Use of hypofractionated radiotherapy regimens after organ-sparing surgery for Stages I–IIA breast cancers

There have been recent reports on the expediency of applying postoperative hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy (RT) regimens in patients who have undergone breast-sparing surgery. The concept of accelerated hypofractionation (AH) includes daily high-dose radiation for a shorter total period of time. In most radiologists’ opinion, the AH RT regimen may be as effective as more conventional treatments that use lower daily radiation doses for a longer period. The appeal of this method is that shorter treatment provides more convenience for patients. By taking into account the fact that the α/β ratio for intact breast tissues is about 3.5 Gy, larger fraction RT regi- mens are likely to be more effective, which will reduce the frequency of recurrences as compared with conventional therapy approaches without increasing the incidence of postradiation intact tissue damage.

breast cancer, radiotherapy, hypofractionation