Study finds shorter radiotherapy courses work

A shorter radiation course at a lower overall dose appears as safe and effective as the standard treatment delivered over a longer period of time for women with early breast cancer, researchers said on Wednesday.

Their study of nearly 4,500 women with early breast cancer showed that the key was giving fewer - but larger - treatments during radiotherapy treatment. The researchers reported their findings in the journal Lancet Oncology.

"The results suggest that a high total dose given in 25 small treatments is no better than simpler schedules using fewer exposures to a lower total dose," said John Yarnold of the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, who led the study.

The findings back up long-held beliefs among British cancer specialists who have used shorter radiotherapy courses compared with doctors in other developed countries like the United States, he added in a telephone interview.

A shorter treatment schedule is good news for cancer patients who would not have to spend as much time in doctors' offices, the researchers said.

"Our data suggests our treatment is at least as safe and effective as the international standard," Yarnold said.

Nearly 4,500 women took part in the study in which about half received standard radiotherapy of 25 treatments, five times per week over five weeks. The others received a lower total dose given in fewer, larger treatments in either three or five weeks.

The rate of side effects were low, and no higher in women receiving the revised treatment while the shorter course appeared just as effective in attacking tumours, the researchers said.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, according to the American Cancer Society which estimated that about 465,000 women died from it globally in 2007.

Treatment depends on the stage or severity of the disease. Surgery is performed to remove the tumour, radiotherapy is given to kill remaining cancer cells in the breast, and chemotherapy destroys cells that may have spread from the tumour site.

The findings could also lead to better treatments in the future, especially if further research shows even higher doses during shorter radiotherapy courses are just as safe and effective, Yarnold added.

"The longer term excitement is these findings are not likely to be the end," he said.