Radiation Therapy Duration for Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study is a randomized trial of hypofractionation (short-course) radiation therapy versus conventional radiation therapy in women who have undergone mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. The investigators will assess cosmetic and reconstruction outcomes, lymphedema, cancer status, side effects, and oncologic outcomes.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is radiation therapy generally safe for humans?
Radiation therapy, including advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), has been shown to reduce side effects by better protecting normal tissues. Studies have reported low rates of serious side effects, although some risks remain, such as gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities.12345
How is radiation therapy for breast cancer different from other treatments?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer, particularly intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), is unique because it delivers a single dose of radiation directly to the surgical area immediately after tumor removal, potentially reducing the need for prolonged radiation sessions. This approach is especially considered for patients with early-stage breast cancer and favorable tumor characteristics, offering a more targeted treatment with fewer sessions compared to traditional whole-breast irradiation.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for breast cancer?
Research shows that intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) can effectively deliver radiation directly to the tumor area, potentially reducing recurrence and improving survival rates for early-stage breast cancer. Additionally, modern radiation techniques, including IORT, have advanced significantly, reducing complications and improving outcomes.811121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Julia Wong, MD
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Rinaa Punglia, MD MPH
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women aged 18 or older who have stage I-III invasive breast cancer, have had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with an expander or implant. They should be candidates for unilateral post-mastectomy radiation therapy according to NCCN guidelines. Women with T4 tumors, recurrent breast cancer, prior breast radiation, pregnancy/nursing, uncontrolled illnesses, or certain other cancers are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either hypofractionation or conventional radiation therapy post-mastectomy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety, effectiveness, and quality of life outcomes after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Oncologic and clinical outcomes are assessed annually for rare radiation side effects, recurrence, and other clinical outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, China, Switzerland for the following indications:
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lead Sponsor
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Collaborator