Unexpected Mortality in Hypofractionated Loco-Regional Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

In this MEDtalk, Professor Birgitte Vrou Offersen presents results from the phase III Skagen Trial 1. Among nearly 3,000 node-positive breast cancer patients, hypofractionated loco-regional radiotherapy (40 Gy in 15 fractions) showed no increase in arm lymphedema or recurrence risk compared to standard radiotherapy. Unexpectedly, a higher breast cancer mortality was observed in the hypofractionated group, warranting longer follow-up and further analysis before changing practice.