PO-0985: Hypofractionated radiotherapy with SIB in advanced incurable breast cancer-HYPORT B study

Palliative care in the treatment of women with breast cancer: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies on the quality of life in women with breast cancer show a high prevalence of signs and symptoms that should be the focus of palliative care (PC), leading us to question the current role they play in addressing breast cancer. Therefore, the objective of this review is to map the scope of available literature on the role of PC in the treatment of women with breast cancer.

METHODS

This is a methodologically guided scoping review by the Joanna Briggs Institute and adapted to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist for report writing. Systematic searches were conducted in 8 databases, an electronic repository, and gray literature. The searches were conducted with the support of a librarian. The study selection was managed through the RAYYAN software in a blind and independent manner by 2 reviewers. The extracted data were analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis technique and discussed through textual categories.

RESULTS

A total of 9,812 studies were identified, of which only 136 articles and 3 sources of gray literature are included in this review. In terms of general characteristics, the majority were published in the USA (35.7%), had a cross-sectional design (44.8%), and were abstracts presented at scientific events (19.6%). The majority of interventions focused on palliative radiotherapy (13.6%). Thematic analysis identified 14 themes and 12 subthemes.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

Our findings offer a comprehensive view of the evidence on PC in the treatment of breast cancer. Although a methodological quality assessment was not conducted, these results could guide professionals interested in the topic to position themselves in the current context. Additionally, a quick synthesis of recommendations on different palliative therapies is provided, which should be critically observed. Finally, multiple knowledge gaps are highlighted, which could be used for the development of future studies in this field.

HYPORT adjuvant acute toxicity and patient dosimetry quality assurance results - Interim analysis

BACKGROUND

HYPORT adjuvant trial is a randomised phase III open-label noninferiority trial comparing standard moderately hypofractionated 3 week adjuvant radiation therapy in breast cancer with a novel 1-week schedule. The trial was initiated in March 2019 and is open to recruitment with a total sample size of 2100. We report the results of dosimetric quality assurance, acute toxicity and pre planned first interim safety analysis in the first 271 patients.

METHODS

Stage I-III breast cancer planned for adjuvant radiation therapy to the breast/chest-wall (along with regional nodes as indicated) were randomised to receive 40 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks or 26 Gy/5 fractions/1 week. For simultaneous integrated boost, the patients in the control arm received 8 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks, while those in the experimental arm received 6 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (to the tumour bed). For sequential boost, the prescribed dose was 12 Gy/4 fractions/4 days in both arms. Compliance to pre specified dosimetric parameters and acute toxicities were evaluated.

RESULT

Data of the first 271 patients was analysed of whom 104 patients received tumour bed boost using SIB. All mandatory dosimetric criteria were met apart from one patient with a higher contralateral breast dose due to optimal internal mammary nodal coverage. Overall three patients (1.1%) experienced grade 3 radiation dermatitis (none received SIB), no other Grade 3 or higher toxicities reported.

CONCLUSION

This acute toxicity interim analysis demonstrates that hypofractionated adjuvant radiotherapy with SIB for patients with breast cancer is feasible, and associated with minimal severe acute toxicities.