Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. With the advancement in medical technology, radiation therapy has become a vital treatment option for breast cancer patients.

One-time radiotherapy (also known as Single-Fraction or Intraoperative Radiation Therapy) is a more recent advancement in radiation therapy for breast cancer that has caught the attention of many oncologists.

What is One-Time Radiotherapy?

One-time radiotherapy is a different approach to traditional radiation therapy, which requires daily sessions of radiation for several weeks.

In this new technique, a high dose of radiation is given to the breast tumor during a single, brief procedure (usually lasting less than 30 minutes). The technique uses more focused radiation to minimize the exposure to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor, thereby reducing the side effects that are commonly associated with radiation therapy for breast cancer.

How is the Procedure Performed?

One-time radiotherapy is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia. Using a special applicator, radiation is delivered directly to the tumor site immediately after the lump is removed via lumpectomy.

In some cases, it is performed during the same surgery as the lumpectomy itself.

Is One-Time Radiotherapy Effective?

Close to 85% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and are eligible for single-fraction radiotherapy. One-time radiation therapy offers several benefits over traditional radiation therapy.

Unlike conventional radiation, patients can avoid the long weeks of daily sessions, exposure to additional radiation, and side effects like skin irritation, fatigue, or seroma. Additionally, the cost of treatment is reduced as the cost for one treatment is less than a full course of treatment.

Limitations of One-Time Radiotherapy

One-time radiotherapy is only suitable for selected female patients, particularly those who are sixty-five years or older, and whose cancers are low-risk.

Patients with tumors that are too large, or close to the chest wall, are not good candidates for single-fraction radiation. Patients with a history of radiation therapy to the same area are also prohibited from taking one-time radiotherapy.

Long-Term Side Effects of One-Time Radiotherapy

The long-term side effects of one-time radiotherapy are less concerning compared to traditional radiation. However, over time, the tissue near the tumor site can become thicker or denser leading to scarring or forming of tissue masses.

In some cases, this may make it challenging to detect new cancers. Moreover, there may be a slight increase in the risk of heart disease in a very small number of patients who receive single-fraction radiation.

Cost of One-Time Radiotherapy

The cost of One-Time Radiotherapy is less than that of traditional radiation therapy. Patients who undergo a typical course of radiation may be responsible for several thousands of dollars of costs after insurance.

In comparison, one-time radiation therapy is usually less expensive, with some insurance plans fully covering the treatment.

Long-Term Results of One-Time Radiotherapy

The long-term results of single-fraction radiation have been studied extensively, and the findings are promising.

A recent study indicates that after a five-year follow-up, one-time radiotherapy is as effective in preventing recurrence of breast cancer as traditional radiation therapy. Furthermore, there was no difference between the two treatments in terms of overall survival rates or the rate of subsequent breast cancer in either breast.

Conclusion

One-time radiotherapy is a promising treatment option for selected breast cancer patients, especially those with early-stage breast cancer. The procedure is performed swiftly, utilizing a focused, high dose radiation, without significant side effects.

Patients must consult their healthcare provider to determine if they are a good candidate for one-time radiation therapy.