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Results of a national clinical trial led by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology in conjunction with NRG Oncology and the Canadian Cancer Trials Group show that a shorter, three-week radiation schedule following a mastectomy is as safe and effective as the standard five-week treatment for women undergoing breast reconstruction. The results of the RT CHARM trial (Alliance A221505) are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

For years, doctors have used a shorter radiation approach, known as hypofractionated radiation therapy, for women who have a lumpectomy, surgery that removes the cancerous tumor while preserving the breast. This schedule delivers slightly higher daily doses of radiation per treatment over fewer total visits, reducing the treatment time by nearly half.

However, the use of this shorter approach after mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, has been more limited for women who choose breast reconstruction. Clinicians have been concerned that higher daily radiation doses could increase complications and affect the success of the reconstruction.

"Patients undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction already face a challenging medical journey. Having the evidence to allow women to confidently shorten their radiation treatment from five weeks down to three will save patients time, reduce their financial stress and let them get back to their daily lives sooner—all without increasing complications, lowering their chances of cure or sacrificing cosmetic results," said Matthew M.

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