Acute toxicity outcomes in Egyptian early-stage breast cancer: ultra-hypofractionated versus hypofractionated radiotherapy.

Background: Comparison of acute adverse events (acute skin reaction, acute breast pain and lung toxicities) in early-stage breast cancer using 2 different fractionation schedules: ultra-hypofractionation versus hypofractionation radiotherapy.

Methods: Ninety-two patients were recruited and assessed using RTOG criteria for acute skin reactions at the end of radiotherapy, 1 month after, and 3 months after.

Results: There have been no statistically significant differences in acute skin adverse events in 1 month after WBI, there have been neither G3 acute skin toxicity nor G2 skin reactions as were in the fast trial, and milder than skin adverse events in the FAST-FORWARD trial. Acute breast pain at the end of radiotherapy has been statistically significantly lower in arm 1 vs arm 2. Acute breast pain at 1-month follow-up has been comparable between the study arms, with no statistically significant difference. At the 3-month follow-up, acute breast pain was similar in both arms. In all arms, no acute lung toxicities have been reported.

Conclusion: Acute adverse events have been comparable between ultra-hypofractionation and hypofractionation.