Vol 26, No 6 (2021)
Research paper
Published online: 2021-10-04

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Hypofractionated radiotherapy in breast cancer: a 10-year single institution experience

Gabriel Faria Najas1, Silvia Radwanski Stuart1, Gustavo Nader Marta1, Lorine Arias Bonifácio Teixeira1, Vinicius de Carvalho Gico1, Alexandre Ruggieri Serante1, Geovanne Pedro Mauro1, Mateus Costa Lima1, Heloisa de Andrade Carvalho1
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2021;26(6):920-927.

Abstract

Background: Moderately post-operative hypofractionated radiotherapy (HYPO-RT) for breast cancer is a safe and effective strategy as seen in large prospective trials. This study aimed to assess overall and disease-free survivals, local control, and acute and late toxicities in patients treated with HYPO-RT.

Materials and methods: Data from patients submitted to post-operative HYPO-RT, with or without boost, were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics were collected.

Results: From March 2009 to December 2016, 393 patients were treated. Breast-conserving surgery was performed in 94.7%, immediate reconstruction after mastectomy in 6 (1.5%). Most patients (91.2%) had initial stage (0 to IIA), and chemotherapy was performed in 42.0%, HYPO-RT was mainly performed in 15 or 16 daily fractions of 267 cGy and 265 cGy, respectively. The median follow-up was 5.7 years. There were 25 deaths (6.4%) and 17 (4.3%) local recurrences. At 5 and 10 years, the overall survival, local control, and disease-free survival were, respectively, 96.0% and 79.3%, 99.2% and 94.9%, 96.6%, and 91.9%. Acute grade 3 or 4 dermatitis was observed in 0.9%. Late grade 1 or 2 occurred in less than 3% of the patients.

Conclusion: HYPO-RT is a safe and effective radiotherapy regimen with excellent disease control and overall survival rates, with low acute and late toxicity rates.

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