Palliative radiation therapy for symptomatic advance breast cancer

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of palliative breast radiation therapy (RT), with single fraction RT compared with fractionated RT. Our study showed that both RT fractionation schemas provide palliation. Single fraction RT allowed for treatment with minimal interference with systemic therapy, whereas fractionated RT provided a more durable palliative response. Due to equivalent palliative response, at our institution we have increasingly been providing single fraction RT palliation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated summary

Both single fraction and fractionated radiation therapy were effective for palliative treatment, with fractionated therapy showing a more durable response. As a result of equivalent palliative outcomes, there has been an increasing trend towards using single fraction radiation therapy for palliation during the COVID-19 pandemic.