During the study, published in the journal ‘International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics (Red Journal)’, the SIB technique (‘Simultaneous Integrated Boost’) has been used. This technique allows for the intensification of treatment in the area of highest risk while the rest of the breast receives a standard dose simultaneously. The use of this method enables the concentration of radiation in the affected area without increasing side effects or prolonging treatment duration. Scientists have suggested that treatment could be reduced to five sessions, including an extra dose of radiation on the tumor bed in some cases to further reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence in the same area where it originated.
The application of this ultrashort hypofractionation scheme maintains the same levels of safety and effectiveness as more extensive treatments. After analyzing data from 242 breast cancer patients treated in 16 radiotherapy oncology centers in Spain, it was discovered that at six months, 97 percent showed no signs of skin irritation, and 86 percent had no inflammation.
LESS TREATMENT TIME MEANS LESS ANXIETY
Researchers have noted that receiving a cancer diagnosis is a significant emotional blow, and the treatment process adds a considerable psychological burden. Therefore, reducing treatment time without compromising effectiveness can help improve patient well-being. «The value of this advancement lies not only in reducing the number of sessions but in what that means for each patient. Less treatment time means less anxiety, more autonomy, more opportunity to resume everyday life sooner,» explained Dr. Felipe Couñago, Medical Director of GenesisCare Spain and radiation oncologist.
Reducing treatment time leads to less uncertainty and anxiety since knowing that treatment will be shorter allows patients to regain a sense of control over their lives. Fewer sessions also mean fewer trips to the hospital, fewer interruptions to daily routines, and faster recovery. More precise and concentrated treatments help reduce side effects, making it easier to maintain a good quality of life during and after therapy.
«Clinical progress goes hand in hand with emotional well-being. The ability to apply a precise technique with fewer side effects and fewer sessions completely changes the treatment experience,» highlighted Dr. Jaume Fernandez Ibiza, Medical Coordinator at the GCCC Oncological Excellence Center 360 in Barcelona and radiation oncologist.
GREATER ASSISTANCE EFFICIENCY
In terms of efficiency, this approach allows for greater care capacity. Reducing treatment from 30 to five sessions frees up significant resources to treat more patients, thereby reducing waiting lists and improving Oncology service planning. Additionally, it optimizes financial resources since fewer sessions mean less equipment usage, reduced spending on hospital infrastructure, and more efficient staff management.
«This therapeutic model not only transforms the patient experience but is also an effective solution to the sustainability challenges of the healthcare system. By reducing treatment duration without losing effectiveness, we optimize resources, improve accessibility, and streamline care times,» concluded Dr. Couñago.
Although this study «opens the door» to a change in how breast cancer treatment is approached, scientists emphasize the need for long-term follow-up. In addition to the Radiation Therapy Department of GenesisCare in Madrid, other participants included the Radiation Oncology Department of the Hospital Complex of Jaén, the Healthcare Complex of Nuestra Señora de Sonsoles Hospital in Ávila, the Radiation Oncology Department of the General University Hospital of Elche, the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Faculty of Medicine of the European University of Madrid, and the Radiation Oncology Department, Iridium Netwerk, Wilrijk-Antwerp, at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Antwerp (Belgium).
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