Vienna, Austria – Cutting-edge research presented at the European Congress of Oncological Radiotherapy reveals that shorter radiotherapy treatments are proving just as effective and safe as longer, customary regimens for common cancers like prostate and breast, as well as the less common but increasingly prevalent anal cancer. This advancement marks a significant step forward in oncological radiotherapy, a hyper-technological approach with a favorable cost-benefit ratio, utilized in treating 60% of new cancer cases, either independently or in conjunction with systemic therapies.

The key finding: reducing the duration of radiotherapy does not compromise clinical outcomes and substantially enhances patients’ quality of life.

A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Treatment

The implications of these findings are profound, possibly reshaping how certain cancers are treated. Shorter, more tolerable treatment schedules offer clinical and organizational advantages for patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare systems alike.

The results that emerged represent a potential change of paradigm in the treatment of some tumors thanks to radiotherapy. The reduced regime, shorter and well tolerated, is configured as a new therapeutic option, with clinical and organizational benefits for patients, caregivers, families and health systems. These studies change clinical practice towards shorter, effective and sustainable treatments. Implications are relevant, not only for the health of patients, who can return more quickly to daily life, but also for the health system, thanks to the reduction of costs and the optimization of resources also to reduce any waiting lists.
Prof. Marco krengli, former president of Airo

These advancements promise to expedite patients’ return to daily life, while also alleviating strain on healthcare resources by reducing costs and optimizing resource allocation, potentially shortening waiting lists.

Specific cancer Studies Highlight Success

• Prostate Cancer: A study involving over 1,200 men with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer demonstrated that radiotherapy administered in just 2.5 weeks is as effective as the standard 8-week treatment, with comparable cancer control and toxicity levels, based on a 10-year follow-up.
• Breast Cancer: Research revealed similar outcomes between radiotherapy conducted in 5 days and the conventional 15-session regimen. After 10 years, no significant differences were observed.
• Anal Cancer: A study published in The Lancet Oncology challenged the standard dose in radiochemotherapy for initial-stage anal tumors. The data suggest that modulated intensity radiotherapy with a reduced dose can offer comparable, and in certain specific cases higher, loco-regional control rates compared to standard treatment, but with fewer long-term side effects and improved recovery of altered functions.

Addressing the Growing demand for Radiotherapy

While radiotherapy is indicated in 60% of new cancer cases, there’s a pressing need to modernize and expand the machine park, notably in Italy. The technology is rapidly evolving, and the role of the radiotherapist in the care team is crucial.

It is imperative to renew and expand the machine park by at least 20% to meet an anticipated 15% increase in demand by 2025.This expansion would enable the treatment of one million more people and save countless lives.