Whole breast radiotherapy is beneficial for most women with invasive breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy. Many studies have utilized “conventionally fractionated” schedules that deliver therapy over 5 to 6 weeks, often followed by 1 to 2 weeks of boost therapy. However, more recent evidence (including a major study from Canada) has demonstrated equivalent tumour control and cosmetic outcome in specific patient populations with shorter courses of therapy (approximately 3 to 4 weeks). Patients and their physicians should review these options to determine the most appropriate course of therapy.
Sources:
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Darby S, et al. Effect of radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery on 10-year recurrence and 15-year breast cancer death: meta-analysis of individual patient data for 10,801 women in 17 randomised trials. Lancet. 2011 Nov 12;378(9804):1707-16. PMID: 22019144.
Smith BD, et al. Fractionation for whole breast irradiation: an American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) evidence-based guideline. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2011 Sep 1;81(1):59-68. PMID: 20638191.
Whelan TJ, et al. Long-term results of hypofractionated radiation therapy for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2010 Feb 11;362(6):513-20. PMID: 20147717.