The following randomised controlled trials are investigating the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for early breast cancer:
- NCT0000156130 trial compares 42.5 Gy in 16 fractions over 22 days with 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 35 days in patients diagnosed with early (invasive) breast cancer followed by breast conserving surgery or mastectomy.
- NCT01349322 trial compares accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy with a concurrent boost 5 days a week for 3 weeks, with standard whole-breast radiotherapy for a 5 days a week for 3-5 weeks followed by sequential radiotherapy boost, in patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer removed by surgery. Accelerated fractionation refers to schedules where the dose per fraction is unchanged but the daily dose is increased and the total treatment time is reduced.
- NCT00005587 trial compares patients receiving radiotherapy 5 times a week for 3 weeks for a total dose of 40 Gy for patients with microscopic evidence of invasive or in situ cancer at, or within 1mm of, a resection margin receive radiotherapy for 5 fractions in 1 week for a total boost of 10 Gy, with patients receiving a control dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. All patients were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer removed by local excision or mastectomy.
- ‘Fast-forward’ trial compares 27 Gy or 26 Gy in five fractions over 5 days, with a control dose of 40 Gy in 15 fractions over 15 days in patients diagnosed with invasive carcinoma of the breast removed by breast conservation surgery.
- ‘SHARE’ trial compares 42.5 Gy in 16 fractions or 40 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks or 40 Gy in 10 fractions over 3 weeks, with a control dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 35 days followed by a 10 to 16 Gy boost in 5 to 8 fractions. All patients were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma of the breast.