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HF vs CF Whole-Breast Irradiation
Studying toxic effects, fatigue, and family needs
Compared to conventional fractionation (CF), hypofractionation (HF) appears to yield lower rates of acute toxic effects, less fatigue, and less trouble meeting family needs, according to a study of women aged 40 years or older with stage 0 to II breast cancer for whom whole-breast irradiation was recommended, including 149 patients randomized to CF and 138 to HF. Researchers found:
| Variable | CF | HF |
| At baseline: |
|
|
| FACT-B total score | 118.8 | 120.1 |
| Lack of energy | 39% | 38% |
| Trouble meeting family needs | 14% | 10% |
| After irradiation: |
|
|
| Acute dermatitis | 69% | 36% |
| Pruritis | 81% | 54% |
| Breast pain | 74% | 55% |
| Hyperpigmentation | 20% | 9% |
| Fatigue | 17% | 9% |
| Grade ≥ 2 acute toxic effects | 78% | 47% |
| 6 months after irradiation: |
|
|
| Fatigue | 6% | 0% |
| Odds ratio for lack of energy | 1.00 | 0.39 |
| Odds ratio for trouble meeting family needs | 1.00 | 0.34 |
Citation: Shaitelman SF, Schlembach PJ, Arzu I, et al. Acute and short-term toxic effects of conventionally fractionated vs hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation: a randomized clinical trial. [Published online ahead of print August 6, 2015]. JAMA Oncol. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.2666.