Purpose of review: To describe the current role of radiation therapy and specific types of radiation therapy used in the management of early stage, locoregionally advanced, and metastatic breast cancer.
Recent findings: The role of radiation therapy in the management of breast cancer has not changed in recent decades, however methods of treatment delivery have advanced considerably. Hypofractionation and accelerated partial breast irradiation, which substantially reduce radiation treatment duration, have emerged as appropriate alternatives to conventional whole breast radiation in select patient subsets, and intensity modulated radiation therapy, breathing-adapted radiation therapy, and prone-positioning technique address challenging anatomic issues and reduce treatment-associated toxicity. Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy continue to advance the management of distant metastatic disease.
Summary: Radiation therapy plays a significant role in the management of early stage, locoregionally advanced, and metastatic breast cancer. Technological advances are allowing for greater patient convenience and comfort in locoregional radiation therapy delivery and for expanded radiation therapy indications in the setting of metastatic disease.