Study to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of a shorter fractionation schedule of radiotherapy in breast-conserving therapy

We report the initial results of a shorter fractionation schedule of radiotherapy (40 Gy in 16 fractions over 3-4 weeks) in breast-conserving therapy. The primary endpoint was late radiation toxicity. Secondary endpoints included acute radiation toxicity, local recurrence in the treated breast, any recurrence and overall survival. Patients were recruited for the trial from March 2002 through March 2003. Seventy patients accepted through the process of informed consent. Sixty-seven patients received experimental treatment actually. No more than grade 1 acute toxicity was observed. The follow-up duration is insufficient to define rates of late radiation toxicities and local control. (author)