Evidence based whole breast hypo-fractionated radiation therapy in patients with early breast cancer.

PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of hypo-fractionated whole breast radiation therapy in patients with early breast cancer. METHODS Searching electronically PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register we made a comprehensive literature review regarding the randomized controlled phase III trials for hypo-fractionated radiation therapy in early breast cancer. RESULTS The collected and analyzed data showed that a short course of hypo-fractionated radiation therapy in early breast cancer patients is as effective as the conventional long course regarding tumor response as well as long term side effects. CONCLUSION More data are needed about the usage and integration of a boost treatment for higher-risk women receiving neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, or the results in special subgroups such as women with large breast size.