Shorter radiation course may be safe for breast reconstruction in women

Shorter radiation course may be safe for breast reconstruction in women

Shorter, More Intense Radiation Therapy Can Benefit Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer patients who undergo a mastectomy can benefit from a shorter course of more intense radiation therapy, according to a recent study. Hypofractionated radiation therapy, which provides a higher dose of radiation in each session over three weeks, has been found to be as effective as a standard course of lower-dose radiation over five weeks. The study, conducted by researchers from Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston, suggests that this shorter treatment option can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and post-surgical complications without compromising efficacy.

“We know that radiation can cause unwanted changes to cosmetic results in patients who have mastectomy and reconstruction,” says lead researcher Dr. Julia Wong. “With this trial, we were looking for a way to improve quality of life and cosmetic results without sacrificing efficacy.”

Many breast cancer patients choose a mastectomy as part of their treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. However, one out of three of these patients may need post-mastectomy radiation therapy to further minimize the risk. This additional treatment is essential but can also increase the risk of complications in breast reconstruction, particularly for patients who opt for implant-based reconstruction. Complications can include infection, scar tissue formation, and changes in cosmetic results.

The study compared the outcomes of 400 breast cancer patients who were treated with mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The patients were randomly assigned to either hypofractionated or standard radiation therapy. Over a period of approximately 40 months, the investigators tracked recurrence rates, radiation-related side effects, and the patients’ physical well-being.

The results showed that cancer-related outcomes and radiation-related side effects were comparable between the two groups. This suggests that the shorter course of radiation therapy is just as effective and safe as the traditional longer course. Patient-reported improvements in physical well-being were also similar, indicating that the hypofractionated course did not significantly improve the quality of life.

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However, among patients younger than 45, there was a small but statistically significant benefit in physical well-being at six months for those who received the shorter course of radiation therapy. Additionally, the shorter course reduced the burden on both time and finances for patients. Those undergoing the shorter treatment required nearly 74 hours of unpaid leave, while those undergoing the longer treatment required approximately 126 hours.

“The difference between three weeks and five weeks presents a significant improvement in the quality of our patients’ lives in terms of the disruption of their work, family, social, and financial lives,” says Dr. Wong.

The findings of this study provide promising insights into improving the treatment experience for breast cancer patients. The researchers plan to further explore even shorter courses of radiation therapy and novel forms of radiotherapy. Their goal is to reduce the burden of cancer treatment while maintaining its effectiveness.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering alternative treatment options that can offer benefits in terms of both medical outcomes and patients’ quality of life. By optimizing radiation therapy, patients can experience shorter treatment durations, fewer complications, and reduced disruption to their daily lives. Further advancements in radiotherapy techniques and approaches may continue to revolutionize cancer treatment, providing more personalized and effective care for patients.