Dosimetric predictors of acute bone marrow toxicity in carcinoma cervix — experience from a tertiary cancer centre in India

BackgroundThe objective of this study was To determine the dose volume parameters predicting acute haematological toxicity in carcinoma cervix patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Materials and methodsAll patients that presented to the hospital between Jan 2019 and Dec 2019 were prospectively analyzed. Patients diagnosed to have Carcinoma Cervix and planned for concurrent chemoradiation by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were included for analysis. Patients were assessed at baseline and every week during treatment for acute haematological toxicities. Dose volume parameters from treatment plans were correlated with RTOG grade of haematological toxicities.ResultsA total of 34 patients diagnosed to have squamous cell carcinoma of cervix were treated by radical radiotherapy by VMAT technique and concurrent chemotherapy. The most common stage of presentation was stage IIB (61.7%). 29 patients (85.2%) completed five cycles of weekly cisplatin. Statistical analysis for sensitivity and specificity of dosimetric parameters was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The probability of developing bone marrow toxicity was analyzed using T test. Mean dose to bone marrow exceeding 28.5 Gy was significantly associated with bone marrow toxicity (sensitivity — 82.4%, specificity — 70.6%). On analyzing dose volume parameters, volume of bone marrow receiving 20 Gy, 30 Gy and 40 Gy (V20, V30 and V40) more than 71.75%, and 49.75% and 22.85%, respectively, was significantly associated with bone marrow toxicity.ConclusionsOur study concludes that mean dose to bone marrow exceeding 28.5 Gy has high sensitivity and specificity for predicting bone marrow toxicity in patients receiving IMRT. Volume of bone marrow receiving 20 Gy, 30 Gy and 40 Gy significantly correlated with acute haematological toxicity.     

Postoperative Capecitabine with Concurrent Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy or Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Patients with Stage II and III Rectal Cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival outcomes and toxicity of postoperative chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine and concurrent intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in patients with stage II and III rectal cancer.

Patients

We recruited 184 patients with pathologically proven, stage II or III rectal cancer. Following total mesorectal excision (TME), the patients were treated with capecitabine and concurrent IMRT/3D-CRT. The treatment regimen consisted of two cycles of oral capecitabine (1600 mg/m²/day), administered twice daily from day 1–14 of radiotherapy, followed by a 7-day rest. The median pelvic dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy was administered after the chemoradiotherapy.

Results

The 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival and locoregional control (LRC) rates were 85.1%, 80% and 95.4%, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were observed in 28.3% of patients during treatment. Grade 3 or 4 late toxicity, including neurotoxicity or gastrointestinal toxicity, was only observed in nine patients (4.9%).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that capecitabine chemotherapy with concurrent IMRT/3D-CRT following TME is safe, is well tolerated and achieves superior LRC and favorable survival rates, with acceptable toxicity.     

Volumetric modulated arc therapy in prostate cancer patients with metallic hip prostheses in a UK centre

AimThis study aimed to investigate whether IMRT using VMAT is a viable and safe solution in dose escalated RT in these patients.BackgroundAn increasing number of prostate cancer patients are elderly and have hip prostheses. These implants pose challenges in radiotherapy treatment planning. Although intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is commonly used, there is a lack of clinical studies documenting its efficacy and toxicities in this subgroup of patients.Materials and methodsThe data from 23 patients with hip prostheses and non-metastatic prostate cancer treated with VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy) between 2009 and 2011, were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics, treatment details and outcome data were collected on all patients. The median follow up was 40.9 months. MRI-CT image fusion was performed and the treatment plans were created using RapidArc™ (RA) techniques utilizing 1 or 2 arcs and 10 MV photon beams.Results96% of patients were treated with a dose of 72 Gy/32 fractions over 44 days. 21/23 plans met the PTV targets. The mean homogeneity index was 1.07. 20/23 plans met all OAR constraints (rectum, bladder). Two plans deviated from rectal constraints, four from bladder constraints; all were classed as minor deviations. One patient experienced late grade 3 genitourinary toxicity. Three other patients experienced late grade 2 or lower gastrointestinal toxicity. One patient had biochemical failure and one had a non-prostate cancer related death.ConclusionsVMAT provides an elegant solution to deliver dose escalated RT in patients with unilateral and bilateral hip replacements with minimal acute and late toxicities.     

