Dr Barry on the Rationale for Using Partial Breast Irradiation in Breast Cancer Management

Parul N Barry, MD, radiation oncologist, clinical assistant professor, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, discusses the integration of partial breast irradiation therapy as a subsitute for conventional radiation therapy in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.

Barry begins by stating that her research is particularly focused on improving access to radiation therapy for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, particularly those undergoing breast-conserving surgery. Many of these patients face challenges in completing their recommended radiation therapy, often due to issues related to access and opportunity costs associated with treatment, Barry explains. In her own clinical practice, Barry says she will typically offer 5 treatments of radiation to her patients. She also shares that she often performs partial breast irradiation, where only the affected part of the breast receives radiation. This technique reduces the toxicity associated with whole breast radiation, potentially offering a more manageable treatment option, she states.

To further address the viability of partial breast irradiation, Barry and colleagues conducted a study assessing the use of a condensed treatment schedule for partial breast irradiation, aiming to deliver radiation over 5 days instead of the traditional 2-week course. Findings showed that although there was a slightly higher incidence of acute toxicity with the accelerated schedule, overall, women tolerated the treatment well and were able to complete their therapy without significant issues, Barry reports. Importantly, patients expressed high satisfaction with the shorter treatment duration, she notes.

Long-term outcomes, including cosmetic results, were also favorable with this accelerated approach, Barry adds. This suggests that it can be a viable option for women who need to complete their radiation therapy more quickly due to various practical reasons, such as work commitments, financial constraints, or caregiving responsibilities at home, she says.

Offering shorter, more convenient treatment schedules with hypofractionated radiation therapy could improve access to radiation therapy and ensure that women receive the necessary treatments for their breast cancer while minimizing disruption to their daily lives, Barry concludes. This approach underscores a commitment to advancing patient-centered care and addressing barriers to optimal cancer treatment delivery.