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Introduction/Background Hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) carried out in 15 daily fractions, is currently the standard for breast cancer. Following the results of the Fast-Foward trial, the number of fractions could be reduced to five in selected patients. The aim of the study was to compare quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer patients undergoing HFRT versus ultrahypofractionated RT (UHFRT). Methodology One hundred patients treated with adjuvant RT to the breast or the chest wall, were included. Fifty patients received HFRT 40Gy/15fractions/3weeks + a boost of 13.35 Gy in 5 fractions and fifty patients received UHFRT 26Gy/5fractions/1 week + a boost of 10Gy in 5 fractions. After a median follow up of 8 months, QoL was assessed using the EORTC QoL questionnaire (QLQ-C30) complemented by the breast cancer specific module (QLQBR23). Results The median age of our patients was 63 years.. The average global health status was 63,17 for patients treated with UHFRT and 67 for patients treated with HPRT. (p=0,7). Patients treated with the two radiation schedules had positive body image; 95,1 in UHFRT group and 93,1 in HFRT group (p=0,5). The perspective scores in UHFRT and HFRT groups were respectively 81,9 and 97,3 (p=0,5). The scores of sexual functioning in UHFRT and HFRT groups was respectively 83,6 vs 74,3 (p=0.05). The scores relative to breast and arms symptoms in UHFRT and HFRT groups were respectively 11,2 vs 10,8 (p=0,7) and 10,2 vs 10,8 (p=0,9). Conclusion QoL scores in UHFRT for breast cancer were comparable to moderate HFRT. Patients in both groups had positive body image. Patients in UHFRT group showed less deterioration of sexual functioning (p=0,05). Our results support the benefits of UHFRT and recommend its wider use in eligible women, especially in a context of shortage of RT units. Disclosures No conflict of interest to disclose.
Rejeb et al. (Fri,) studied this question.