Hypofractionated radiation for breast cancer

This paper reports on the results of hypofractionated radiation delivered in 142 breast cancer patients as either definitive or palliative therapy. Fraction size ranged from 75 to 1,000 cGy, administered no more than three times weekly (total doses, 600-9,800 cGy). Median follow-up was 32 months (range, 0-326 months). Acute reactions to radiation were equal to or less than those observed with conventional fractionation. Severe late complications of arm edema and/or chest wall fibrosis were identified in 13 patients (9%), who had received a mean total dose of 52 Gy (range, 45-60 Gy), with an average daily fraction size of 390 cGy (range, 139-680 cGy)