Lymph nodes in the irradiated field influence the yield of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes from breast cancer patients

To measure chromosomal aberrations in blood lymphocytes from breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after quadrantectomy or tumorectomy.Twenty-two breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation were evaluated. Adjuvant chemotherapy was also given to 9 patients. Blood samples were obtained before radiotherapy, after about one-half of the fractions, and at the end of the treatment of the whole breast (50 Gy)....