Booster Radiation Cuts Chance of Breast Cancer Coming Back
Booster Radiation Cuts Chance of Breast Cancer Coming Back
Nov. 7, 2001 -- Treatment for early stage breast cancer has come a long way, with the emphasis now on saving the breast. But researchers are still grappling with exactly how much radiation should be given in addition to surgery to achieve the best result. Now, a new study shows that the current dose of radiation might not be enough.
Treatment for breast cancer, even in its early stages, used to be complete breast removal, called mastectomy. But in recent years, medical research has shown that this isn't necessary and that just removing the breast tumor and surrounding tissue -- called lumpectomy -- followed by radiation works just as well.
And since most early breast cancers that come back tend to do so in the same area, the researchers decided to test whether a booster dose of radiation could offer more protection against this happening.
Dutch researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam looked at over 2,600 women with early stage breast cancer (stage I or II) after successful tumor removal by lumpectomy. Half the women were given only the regular dose of radiation while the other half also received a booster dose.
The researchers found that the women that received the booster radiation were significantly less likely to have their cancer come back in the same area during the next five years. The cancer came back in 7% of the group that received regular radiation but in just 4% of the women who received the booster dose -- essentially cutting in half the chance that the cancer would come back in the same place.
Plus, the booster radiation did not seem to help women live longer. However, the chance of the women dying during the five years of the study was fairly low for both groups -- about 10%. Most of the deaths that did occur were due to the breast cancer coming back.
The women that received the booster dose didn't experience an increase in side effects. However, excellent or good cosmetic results were seen in 86% of the women who received the regular dose or radiation but in 71% of those that received the booster.
In light of these findings, the researchers feel that this booster dose or radiation would be a welcome addition to the treatment of breast cancer, especially in women 50 years and younger.
"In our opinion, the absolute benefit of the additional dose justifies its use in patients 50 years old or younger," lead researcher Harry Bartelink, MD, PhD and colleagues write.
Booster Radiation Cuts Chance of Breast Cancer Coming Back
Nov. 7, 2001 -- Treatment for early stage breast cancer has come a long way, with the emphasis now on saving the breast. But researchers are still grappling with exactly how much radiation should be given in addition to surgery to achieve the best result. Now, a new study shows that the current dose of radiation might not be enough.
Treatment for breast cancer, even in its early stages, used to be complete breast removal, called mastectomy. But in recent years, medical research has shown that this isn't necessary and that just removing the breast tumor and surrounding tissue -- called lumpectomy -- followed by radiation works just as well.
And since most early breast cancers that come back tend to do so in the same area, the researchers decided to test whether a booster dose of radiation could offer more protection against this happening.
Dutch researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam looked at over 2,600 women with early stage breast cancer (stage I or II) after successful tumor removal by lumpectomy. Half the women were given only the regular dose of radiation while the other half also received a booster dose.
The researchers found that the women that received the booster radiation were significantly less likely to have their cancer come back in the same area during the next five years. The cancer came back in 7% of the group that received regular radiation but in just 4% of the women who received the booster dose -- essentially cutting in half the chance that the cancer would come back in the same place.
Plus, the booster radiation did not seem to help women live longer. However, the chance of the women dying during the five years of the study was fairly low for both groups -- about 10%. Most of the deaths that did occur were due to the breast cancer coming back.
The women that received the booster dose didn't experience an increase in side effects. However, excellent or good cosmetic results were seen in 86% of the women who received the regular dose or radiation but in 71% of those that received the booster.
In light of these findings, the researchers feel that this booster dose or radiation would be a welcome addition to the treatment of breast cancer, especially in women 50 years and younger.
"In our opinion, the absolute benefit of the additional dose justifies its use in patients 50 years old or younger," lead researcher Harry Bartelink, MD, PhD and colleagues write.
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