Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.

Treatment options for early-stage breast cancer typically include surgery, followed by radiation therapy and possibly adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. However, surgical interventions may not be suitable for all patients or may be associated with significant risks and complications.

In recent years, single-fraction radiotherapy has emerged as a non-surgical treatment option for early-stage breast cancer, offering potential benefits in terms of convenience, reduced treatment time, and minimal invasiveness.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy plays a critical role in the management of breast cancer, aiming to eradicate any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding lymph nodes after surgery.

It can be delivered using various techniques, including traditional whole-breast radiation therapy or accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). Traditionally, radiation therapy is administered over multiple sessions (fractionated radiotherapy) to minimize the risk of side effects and protect healthy tissues.

However, this prolonged treatment course can be time-consuming and burdensome for patients.

The Rise of Single-Fraction Radiotherapy

Single-fraction radiotherapy, also known as hypofractionated radiotherapy, delivers the entire radiation dose in a single treatment session. This approach offers several advantages over conventional fractionated radiotherapy.

Firstly, it significantly reduces the overall treatment time, typically completing the radiation therapy within one to two weeks compared to several weeks with fractionated radiotherapy. This abbreviated treatment course can be more convenient for patients, especially those who may have difficulty attending multiple sessions due to logistical or personal reasons.

In addition to the time-saving aspect, single-fraction radiotherapy has demonstrated comparable effectiveness in terms of local control and survival outcomes when compared to traditional fractionated radiotherapy.

Multiple studies have shown excellent rates of tumor control and low recurrence rates with this treatment approach. For appropriately selected early-stage breast cancer patients, single-fraction radiotherapy can provide a non-surgical alternative with promising results.

Candidate Selection and Treatment Considerations

Not all patients with early-stage breast cancer are suitable candidates for single-fraction radiotherapy. The selection criteria typically include tumor size, lymph node involvement, histological features, and patient preferences.

In general, the ideal candidates are those with smaller tumors (typically ≤3 cm) and without extensive lymph node involvement.

The decision to pursue single-fraction radiotherapy should be made through multidisciplinary collaboration between surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, taking into account the individual patient’s characteristics and treatment goals.

When considering single-fraction radiotherapy, it is essential to evaluate the potential side effects and long-term outcomes.

While this treatment approach is generally well-tolerated, it may be associated with a slightly higher risk of skin toxicity compared to fractionated radiotherapy. However, studies have shown low rates of severe or long-lasting side effects. Additionally, ongoing research aims to identify strategies for further minimizing toxicity and enhancing patient outcomes with single-fraction radiotherapy.

Future Directions and Ongoing Research

As single-fraction radiotherapy gains recognition as a viable non-surgical treatment option for early-stage breast cancer, ongoing research endeavors seek to refine patient selection criteria, optimize treatment techniques, and investigate its potential role in combination with systemic therapies. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life benefits associated with single-fraction radiotherapy.

The results of these studies will help guide treatment decisions and further establish the role of this innovative approach in breast cancer management.

Conclusion

Single-fraction radiotherapy represents a promising non-surgical treatment option for early-stage breast cancer.

By delivering the entire radiation dose in a single treatment session, it offers convenience, reduced overall treatment time, and comparable effectiveness to traditional fractionated radiotherapy. Careful patient selection and collaborative decision-making are crucial to ensure optimal outcomes.

Ongoing research will continue to provide valuable insights into the long-term efficacy and safety of single-fraction radiotherapy, further solidifying its role in the management of early-stage breast cancer.