Beaumont Leads National Trial Studying Shorter Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer

Research could enhance patient convenience while saving time and money

Beaumont Health System has launched national research of accelerated whole breast radiation treatment for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, RTOG 1005, was developed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, a cancer therapy research cooperative group funded by the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The study’s national principal investigator, says this approach could ultimately shorten treatment time for the majority of women with breast cancer.

Beaumont enrolled the first patient in the study, a 51-year-old woman from Royal Oak, Mich.

Past research has shown that giving radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) helps keep cancer from coming back in the breast. Radiation therapy is given to the whole breast on a Monday through Friday basis for five weeks. It can be followed by what’s known as a “boost”  - a higher dose of radiation to the site of the cancer – adding another 1 to 1-1/2 weeks of treatment time.

This new research study will compare radiation therapy given with a higher daily dose over three weeks plus a “boost” given each day with standard whole breast radiation followed by a “boost” given on separate days extending over 6 to 6-1/2 weeks.

A total of 2,312 patients across the U.S. will take part in the study. Beaumont expects to enroll 100 patients.

For enrollment information, call Beaumont’s Cancer Clinical Trials Office at 248-551-7695.

Beaumont radiation oncologists have a long history of research innovation aimed at improving cancer survival while reducing treatment time and side effects.

Beaumont radiation oncologists are also leading a world-first research study to treat men with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer with a single dose of radiation with High-Dose Rate brachytherapy.

Beaumont's comprehensive cancer program combines the expertise of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists to offer cancer prevention counseling, diagnosis and treatment in hospital and community-based settings. The Beaumont Cancer Institute is one of only 47 Community Clinical Oncology Programs in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute to provide patients with access to leading-edge cancer clinical research trials. Beaumont is designated as a Blue Cross Center of Distinction for the Treatment of Rare and Complex Cancers.