Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of hypo-fractionated whole breast radiation therapy in patients with early breast cancer.
Methods: Searching electronically PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register we made a comprehensive literature review regarding the randomized controlled phase III trials for hypo-fractionated radiation therapy in early breast cancer.
Results: The collected and analyzed data showed that a short course of hypo-fractionated radiation therapy in early breast cancer patients is as effective as the conventional long course regarding tumor response as well as long term side effects.
Conclusion: More data are needed about the usage and integration of a boost treatment for higher-risk women receiving neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, or the results in special subgroups such as women with large breast size.