Comparing hypofractionated to conventional fractionated radiotherapy in postmastectomy breast cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
Topic: Radiation/Chemotherapy

To compare the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy in postmastectomy breast cancer using meta-analysis.

PICO
Population: Postmastectomy breast cancer patients
Intervention: Hypofractionated radiotherapy
Comparison: Conventional fractionated radiotherapy
Outcomes: Efficacy and toxicity outcomes

Included studies:
title: [Trans-esophageal stimulation of the heart: electrophysiological properties of the heart of healthy subjects IV].
abstract: The aim of the study to compare left atrial and ventricular electrophysiological properties determined by transesophageal stimulation with those of right atrium and ventricle measured by other authors using transvenous cardiac stimulation. 45 healthy persons (13 females and 32 males) with average age 37 years underwent the study. Transesophageal pacemaker SP-5 made by TEMED and an universal diagnostic electrode for atrial as well as ventricular stimulation were used to obtain ++noise-free recordings. ECG was recorded by 6-channel Mingograph 61 (Simens-Elema) with a paper speed - 100 mm/s. Left atrial effective refractory period (ERP LA), left ventricular effective refractory period (ERP LV), ERP of a-v conduction system measured from atrium and ventricle (ERP AVCS A, ERP AVCS R) were determined basing on generally acceptable criteria. Parameters were measured during sinus rhythm as well as atrial and ventricular stimulation with a pacing cycle length of 700 and 500 ms. There were also determined maximal antero- and retrograde 1:1 conduction via a-v node and a-v conduction time in both directions during atrial and ventricular pacing with a cycle length of 600 ms. No retrograde a-v conduction was stated in 33% of patients. Shortening of left atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods was respective to shortening of pacing cycle length from 700 to 500 ms: ERPLA-256-245-235 ms, for ERPLV-278-248-241 ms for ERP AVCS A-301, 405, 360 ms and for ERP AVCS R during sinus rhythm-312 ms. Maximal anterograde 1:1 a-v conduction was 162/min and retrograde one 156/min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
title: Analysis of radiotherapy optimization regimens after modified radical mastectomy.
abstract: Concomitant chemo-radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer is an effective means of achieving high survival rates. In this study different radiotherapy optimization regimens are compared to assess their effectiveness and toxicity rates.
title: The UK Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy (START) trials of radiotherapy hypofractionation for treatment of early breast cancer: 10-year follow-up results of two randomised controlled trials.
abstract: 5-year results of the UK Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy (START) trials suggested that lower total doses of radiotherapy delivered in fewer, larger doses (fractions) are at least as safe and effective as the historical standard regimen (50 Gy in 25 fractions) for women after primary surgery for early breast cancer. In this prespecified analysis, we report the 10-year follow-up of the START trials testing 13 fraction and 15 fraction regimens.
title: Hypofractionated Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy Is Safe and Effective: First Results From a Prospective Phase II Trial.
abstract: Purpose Conventionally fractionated postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks. Data supporting hypofractionated PMRT is limited. We prospectively evaluated a short course of hypofractionated PMRT, in which therapy was completed in 15 treatment days. Patients and Methods We delivered PMRT at a dose of 36.63 Gy in 11 fractions of 3.33 Gy over 11 days to the chest wall and the draining regional lymph nodes, followed by an optional mastectomy scar boost of four fractions of 3.33 Gy. Our primary end point was freedom from any grade 3 or higher toxicities. We incorporated early stopping criteria on the basis of predefined toxicity thresholds. Results We enrolled 69 women with stage II to IIIa breast cancer, of whom 67 were eligible for analysis. After a median follow-up of 32 months, there were no grade 3 toxicities. There were 29 reported grade 2 toxicities, with grade 2 skin toxicities being the most frequent (16 of 67; 24%). There were two patients with isolated ipsilateral chest wall tumor recurrences (2 of 67; crude rate, 3%). Three-year estimated local recurrence-free survival was 89.2% (95% CI, 0.748 to 0.956). The 3-year estimated distant recurrence-free survival was 90.3% (95% CI, 0.797 to 0.956). Forty-one patients had chest wall reconstructions; three had expanders removed for infection before radiation therapy. The total rate of implant loss or failure was 24% (9 of 38), and the unplanned surgical correction rate was 8% (3 of 38), for a total complication rate of 32%. Conclusion To our knowledge, our phase II prospective study offers one of the shortest courses of PMRT reported, delivered in 11 fractions to the chest wall and nodes and 15 fractions inclusive of a boost. We demonstrated low toxicity and high local control with this schedule. On the basis of our data, we have designed a cooperative group phase III prospective, randomized trial of conventional versus hypofractionated PMRT that will activate soon.
title: A Retrospective Analysis of Toxicity and Efficacy for 2 Hypofractionated Irradiation Schedules Versus a Conventional One for Post-Mastectomy Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer.
abstract: The aim of this analysis was a retrospective evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of 2 hypofractionated irradiation schedules compared to conventional therapy in post-mastectomy patients.
