Breast Cancer: Early Stage Better Treated With Shorter, Higher-Dose Radiation

Breast Cancer: Early Stage Better Treated With Shorter, Higher-Dose Radiation



HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE RECEIVING FASTER RADIATION TREATMENTS

There are two well-known radiation treatments available for those suffering from breast cancer. Conventionally fractionated whole breast irradiation, or CF-WBI, is more common treatment, giving smaller radiation doses over a more prolonged time period. Hypofractionated whole breast irradiation, also known as HF-WBI, is less often used. HF-WBI offered breast cancer patients a higher dose over a shorter period of time, essentially giving the patient the same amount of radiation but in a way that initially sounds riskier. However, a new study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that, for early stage breast cancer, higher doses of radiation in shorter periods of time are actually a better and more efficient treatment option.

BETTER RESULTS FROM THOSE WHO UNDERWENT HF-WBI

To get their conclusive results, researchers from the University of Texas studied 287 women that were diagnosed with early breast cancer. These women were then split into two groups – one group received lower radiation in longer periods of time, while the other received higher doses in a shorter time period. The results were quite conclusive: The breast cancer patients who underwent HF-WBI saw 31% less acute toxic effects from the radiation than those who were being treated with CF-WBI. Similarly, breast cancer patients undergoing higher doses of radiation saw 30% fewer dermatitis instances, as well as 19% less breast pain, 8% less fatigue than the CF-WBI patients, and 6% less difficulty with regards to caring for their families. The last statistic is particularly notable; women suffering from breast cancer still have families and jobs to tend to, and anything that can alleviate their ability to do those is of great importance for treating breast cancer.
A similar study out of Michigan was also published in JAMA Oncology, and its findings were reproduced by those in Texas. To add onto the positive effects of HF-WBI, the breast cancer patients undergoing CF-WBI had a 20% higher rate of self-reported pain, as well as 14% more swelling.

WHAT THIS STUDY MEANS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Main researchers of this study made sure to say that this doesn’t mean a simple suggestion of using HF-WBI more often. It means that they believe conclusively, from these findings, that HF-WBI should be the standard used for those suffering from early stage breast cancer, particularly those over 40. Combine this study with previous ones that suggest there’s very little difference in tumor control and survival rates between HF-WBI and CF-WBI, and it’s hard to argue.