Post-operative small pelvic field radiation therapy in patients with intermediate risk early stage cervix cancer: a safe and efficient treatment modality

BackgroundThe treatment of early stage cervical cancer has different therapeutic options. Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy for surgically treated intermediate risk cervical cancer patients has shown acceptable oncological outcomes with a low incidence of toxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze the oncological outcomes and safety of adjuvant small pelvic field radiotherapy in surgically treated stage IB1-2 cervical cancer patients who met the Sedlis intermediate-risk criteria.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out with 28 patients treated from 2007 to November 2019 with biopsy proven intermediate risk stage IB1–2 cervical cancer previously treated with radical hysterectomy and bilateral lymphadenectomy who received adjuvant small pelvic field radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were local and distant control and overall survival. Secondary endpoints were acute and late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity. Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsAfter a median follow up period of 41.5 (27.5–80.5) months, adjuvant small pelvic field radiotherapy showed a 100% overall survival rate, 81.82% disease free survival and 86.36% local recurrence-free survival with no incidence of grade 3 or 4 acute or late toxicity. Three patients suffered from relapse, 1 in the vaginal cuff, 1 in the retrovesical area and 1 patient in the retroperitoneal area.ConclusionsAdjuvant small pelvic field radiotherapy is an efficient and safe treatment option that offers excellent oncological outcomes to surgically treated intermediate-risk stage IB1–2 cervical cancer patients with an excellent toxicity profile.     

3D radiation therapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy for recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer: the Shanghai Cancer Hospital experience

We evaluate the outcomes of irradiation by using three-dimensional radiation therapy (3D-RT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer. Between 2007 and 2010, 50 patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer were treated using 3D-RT or IMRT. The median time interval between the initial treatment and the start of irradiation was 12 (6-51) months. Salvage surgery was performed before irradiation in 5 patients, and 38 patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Sixteen patients underwent 3D-RT, and 34 patients received IMRT. Median follow-up for all the patients was 18.3 months. Three-year overall survival and locoregional control were 56.1% and 59.7%, respectively. Three-year progression-free survival and disease-free survival were 65.3% and 64.3%, respectively. Nine patients developed grade 3 leukopenia. Grade 5 acute toxicity was not observed in any of the patients; however, 2 patients developed Grade 3 late toxicity. 3D-RT or IMRT is effective for the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer, with the 3-year overall survival of 56.1%, and its complications are acceptable. Long-term follow-up and further studies are needed to confirm the role of 3D-RT or IMRT in the multimodality management of the disease.     

A novel dynamic field-matching technique for treatment of patients with para-aortic node-positive cervical cancer: Clinical experience

Aim

To report outcomes for patients with para-aortic lymph node positive cervical cancer treated with a dynamic field-matching technique.

Background

PET staging of cervical cancer has increased identification of patients with para-aortic lymph node metastasis. IMRT enables dose escalation in this area, but matching IMRT fields with traditional whole pelvis fields presents a challenge.

Materials and methods

From 2003 to 2012, 20 patients with cervical cancer and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were treated utilizing the dynamic field-matching technique. As opposed to single-isocenter half-beam junction techniques, this technique employs wedge-shaped dose junctions for the abutment of fields. We reviewed the records of all patients who completed treatment with the technique and abstracted treatment, toxicity, and disease-related outcome data for analysis.

Results

Median prescribed dose to the whole pelvis field was 45 Gy and para-aortic IMRT field 50.4 Gy. All but 3 patients underwent HDR (13 pts) or LDR (4 pts) brachytherapy. All patients developed lower GI toxicity; 10 grade 1, 9 grade 2, and 1 grade 4 (enterovaginal fistula). Median DFS was 12.4 months with 1 and 2-year DFS 60.0% and 38.1%. One-year OS was 83.7% and 2-year OS, 64.4%. A total of 10 patients developed recurrence; none occurred at the matched junction.

Conclusions

The dynamic field-matching technique provides a means for joining conventional whole pelvis fields and para-aortic IMRT fields that substantially reduces dose deviations at the junction due to field mismatch. Treatment with the dynamic matching technique is simple, effective, and tolerated with no apparent increase in toxicity.     

