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Shorter, more intense radiation for DCIS?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Scarlettsmom: What are the advances in shorter-term yet more intensive radiation affecting treatment in patients with DCIS? What about balloon radiation or other ideas for shortening the time?
Answer —Nicholas Robert, M.D.: This question addresses the role of so-called partial radiation: the idea of giving high-dose radiation to the tumor site and sparing the rest of the breast. This approach also shortens the time for radiation. There is a current ongoing national clinical trial addressing partial radiation and standard radiation in women with breast cancer. This important question should attract patients who are interested in this approach. There is a concern that this approach of partial radiation may not offer the same advantage as whole breast radiation in terms of reducing a second breast cancer. Also the type of breast cancer that can be treated with this approach appears to be limited. It's important before we assume something new is better to demonstrate in a controlled setting whether the treatment is actually better.

On Wednesday, June 21, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting. Nicholas Robert, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions about recent advances in breast cancer treatment, updates on breast cancer genetics, information on diet and risk of recurrence, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Nicholas Robert, M.D.Nicholas Robert, M.D. is a co-chair of the Breast Committee of the U.S. Oncology Research Network and also chairs the Cancer Committee and Research Committee of the Inova Fairfax Hospital's Cancer Center. 

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

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