Executive summary

Published in the Red Journal, this study from the Mayo Clinic group reported outcomes of a de-intensified 21.9 Gy in 3 fractions partial breast irradiation (PBI) regimen with photons, protons, and brachytherapy. A total of 161 patients were treated with photons (56), protons (49), or brachytherapy (56). Adverse cosmesis at the last follow-up, with a median follow-up of 5 years, was 5.7% by nurse assessment, 5.6% by panel assessment of digital photographs, and 5.2% by patient self-report. There were two grade 2 adverse events, both in the brachytherapy cohort. Five-year local recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival were 98.0% and 95.5%. Mean RT cost for 3-day/3-fraction PBI was $3980 (photon $3283; proton $4889; brachytherapy $3879), whereas it was $5494 for standard of care (WBI, $4931; brachytherapy, $9068), representing a 27.6% reduction for study patients.

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