Simultaneous Integrated Boost Radiotherapy in Unresectable Stage IV (M0) Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer Patients: Daily Clinical Practice

AimTo evaluate clinical outcome in locally-advanced stage IV (M0) head and neck cancer patients treated using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) in daily clinical practice.BackgroundDespite SIB-IMRT has been reported as a feasible and effective advanced head and neck cancer treatment, there are few data about its concurrent use with systemic therapies.Material and MethodsWe reviewed 41 staged IV (M0) head and neck cancer patients treated in two radiotherapy units in the city of Messina (Italy) during the last six years, using intensity modulated techniques-SIB. 22/41 patients had concomitant chemotherapy or cetuximab. Acute and late toxicities, objective response (OR) rate, local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) have been evaluated.Results37/41 patients received the planned doses of radiotherapy, 2 patients died during the therapy. The major acute regional toxicities were skin reaction and mucositis. A case of mandibular osteoradionecrosis was recorded. At completion of treatment, OR was evaluated in 38 patients: 32/38 patients (84.2%) had complete (55.3%) and partial (28.9%) response. The 1- and 5-year LC rates were 73.4% and 69.73%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 85.93%, 51.49% and 44.14%, respectively. No statistically significant differences in outcomes have been observed in patients treated with radiotherapy alone vs. irradiation concomitant to chemo/biotherapy. The median OS was 45 months.ConclusionSIB-IMRT is safeand can be used with concomitant chemotherapy/biotherapy in real-life daily clinical practice. SIB-IMRT alone is a valid alternative in patients unfit for systemic therapies.     

Integrated scoring approach to assess radiotherapy plan quality for breast cancer treatment

BackgroundProposal of an integrated scoring approach assessing the quality of different treatment techniques in a radiotherapy planning comparison. This scoring method incorporates all dosimetric indices of planning target volumes (PTVs) as well as organs at risk (OARs) and provides a single quantitative measure to select an ideal plan.Materials and methodsThe radiotherapy planning techniques compared were field-in-field (FinF), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), hybrid IMRT (H-IMRT), and hybrid VMAT (H-VMAT). These plans were generated for twenty-five locally advanced left-sided breast cancer patients. The PTVs were prescribed a hypofractionation dose of 40.5 Gy in 15 fractions. The integrated score for each planning technique was calculated using the proposed formula.ResultsAn integrated score value that is close to zero indicates a superior plan. The integrated score that incorporates all dosimetric indices (PTVs and OARs) were 1.37, 1.64, 1.72, 1.18, and 1.24 for FinF, IMRT, VMAT, H-IMRT, and H-VMAT plans, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed integrated scoring approach is scientific to select a better plan and flexible to incorporate the patient-specific clinical demands. This simple tool is useful to quantify the treatment techniques and able to differentiate the acceptable and unacceptable plans.     

Significant impact on the oncologic outcomes with intensity modulated radiotherapy and conformational radiotherapy over conventional radiotherapy in cervix cancer patients treated with radiotherapy

ObjectiveWe designed a retrospective cohort of women with cervix cancer treated by radiation therapy with an extended follow-up to evaluate if the incorporation of modern radiation techniques was a prognostic factor.Material and methodsWe studied a cohort of patients with cervix cancer FIGO stage I-IVa treated in the last fifteen years. Patients were treated with radiotherapy alone (RT) or chemoradiation alone (CRT) using conventional radiotherapy (2DRT), conformational radiotherapy (3DRT), or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) followed by high dose rate brachytherapy. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify significant prognostic factors (p < 0.05).Results228 patients with cervix cancer were included. The treatment groups were CRT (64.8%), and RT (34.2%), with 31.6% submitted to 2DRT and 68.4% to IMRT/3DRT. The median follow-up was 6.3 years, the OS in 5 years according to the treatment groups was 48% for CRT, and 27.8% for RT (p < 0.001). The early-stage I-IIa (p = 0.001), CRT, and IMRT/3DRT were significant factors for better overall survival (OS) in the multivariate analysis. For the cancer-specific survival (CSS), chemoradiation, age <60 years, and IMRT/3DRT were significant. Treatment with IMRT/3DRT was the only prognostic factor associated with event-free survival (EFS).ConclusionIn a long-term follow-up, chemoradiation, early-clinical stage, and age <60 years were significant factors associated with better OS and CSS at 5 and 8 years. The incorporation of new radiation techniques, such as IMRT/3DRT, over time has a significant impact on all endpoints (EFS, OS, and CSS) of this cohort. These outcomes are useful to decide about the radiation technique to achieve satisfactory oncological results outside a clinical trial.     

