EFFICACY AND TOLERANCE OF HYPOFRACTIONATED RADIOTHERAPY AFTER MASTECTOMY AND LYMPH NODE IRRADIATION IN BREAST CANCER

This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer following mastectomy and lymph node irradiation. Data from 607 patients treated between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed, comparing a hypofractionated regimen (40.05 Gy in 15 fractions) to a normofractionated regimen (50 Gy in 25 fractions). The results demonstrated comparable efficacy between the two regimens in terms of local control and survival, with a low rate of chronic toxicity, including a chronic lymphedema rate of 0.39% in the hypofractionated group. While acute toxicity (radiodermatitis) was more frequent in the hypofractionated group, it was primarily grade I II. The study confirms that HFRT is an effective and safe alternative to conventional radiotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer, with potential for further optimization through ultrafractionation.