Journal of International Oncology ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (5): 301-305.doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20251112-00049

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research progress on preoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer

Li Lina1, Liu Shuai2, Zhang Nan2()   

  1. 1 School of Clinical MedicineShandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang 261041, China
    2 Breast CenterCentral Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinan 250013, China
  • Received:2025-11-12 Online:2026-05-08 Published:2026-05-06
  • Contact: Zhang Nan E-mail:zlkzn2016@126.com
  • Supported by:
    Shandong Provincial Health Science and Technology Development Project(202409031051);China Health and Medical Development Foundation Medical Research Project(chmdf2024-xrzx06-01);Clinical Research Special Fund of Wu Jieping Medical Foundation(320.6750.2024-21-74)

Abstract:

Preoperative radiotherapy is an important development direction in the field of comprehensive treatment of breast cancer. Its clinical value lies not only in tumor downstaging and improving the pathological complete response rate, but also in optimizing the timing of breast reconstruction and reducing long-term complications. With the rapid advancement of precise radiotherapy and immunotherapy, increasing attention has been paid to the biological synergistic effects of preoperative radiotherapy in inducing immunogenic cell death and regulating the tumor microenvironment. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the clinical value, key technical models, and multidisciplinary joint strategies of preoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer, systematically summarizes the latest evidence, and delineates the key challenges, which may guide the clinical practice of preoperative radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer and improve patient prognosis.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Radiotherapy, Pathological complete response