Adjuvant hypofractionated radiotherapy with weekly concomitant boost for women with early breast cancer: the clinical experience at Genoa university.

UNLABELLED

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of a shortened whole-breast irradiation schedule with a concomitant boost delivered to the tumor bed once-a-week in patients with early breast cancer submitted to conservative surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pT1 and pT2 M0 carcinoma of the breast were selected. The basic course consisted of 4600 cGy to the whole breast in 20 fractions, 4 times a week, for 5 weeks. Once a week, a concomitant boost of 120 cGy was delivered to the lumpectomy area.

RESULTS

From March 2007 to August 2008, we assessed this radiotherapy schedule in 377 patients. According to the RTOG/EORTC Toxicity Criteria, at treatment completion, 85% of patients showed G0-1, 12% G2 and 3% G3 skin toxicity. At 24 months, late toxicity was G0 in 92%, G1 in 7% and G2 in 1%; cosmesis was excellent or good in 95% of patients. To date, at a median follow-up of 33 months, no patient has yet experienced local relapse.

CONCLUSION

A shortened whole-breast irradiation schedule with a weekly concomitant boost may be an alternative option with acceptable toxicity and excellent cosmesis.