Málaga, Spain – A new radiotherapy regimen developed by researchers in Málaga is showing promising results in improving the quality of life for women with early-stage breast cancer, particularly those over the age of 70. The study, conducted jointly by the IBIMA Platform Bionand and the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, demonstrates that a shorter course of radiotherapy – five sessions over five weeks – is as effective as traditional, longer treatments.
The research, published this week, analyzed data from 334 patients treated between 2007 and 2019, all of whom had undergone surgery for breast cancer and were subsequently treated with radiotherapy to the entire breast. Researchers, led by Isabel García Ríos and María Jesús García Anaya, and overseen by Jaime Gómez-Millán, focused on determining if concentrating treatment into fewer, weekly sessions could yield comparable outcomes to daily radiation therapy.
Results indicated a tumor control rate of 98.7% at three years, with an overall survival rate of 90%. Crucially, 99.7% of patients completed the full course of treatment, a significant improvement over adherence rates often seen with longer radiotherapy schedules. The team determined that a dosage of 28.5 Gy (5.7 Gy per session) was optimal, minimizing long-term side effects such as chronic fibrosis, which can affect breast tissue.
The impact on patient well-being is a key finding of the study. Many participants faced challenges in accessing daily treatment, with over 60% residing outside the Málaga metropolitan area. The reduced travel burden translates to less fatigue, reduced stress, and a diminished emotional toll – factors particularly important for elderly or frail patients. “This way of treating cancer puts the patient at the center, without sacrificing medical efficacy,” stated a press release from IBIMA.
This research builds on a growing trend toward ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy, but distinguishes itself by including more complex clinical cases, such as patients who had undergone mastectomies or required irradiation of lymph nodes. This expands the potential applicability of the technique to a broader range of women with early-stage breast cancer.
The findings solidify Málaga’s position as a leading center for oncological radiotherapy, specifically in the development of shorter, more personalized treatments focused on patient well-being. The research team emphasized that innovation in medicine should prioritize not only curing disease but likewise enhancing the quality of care.
