Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Treatment: A World-First Approach to Radiation Therapy
Breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery can now achieve equally effective results with 40% less radiation, thanks to a groundbreaking approach pioneered by the Iridium Network, Belgium’s largest radiotherapy network. This innovative method replaces the traditional five lower-dose boost radiation treatments with a single high-dose boost,significantly reducing the number of hospital visits and enhancing patient comfort.
The findings, presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), mark a world-first in radiotherapy for breast cancer. Traditionally, hospitals administer five to fifteen regular doses and five to eight boost doses. However, the ULTIMO study, led by Prof. Dr. Melanie machiels and Prof. Dr. Philip Poortmans, demonstrated that a one-time high-dose boost is just as effective as the standard five-boost treatment.
How It Works
The new protocol involves five regular doses of radiation to the entire breast, followed by a single high-dose boost to the tumor site. This single boost delivers approximately five times the radiation of a traditional lower-dose boost, ensuring the same total radiation exposure but in a shorter timeframe.
“Patients with breast cancer where no nodes are affected only need six radiation treatments: five regular doses and one boost,” explains Prof. Dr. Poortmans. This approach is notably beneficial for the 60-75% of patients whose lymph nodes remain unaffected at diagnosis.
Reducing the Burden on Patients
At the Iridium Network, approximately 1,200 breast cancer patients receive radiation annually, with two-thirds requiring a boost. By reducing the boost to a single session,the number of hospital visits drops from 4,000 to just 800.
“This innovative method significantly reduces the burden on patients and increases thier comfort,” says Prof. Dr.Machiels. “Most importantly, the high standard of care is maintained.”
Aesthetic Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
The study also evaluated the cosmetic results of the treatment. patients, doctors, and a computer program assessed the aesthetic appearance of the treated breast, with no meaningful differences found between the accelerated and standard boost treatments.
“The cosmetic results are comparable. Patients were equally satisfied and reported no differences in side effects,” notes Prof. Dr. Poortmans.
The Science Behind Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy works by damaging the genetic material of tumor cells, which are less capable of repairing themselves compared to healthy cells. On average, each session lasts a few minutes, with patients spending 10-15 minutes on the radiation table during checks.
The need for radiation varies depending on the type of surgery. While 97% of patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery require radiation, only 26% of those who undergo a mastectomy need it.
A Leader in Radiotherapy
The iridium Network is the sole provider of radiotherapy for three major hospital networks in the Antwerp-Waasland region, including Ziekenhuis aan de Stroom (ZAS), HELIX, and MIRA. Its innovative approach sets a new standard in breast cancer care, offering patients a more efficient and pleasant treatment experience.
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| 40% less radiation with a single high-dose boost |
| 6 treatments instead of 10-15 |
| 60-75% of patients eligible (no affected nodes) |
| 800 hospital visits saved annually at iridium Network |
| Comparable cosmetic results and patient satisfaction |
This breakthrough not only enhances patient comfort but also maintains the highest standards of care, reaffirming the Iridium Network’s position as a global leader in radiotherapy innovation.