Radiation Therapy in Male Breast Cancer

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Male breast cancer (MBC) is a relatively rare disease and because the dedicated literature on MBC is limited, management typically follows guidelines established for female breast cancer (FBC). Although radiation therapy (RT) constitutes a critical role in the treatment of MBC, several unique challenges influence its use. Most men with breast cancer present at an older age with more extensive and advanced stage disease than women. In contrast to the predominance of breast conservation therapy in women with breast cancer, the majority of men are treated with mastectomy, with or without post-mastectomy radiation. Although no prospective or randomized trials are available, retrospective data suggests that surgery followed by adjuvant RT significantly improves locoregional control (LRC) in men. This article reviews the utilisation, efficacy, and complications associated with adjuvant RT in MBC.