A shorter, more convenient, regime of chemotherapy for breast cancer works as well as a longer course of treatment.

It's known that having radiotherapy after lumpectomy (removal of the lump rather than the breast) for breast cancer increases the chance of survival. What's been less clear is how long the course of treatment should be. In the US, small doses for several weeks are common, while in the UK and Canada, larger doses for a smaller time are used.

Researchers in Ontario, Canada, compared intensive radiotherapy given over 22 days, with a less intensive regimen, given over 35 days. A group of 1,234 women participated. After six years, the shortened course did not result in a higher rate of recurrence. Survival rates were around 97 per cent in both groups. This is good news, for a shorter treatment course could lessen the burden on women, helping them get back to normal life sooner, secure in the knowledge they have not affected the outcome of their cancer.

Source

Journal of the National Cancer Institute 7th August 2002