Intervention description
tumor, nausea, embolisms, edema, skin rash
EDEMA, TUMOR, VAGINAL BLEEDING
In the current study, patients who are randomized to the RT arm will undergo RT with 50 Gy divided in 25 fractions (2 Gy each) or with 40.05 Gy divided in 15 fractions (2.67 Gy each); RT dose and fractions will be dependent on the institution’s experience. RT for treating the whole breast will be delivered daily from Monday to Friday; however, regional lymphatic irradiation and boost of the tumor bed will not be allowed.All patients randomized to the tamoxifen treatment arm will receive tamoxifen (5 mg/day) for 5 years. Tamoxifen toxicities, including hot flashes, transient nausea, and vaginal discharge, are minimal, whereas skin rash, vaginal bleeding, edema, and embolisms seldom occur. As the drug compliance of patients who are randomized to low-dose tamoxifen is crucial, the adherence to taking 5 mg tamoxifen was defined as the use of at least 90% of these pills each year for at least 5 years.