Fewer doses improves women's treatment

Monday February 8th, 2010

Women having breast cancer treatment could have fewer doses of radiotherapy than is normal, British researchers reported today.

Each dose has to be large to make the new kind of treatment work - but patients do not suffer worse side-effects than standard treatment, according to a study of more than 4,400 women.

And in total women endure a lower amount of radiation than if they have standard treatment.

Radiotherapy causes a range of side effects and after breast cancer treatment can cause problems in the breast or the arm and shoulder.

The study in The Lancet found that about 40 per cent of women suffered breast problems after treatment - but women who had a reduced number of doses experienced less of other side effects.

Researcher Professor John Yarnold, of the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, said: "Using women's personal ratings of the side effects they experienced since treatment for early breast cancer gives us a unique insight into the effects of the lower dose of radiotherapy compared to the international standard.

"Trials which follow up patients like this are crucial so that improvements in treatment can be made without compromising the side effects."

And Kate Law, of Cancer Research UK, said the trial would continue in order to identify the best treatments for women.

She said: "Fewer doses of radiotherapy that are just as effective as the standard treatment and don't increase the side effects will have a big impact for patients, especially as it means less visits to hospital. And, importantly, women in this study themselves reported the side effects they were experiencing."

The Lancet On-line February 8 2010

Tags: Cancer | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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