Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Medical Physicist's Perspective on Precision, Safety, and Quality
Authors: Md Akhtaruzzaman1,2,3, Martin Ebert3
Institution: 1Evercare Hospital Chattogram, Chattogram, Bangladesh 2South Asia Centre for Medical Physics and Cancer Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh 3The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
Introduction
Radiotherapy remains a fundamental component in the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer, offering a balance between tumor control and minimizing toxicity to healthy tissues. This paper explores the advancements in radiotherapy techniques, emphasizing precision, safety, and quality from a medical physicist's perspective.
Methods
This review is based on a comprehensive analysis of recent clinical trials, peer-reviewed articles, and technological advancements in the field of breast cancer radiotherapy. The primary sources include databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and clinical trial registries. Key inclusion criteria were studies published in the last decade, focusing on the precision, safety, and quality of radiotherapy techniques for breast cancer.
Results
Hypofractionated radiotherapy demonstrates comparable or superior efficacy to conventional fractionation, reducing treatment duration and patient burden. Partial breast irradiation is effective for select early-stage patients, offering local control with reduced toxicity. Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) shows promise in oligometastatic disease, enabling precise targeting of metastases while sparing healthy tissue. Biomarkers of radioresistance are paving the way for personalized radiotherapy, enhancing therapeutic outcomes through tailored strategies.
Conclusion
Advancements in breast cancer radiotherapy, including hypofractionation, partial breast irradiation, and SBRT, have improved precision, safety, and patient outcomes. Personalized approaches, guided by biomarkers, represent the future of radiotherapy. Sustained progress requires rigorous quality management and continuous education to optimize care delivery.
