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Changes in Radiation Therapy: New Ultrahypofractionated Radiation, Repeat Breast Conservation Therapy in the Management of Breast Recurrence with Re-irradiation, Proton Therapy

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Management of breast cancer is multidisciplinary, balancing local and systemic control between treatment modalities. Surgical, radiation, and medical therapies are combined to give the best prognosis. The goal of this review is to examine the advancements in radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer.

Recent Findings

Published data supports the shortening of radiation schedules through ultrahypofractionation and utilizing new energy sources through proton beam radiation. Emerging techniques have minimized radiation dosage to organs at risk and skin when compared to traditional radiation sources and plans. Traditionally an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast conservation therapy necessitated mastectomy. Re-irradiation is now an alternative option with comparable outcomes.

Summary

Advances in radiotherapy have contributed to more patients choosing breast-conserving surgery over mastectomy. This has prompted the investigation of alternative technologies and techniques to decrease toxicities, while maintaining oncologic efficacy

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 300 Halket Street, Suite 2601, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Kristin M. Lupinacci, Quratulain (Anna) Sabih & Emilia J. Diego

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Ria Mulherkar & John A. Vargo

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  1. Kristin M. Lupinacci
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  2. Quratulain (Anna) Sabih
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Contributions

KL, QS, RM, JV, and ED wrote sections in the manuscript text, ED prepared Table 1, and all authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Emilia J. Diego.

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Kristin M. Lupinacci, Quratulain A. Sabih, Ria Mulherkar, John A. Vargo, and Emilia J. Diego declare that they have no conflict.

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Lupinacci, K.M., Sabih, Q.(., Mulherkar, R. et al. Changes in Radiation Therapy: New Ultrahypofractionated Radiation, Repeat Breast Conservation Therapy in the Management of Breast Recurrence with Re-irradiation, Proton Therapy. Curr Breast Cancer Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-024-00544-3

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