Toxicity evaluation of dose-escalation in hypofractionated regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) to the axilla and supraclavicular area presents distinct toxicities, such as lymphedema and shoulder stiffness, compared to whole-breast irradiation. There is insufficient evidence on the safety of dose-escalation in hypofractionated RNI. We aimed to evaluate and compare toxicity rates in patients with breast cancer who received hypofractionated RNI with and without dose-escalation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 381 patients with breast cancer treated with hypofractionated RNI between March 2015 and February 2017. Patients received either the standard-dose to the regional nodal area (43.2 Gy/16 fx; 48.7 Gy_3.5 EQD2, 2 Gy equivalent dose with α/β=3.5 Gy) or dose-escalation with a median dose of 54.8 Gy_3.5 EQD2 (range, 51.7 – 60.9 Gy_3.5 EQD2) depending on clinical and pathologic nodal stage. Toxicity rates of lymphedema and shoulder stiffness were assessed, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify associated factors.

Results

The median follow-up time was 32.3 months (5.7 – 47.0 months). After radiotherapy, 71 (18.6%) patients developed lymphedema, and 48 (12.6%) developed shoulder stiffness. Patients who received dose-escalation exhibited significantly higher rates of lymphedema (32.1% vs. 14.8%; Odds Ratio (OR): 2.72, p=0.0004) and shoulder stiffness (23.8% vs. 9.4%; OR: 2.01, p=0.0205) compared to the standard-dose group. Moreover, dose-escalation showed a tendency to increase the severity of lymphedema and shoulder stiffness.

Conclusions

Patients who received dose-escalation in hypofractionated RNI face a higher risk of developing lymphedema and shoulder stiffness compared to those who received standard-dose hypofractionated RNI. Therefore, it is crucial to implement close and frequent monitoring for early detection, along with timely rehabilitation interventions for these patients.