One-shot radiotherapy ‘effective against breast cancer’
June 6th, 2010 - 1:40 pm ICT by ANILondon, June 6 (ANI): A new study, led by a UK research team, has suggested that a single dose of radiation during surgery is just as effective as a prolonged course of radiotherapy for breast cancer.
The technique, which involves a single shot of radiotherapy to a tumour site, has been tested in more than 2,000 patients.
The researchers said using the one-stop procedure would be more convenient for patients.
In the new technique, doctors use a mobile radiotherapy machine that can be inserted into the breast to target the exact site of the cancer.
The four-year trial in women over 45 showed similar rates of disease recurrence regardless of the treatment used.
There were six cases of the disease returning in those who had the new single-dose technique and five cases in those undergoing a prolonged course of radiotherapy.
But the single dose during surgery avoids potential damage to organs such as the heart, lung, and oesophagus, which can occur during radiation to the whole breast, the researchers said.
The frequency of any complications and major toxic effects was similar in the two groups.
“I think the reason why it works so well is because of the precision of the treatment. It eradicates the very highest risk area - the part of the breast from which the tumour was removed,” the BBC quoted University College London Hospitals (UCLH) oncologist Prof Jeffrey Tobias as saying
Cancer Research UK said that The Lancet study could have a ‘huge impact’ for patients. (ANI)
- Novel imaging technique may cut lymphedema in breast cancer patients - Dec 12, 2010
- 'Satnav' device 'could find cancer tumours in body in just one session' - Feb 07, 2011
- Awareness key to beating breast cancer, say experts (Feb 4 is World Cancer Day) - Feb 03, 2012
- Targeted photodynamic therapy offers hope for skin cancer patients - Apr 12, 2011
- Cure cancer in just two hours - Jan 06, 2012
- Now, remote sensing to kill prostate cancer - Oct 26, 2010
- Wake-up call on breast cancer in India (Feature) - Oct 28, 2010
- New imaging technique may reduce lymphedema in breast cancer patients - Dec 13, 2010
- Radiotherapy the unsung hero of cancer care, say experts - Apr 20, 2010
- Hormone therapy 'doubles survival chances in men with prostate cancer' - Mar 25, 2011
- Golden bullet to kill stubborn cancer cells - Oct 28, 2010
- Ice ball therapy offers hope of breast cancer cure - Mar 18, 2010
- India witnessing rise in pancreatic cancer, say doctors - Oct 06, 2011
- Herpes virus can treat head and neck cancer - Aug 02, 2010
- Simple test could save prostate cancer patients from surgery - Feb 09, 2011
Tags: bbc, breast cancer, cancer research uk, disease recurrence, doctors, heart lung, lancet study, london hospitals, oesophagus, organs, radiation, risk area, single shot, tobias, toxic effects, university college london