Proton Beam Therapy Shows Promise in Shortening Breast Cancer Treatment

Proton Beam Therapy Shows Promise in Shortening Breast Cancer Treatment

Proton beam therapy, renowned for its precise targeting of cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue to minimize side effects, could potentially reduce the duration of breast cancer treatment, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Oncology. The study provides evidence supporting the use of a shorter treatment time for breast cancer patients.

Researchers conducted a comparison of two different dosing schedules of the most advanced form of proton therapy, pencil-beam scanning proton therapy. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, but advancements in diagnosis and treatment, including proton therapy, have significantly improved survival rates.

Proton therapy is a radiation therapy technique that utilizes protons instead of x-rays to deliver radiation painlessly, aiming to treat various types of cancer. Prior to the study, patients typically underwent a conventional 25 to 30 day course of proton postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), delivered five days per week over five to six weeks.

The objective of the research was to demonstrate that compressing the course of proton beam therapy, a type of particle therapy capable of protecting the heart and lungs from radiation damage, would result in a similar side effect profile. The study provides the first prospective data supporting the use of shorter-course proton PMRT, including in patients with immediate breast reconstruction, and the first mature results of a randomized trial in the field of breast particle therapy, stated Robert Mutter, a radiation oncologist and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The study included 82 patients requiring PMRT, many of whom had undergone prior breast reconstruction. These patients were randomly assigned either the conventional fractionation (radiation dose fractions) delivered over 25 days or a condensed 15-day hypofractionated schedule.

Results showed that both conventional and hypofractionated proton therapy effectively controlled the cancer while sparing surrounding normal tissue. However, the hypofractionation approach involved delivering a larger dose of radiotherapy during each treatment, enabling the completion of the entire radiotherapy in just three weeks.

We can now consider the option of 15 days of therapy for patients based on the similar treatment outcomes observed compared to the longer conventional course. Notably, the shorter course resulted in reduced skin side effects during and after treatment, explained Mutter. This therapy spares patients from additional inconvenience, cost, and burdens associated with the longer treatment regimen.

The findings of this study emphasize the potential of proton beam therapy to revolutionize breast cancer treatment, allowing for shorter and more convenient treatment courses. Furthermore, the reduction in side effects, particularly skin-related issues, could significantly improve the overall patient experience. Proton beam therapy continues to pave the way for advancements in cancer treatment, providing hope for millions of women affected by breast cancer worldwide.