British researchers say when it comes to treating breast cancer in women, shorter courses of radiation at a lower overall dose appear to be just as safe and effective as the standard treatment delivered over a longer period of time.
The researchers conducted a study of nearly 4,500 women with early breast cancer and the key was to give fewer but larger treatments of radiotherapy.
The researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital say the study 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.
Professor John Yarnold who led the study, says the findings support long-held beliefs among British cancer specialists who have used shorter radiotherapy courses for years, compared with doctors in other developed countries such as the United States.
The researchers say their data suggests the shorter treatment schedule is at least as safe and effective as the international standard, which is good news for cancer patients.
The research involved 4,500 women in which about half received standard radiotherapy of 25 treatments, five times per week over five weeks while the others received a lower total dose given in fewer, larger treatments in either three or five weeks.
Researchers then compared the rate of cancer recurrence in the treated breast along with the effects of the treatment on surrounding healthy breast tissues.
The researchers say the incidents 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.