To compare the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) in patients with breast cancer, focusing on disease-free survival and treatment-related toxicity.
Key Findings:
No significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years between HFRT and CFRT (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.96–1.06; P = 0.83).
No significant difference in the incidence of lymphedema between HFRT and CFRT (RR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.94–1.51; P = 0.15).
Statistically significant difference favoring HFRT for acute radiation dermatitis under fixed-effects model (RR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.20–2.18; P = 0.002), but not under random-effects model (RR = 1.43, 95% CI 0.51–4.01; P = 0.50).
Interpretation:
HFRT shows comparable oncological outcomes to CFRT with a trend towards reduced acute skin toxicity, suggesting it may be a viable option for early-stage breast cancer.
Limitations:
High heterogeneity across studies (I² = 90%) affecting the reliability of pooled estimates.
Variability in clinical practice regarding fractionation schedules.
Conclusion:
HFRT is comparable to CFRT in terms of efficacy, with potential benefits in reducing acute toxicity. Future research should focus on standardizing treatment protocols and evaluating long-term outcomes.
by Malek Talal, Marafi Jammaa Ahmed, Muhammad M. Elsharkawy, Alaa R. AL-Ihribat, Mohamed F. Srour, Youssef Z. Farhat, Muhammad Youssef, Rabeia Babiker Mustafa, Mohamed Wafa, Ahmed Werdany Hassan, Aya Ahmed Shimal, Omran Shrebaty, Ibrahim Moqbel
