Abstract Oncoplastic breast conservation surgery decreases re-excision procedures and produces desired cosmetic results in patients undergoing breast conservation therapy; however the toxicity of hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy (HypoRT) has not been previously described in these patients. In this study, we compared the acute and late toxicity of HypoRT to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (ConvRT) in women treated with oncoplastic breast conservation surgery. Women treated with oncoplastic breast conservation surgery followed by HypoRT or ConvRT from January 2008 through December 2014 were included. Thirty seven patients treated to 38 breasts were identified. Twenty eight were treated with ConvRT and the remainder with HypoRT. Median follow-up was 15.3 months. Grade ≥2 acute toxicity was seen in 50% and 10% of the ConvRT and HypoRT patients, respectively (P = 0.0314). Grade 3 acute toxicity was reported in 2 (7%) patients treated with ConvRT and none with HypoRT. The mean breast volume and treatment position were not associated with increased acute toxicity. Skin pigmentation was the most commonly reported late adverse event, noted by 57% of the ConvRT and 40% of the HypoRT patients (P = 0.163). Two (7%) patients treated with ConvRT had lymphedema versus none in HypoRT group. HypoRT is not associated with increased acute and late toxicity among women treated with oncoplastic breast conservation surgery compared to ConvRT in our initial clinical experience. HypoRT can be further explored as a treatment option among this patient population.
Keywords: breast cancer; oncoplastic surgery; hypofractionated radiotherapy