Radiation Dose Intensity Study in Breast Cancer in Young Women

Title of the study:

Radiation dose intensity study in breast cancer in young women: a randomized phase III trial of additional dose to the tumor bed.

Background and aim of the study:

Several studies showed that breast conserving therapy (BCT) yields similar survival rates as mastectomy. BCT consists of lumpectomy followed by whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT). Three studies showed that an additional dose to the tumor bed, after 50 Gy WBRT, reduces the local recurrence rate (LRR). The largest of these 3 studies was a recent EORTC trial, which also showed that young age was an independent risk factor for LR after BCT.

In patients < 51 years of age, the LR rate was reduced with 50% after a 66 Gy dose to the tumor bed, compared to 50 Gy (5-year LRR 12% vs 5.9%, p < 0.02). However, the LRR in young women was still quite high (> 1% per year). Therefore the first aim of the study is to investigate whether an additional boost dose to the tumorbed (26 Gy) reduces the LRR further. Therefore, we will compare the effect of a low boost dose (16 Gy) with the effect of a high boost dose (26 Gy) on the LRR, but also on the cosmetic outcome.

The second, very important aim of this study is to investigate whether we can find genetic or protein profiles that correlate with LRR, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, survival, radiosensitivity, and age. For this purpose we will obtain frozen tumor material and blood samples of as many patients as possible.

Population, study design, intervention:

Patients younger than 51 years of age, with stage T1-2N01-2aM0 breast cancer, and where the tumor can be locally excised with acceptable cosmetic result, will be randomized between a 16 Gy boost dose to the tumorbed and a 26 Gy boost dose to the tumor bed, after 50 Gy WBRT. Patients will be stratified based on age, tumor size, lymph node metastases, estrogen receptor status, interstitial or external boost irradiation, and institution. In principle frozen tumor samples and blood samples will be stored of each patient.

Endpoints and statistics:

The primary endpoint is LRR are 10 years. The secondary endpoint is cosmetic result, which will be quantified using digitized color photographs. In addition, patients will be asked to give their opinion about the cosmetic result using standardized questionnaires.

To find an increase in the local control rate of 88% to 93% at 10 year, with a power of 80% and a significance level of 5%, 580 patients will be included in each treatment arm.

Side studies:

An extremely important aspect of this trial is to obtain fresh tumor material and blood samples. These will be used to determine genetic and protein profiles aimed at finding subgroups based on these profiles, which may take more or less advantage of the additional radiation treatment.