title: [Autobiography of Miklós Bethlen about health, disease and physicians].
title: Comparison of hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated whole-breast irradiation for early breast cancer patients: a single-institute study of 1,098 patients.
abstract: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) compared with conventionally fractionated (CF) WBI.
title: [Errors and confirmation in determining the methyl mercury radical].
title: Kinetics of cholinesterase inhibition by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides.
title: Randomized trial of breast irradiation schedules after lumpectomy for women with lymph node-negative breast cancer.
abstract: Breast irradiation after lumpectomy is an integral component of breast-conserving therapy that reduces the local recurrence of breast cancer. Because an optimal fractionation schedule (radiation dose given in a specified number of fractions or treatment sessions over a defined time) for breast irradiation has not been uniformly accepted, we examined whether a 22-day fractionation schedule was as effective as the more traditional 35-day schedule in reducing recurrence.
title: Hypofractionated Regional Nodal Irradiation for Women With Node-Positive Breast Cancer.
abstract: To evaluate the effect of hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) of the breast/chest wall and regional nodes on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional control and on treatment-related toxicity in patients with breast cancer and nodal involvement.
title: Comparison of patient-reported breast, arm, and shoulder symptoms and body image after radiotherapy for early breast cancer: 5-year follow-up in the randomised Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy (START) trials.
abstract: Few trials of adjuvant breast radiotherapy have incorporated patient-reported breast symptoms and related areas of quality of life. We assessed these measures in a quality-of-life study that was part of the randomised START (Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy) trials.
title: Hypofractionation in post-mastectomy breast cancer patients: seven-year follow-up.
abstract: To compare three fractionation schedules in post-mastectomy patients treated with radiotherapy as regard acute and early late effects as well as local recurrence rates. One hundred and seven breast cancer patients treated with modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy±adjuvant systemic treatments between November 2001 and July 2004 were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into three groups. Group A (41 patients) received conventional fractionation 50 Gy over 25 fractions. Group B (36 patients) received other fractionation regimen 45 Gy over 17 fractions. Group C (30 patients) received 40 Gy over 15 fractions. The median follow-up period was 23 months. There has been no statistical significant difference in local control (P=0.88), pain (P=0.98), telangectasis (P=0.23), fibrosis (P=0.13), arm oedema (P=0.96) or pigmentation (P=0.80) between the three groups. GII-III Erythema was significantly higher in the two hypofractionation arms compared to the control arm (P=0.001). Although acute skin reactions were higher in the hypofractionated arms, there was no significant difference in the local recurrence rates or late radiation effects. A national randomized multicentre study is recommended to explore this further.
title: Effect of radiotherapy fraction size on tumour control in patients with early-stage breast cancer after local tumour excision: long-term results of a randomised trial.
abstract: Standard curative schedules of radiotherapy to the breast deliver 25 fractions of 2.0 Gy over 5 weeks. In a randomised trial, we tested whether fewer, larger fractions were at least as safe and as effective as standard regimens. In this analysis, we assessed the long-term results of tumour control in the same population.
title: Hypofractionated radiation treatment following mastectomy in early breast cancer: the Christchurch experience.
abstract: Although hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) has become an accepted option for whole-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery, there is limited evidence to support HFRT to the chest wall following mastectomy. We retrospectively analysed post-mastectomy patients treated with HFRT in Christchurch to determine whether HFRT yields acceptable efficacy and toxicity.
title: [Dyslipoproteinemias: treatment with lipid regulating drugs].
title: Fractionation sensitivity and dose response of late adverse effects in the breast after radiotherapy for early breast cancer: long-term results of a randomised trial.
abstract: Unlike squamous carcinomas, breast adenocarcinoma may be as sensitive to fraction size as late dose-limiting normal tissues. If so, fewer larger fractions would be as safe and effective as regimens based on 2.0 Gy fractions. The first step is to test the effects of radiotherapy fractions >2.0 Gy on late normal tissue responses in the breast after tumour excision and radiotherapy for early breast cancer.
title: Hypofractionated versus conventional fractionated postmastectomy radiotherapy for patients with high-risk breast cancer: a randomised, non-inferiority, open-label, phase 3 trial.
abstract: To our knowledge, no randomised study has compared postmastectomy hypofractionated radiotherapy with conventional fractionated radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer. This study aimed to determine whether a 3-week schedule of postmastectomy hypofractionated radiotherapy is as efficacious and safe as a 5-week schedule of conventional fractionated radiotherapy.