Breast Boost

Question 1

Benefits of breast boost

Answer 1

Reduces risk of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence

Relative benefit similar across age groups

But absolute benefit falls with increasing age

Women under 50 biggest absolute benefit

Greater absolute benefit in grade 3

Question 2

Negatives of boost

Answer 2

No impact on overall survival

Doubles rate of moderate or severe fibrosis

Question 3

Indications for boost

Answer 3

Incomplete excision margin (and cant do surgery) margin <1mm

Age <50 (under 40s greatest benefit)

Consider if over 50 and higher risk features- grade 3 and/or extensive intraductal component

Question 4

Doses for boost

Answer 4

16 gy in 8#

Hypofractionated
Equivalent 13.35 gy in 5
12 gy in 4#

Also
10gy in 5#