title: A retrospective study comparing hypofractionated radiotherapy and conventional radiotherapy in postmastectomy breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The conventional radiotherapy (CRT) in postmastectomy breast cancer is 1.8-2.0 Gy daily for 25 fractions, while hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) delivered dose in fewer fractions with larger radiation intensity. The present study compares the efficacy of HFRT and CRT.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2004 to 2006, 215 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty seven patients received CRT and 148 patients received HFRT (2.65 Gy in 16-18 fractions). Five-year locoregional control (LRC), disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicities were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median follow-up was 39 months. Five-year LRC was 86.6% in CRT and 85.8% in HFRT (p = 0.852). Five-year DFS was 62.7% and 69.6% (p = 0.136) in CRTand HFRT respectively. Patients who received HFRT had significant increase in 5-year OS (62.7% and 73.0% (p = 0.048). No difference of toxicities including changes in chest wall appearance, skin fibrosis, brachial plexopathy, arm edema, pulmonary fibrosis, rib fractures and cardiovascular events was found between two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HFRT is as effective as CRT in postmastectomy breast cancer.
authors: Division of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand. benzai.25@gmail.com
authors: Attapol
authors: A
authors: Pinitpatcharalert
authors: Imjai
authors: I
authors: Chitapanarux
authors: Juntima
authors: J
authors: Euathrongchit
authors: Ekkasit
authors: E
authors: Tharavichitkul
authors: Vimol
authors: V
authors: Sukthomya
authors: Vicharn
authors: V
authors: Lorvidhaya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome