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Review
. 2020 Jan;9(Suppl 1):S189-S196.
doi: 10.21037/tcr.2019.09.20.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for elderly breast cancer patients: from early stages disease to local palliation for unresectable disease

Vimoj J Nair  1   2   3   4 , Jean Michel Caudrelier  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for elderly breast cancer patients: from early stages disease to local palliation for unresectable disease

Vimoj J Nair et al. Transl Cancer Res. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

There is a lack of clear guidelines on optimal radiotherapy dose regimen for elderly breast cancer patients. This review summarizes the current evidence on role of hypofractionated radiotherapy in elderly breast cancer. Also, suggestions have been provided on the best fractionation approaches based on current evidence. Hypofractionated radiotherapy is feasible and well tolerated in elderly breast cancer patients with both early and locally advanced disease. Ultra-hypofractionated regimen seem appropriate for palliation of unresectable primary breast disease and could become a safe approach for adjuvant treatments. Hypofractionated radiotherapy should be considered for treatment of elderly breast cancer for curative intent, as well as for palliation.

Keywords: Elderly breast cancer; hypofractionation; palliative radiation therapy; partial breast radiation; re-irradiation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: Both authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tcr.2019.09.20). The series “Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer in Advanced Age” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Proposed algorithm for radiation therapy in elderly early breast cancer (EBC). HypoRT, hypofractionated radiotherapy; PBI, partial breast irradiation; WBI, whole breast irradiation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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