Accelerated breast irradiation advocated by ASTRO guideline

ASTRO hopes that the updated guideline will increase the use of hypofractionation, which has been reportedly low in recent years, with as few as 35% of eligible patients received hypofractionation in one study (JAMA. 2014;312[23]:2542-50).

“We hope that this guideline encourages providers to counsel their patients on options including hypofractionation,” said Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, professor of radiation oncology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, who cochaired the guideline task force with Dr. Smith.

“Hypofractionated radiation therapy offers patients a more convenient and lower cost option for their treatment without compromising the likelihood that their cancer will return or increasing their risk of side effects,” Dr. Jagsi noted. Furthermore, “a shorter course of radiation equates to more time with family, less time away from work and lower treatment costs.”

SOURCE: Smith BD et al. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2018 March 12. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2018.01.012.