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.