Outcomes After Palliative Radiation Therapy in Patients With Symptomatic Locoregionally Advanced Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Symptomatic locoregionally advanced breast cancer (SLABC) significantly impacts patient quality of life due to pain and wound complications.
• Palliative radiation therapy (RT) is a key intervention for managing these symptoms, but optimal treatment tailoring remains undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of palliative RT in managing symptoms of SLABC.
• To determine the relationship between radiation dose and symptom improvement.
• To analyze overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LC), and treatment-related toxicities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 164 patients with SLABC treated with palliative RT between 2016 and 2023.
• Analysis of overall survival, locoregional control, clinical/radiographic response, pain scores, and toxicities.
• Assessment of biologically effective dose (BED GTV) and its correlation with outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eighty-one percent of patients experienced symptom improvement within 3 months post-RT, with higher BED GTV correlating with increased odds of improvement (OR, 1.029; P = .003).
• Median follow-up was 4.97 months; 1-year OS and LC rates were 37% and 63%, respectively.
• Acute toxicities were associated with fraction number and BED GTV, but not concurrent systemic therapy or reirradiation.

Conclusions:

• Palliative RT is effective in alleviating locoregional symptoms in SLABC patients with acceptable toxicity.
• Radiation dose is a significant factor influencing symptom improvement.
• Poor survival underscores the need for palliative care strategies focused on symptom burden reduction and quality of life enhancement.