in oncoplastic surgery. In terms of radiotherapy, the focus of this report is on postmastectomy and partial breast irradiation, radiotherapy and systemic therapy, and quality-of-life questions. Finally, conclusions are given with respect to novel developments and unresolved research issues in local therapies as reflected at this year’s St. Gallen Breast Cancer Conference.