A retrospective study comparing hypofractionated radiotherapy and conventional radiotherapy in postmastectomy breast cancer
Pinitpatcharalert, A.; Chitapanarux, I.; Euathrongchit, J.; Tharavichitkul, E.; Sukthomya, V.; Lorvidhaya, V.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 94 Suppl. 2: S94-102
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 21717886 Document Number: 10620
The conventional radiotherapy (CRT) in postmastectomy breast cancer is 1.8-2.0 Gy daily for 25 fractions, while hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) delivered dose in fewer fractions with larger radiation intensity. The present study compares the efficacy of HFRT and CRT. From 2004 to 2006, 215 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty seven patients received CRT and 148 patients received HFRT (2.65 Gy in 16-18 fractions). Five-year locoregional control (LRC), disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicities were analyzed. Median follow-up was 39 months. Five-year LRC was 86.6% in CRT and 85.8% in HFRT (p = 0.852). Five-year DFS was 62.7% and 69.6% (p = 0.136) in CRTand HFRT respectively. Patients who received HFRT had significant increase in 5-year OS (62.7% and 73.0% (p = 0.048). No difference of toxicities including changes in chest wall appearance, skin fibrosis, brachial plexopathy, arm edema, pulmonary fibrosis, rib fractures and cardiovascular events was found between two groups. HFRT is as effective as CRT in postmastectomy breast cancer.