[Current status of hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer]

Abstract

The benefits of adjuvant radiotherapy following lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer are well established. The most widely used method consists of roughly twenty-five fractions of whole-breast irradiation. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy regimens. Many of these techniques have been shown to be equivalent in terms of tumor control and cosmetic results while minimizing inconvenience and costs both to the patient and health care system. Here, we present the various hypofractionation modalities, patient selection criteria, consensus guideline recommendations and a look at future indications.

Keywords: Accelerated partial breast irradiation; Breast cancer; Cancer du sein localisé; Carcinome canalaire in situ; DCIS; Hypofractionation; Hypofractionnement; Irradiation partielle accélérée.