Transitioning from conformal radiotherapy to intensity-modulated radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy: Clinical benefit,oncologic outcomes and incidence of gastrointestinal and urinary toxicities

AimThe purpose of this study was to review genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity associated with high-dose radiotherapy (RT) delivered with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) following radical prostatectomy (RP).BackgroundRP is a therapeutic option for the management of prostate cancer (PrCa). When assessing postoperative RT techniques for PrCa, the published literature focuses on patients treated with 2-dimensional conventional methods without reflecting the implementation of 3D-CRT, IMRT, or VMAT.Materials and methodsA total of 83 patients were included in this analysis; 30 patients received 3D-CRT, and 53 patients received IMRT/VMAT. Acute and late symptoms of the GU and lower GI tract were retrospectively graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer radiation toxicity grading systems. The relapse failure-free rate and overall survival were also evaluated.ResultsThe rate of acute GU toxicity was 9.4% vs. 13.3% for the IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT groups (p = 0.583). The 5-year actuarial rates of late GI toxicity for IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT treatments were 1.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The rate of late GU toxicity for the IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT treatment groups was 7.5% and 16.6%, respectively (p = 0.199). We found no association between acute or late toxicity and the RT technique in univariate and multivariate analyses.ConclusionPostprostatectomy IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT achieved similar morbidity and cancer control outcomes. The clinical benefit of highly conformal techniques in this setting is unclear although formal analysis is needed.     

PF方案同步放化疗治疗中晚期宫颈癌的疗效及毒性反应研究

目的：探究PF 方案同步放化疗治疗中晚期宫颈癌患者的疗效和毒性反应。方法：回顾性分析我院在2014 年6 月～2015 年6 月期间收治的ⅡB～Ⅲ期宫颈癌患者,共152 例,根据治疗方法将其分为单纯放疗组和同步放化疗组,比较两组患者治疗的疗效 和毒性反应。结果：单纯放疗组和同步放化疗组近期疗效总有效率无显著差异,差异不具有统计学意义(P>0.05),但分别对ⅡB 和 Ⅲ期患者进行分析,Ⅲ期患者同步放疗组总有效率显著高于单纯放疗组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);同步放化疗组患者治疗 后骨髓抑制白细胞下降和消化道反应发生率显著高于单纯放疗组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组患者皮肤反应的发生情况 比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论：PF方案同步放化疗治疗Ⅲ期宫颈癌的临床疗效显著优于单纯放疗治疗,可有效提高近期总有效 率,毒性反应虽较单纯放疗组有所增加,但经临床支持治疗患者均可耐受。     

Combined PET/CT for IMRT treatment planning of NSCLC: Contrast-enhanced CT images for Monte Carlo dose calculation

PurposeCombined PET/CT imaging has been proposed as an integral part of radiotherapy treatment planning (TP). Contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) images are frequently acquired as part of the PET/CT examination to support target delineation. The aim of this dosimetric planning study was to investigate the error introduced by using a ceCT for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) TP with Monte Carlo dose calculation for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Material and methodsNine patients with NSCLC prior to chemo-RT were included in this retrospective study. For each patient non-enhanced, low-dose CT (neCT), ceCT and [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET emission data were acquired within a single examination. Manual contouring and TP were performed on the ceCT. An additional set of independent target volumes was auto-segmented in PET images. Dose distributions were recalculated on the neCT. Differences in dosimetric parameters were evaluated.ResultsDose differences in PTV and lungs were small for all patients. The maximum difference in all PTVs when using ceCT images for dose calculation was ?2.1%, whereas the mean difference was less than ?1.7%. Maximum differences in the lungs ranged from ?1.8% to 2.1% (mean: ?0.1%). In four patients an underestimation of the maximum spinal cord dose between 2% and 3.2% was observed, but treatment plans remained clinically acceptable.ConclusionsMonte Carlo based IMRT planning for NSCLC patients using ceCT allows for correct dose calculation. A direct comparison to neCT-based treatment plans revealed only small dose differences. Therefore, ceCT-based TP is clinically safe as long as the maximum acceptable dose to organs at risk is not approached.     

Definitive,intensity modulated tomotherapy with a simultaneous integrated boost for prostate cancer patients – Long term data on toxicity and biochemical control

AimTo report long-term data regarding biochemical control and late toxicity of simultaneous integrated boost intensity modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) with tomotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer.BackgroundDose escalation improves cancer control after curative intended radiation therapy (RT) to patients with localized prostate cancer, without increasing toxicity, if IMRT is used.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective analysis, we evaluated long-term toxicity and biochemical control of the first 40 patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer receiving SIB-IMRT. Primary target volume (PTV) 1 including the prostate and proximal third of the seminal vesicles with safety margins was treated with 70 Gy in 35 fractions. PTV 2 containing the prostate with smaller safety margins was treated as SIB to a total dose of 76 Gy with 2.17 Gy per fraction. Toxicity was evaluated using an adapted CTCAE-Score (Version 3).ResultsMedian follow-up of living patients was 66 (20–78) months. No late genitourinary toxicity higher than grade 2 has been reported. Grade 2 genitourinary toxicity rates decreased from 58% at the end of the treatment to 10% at 60 months. Late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was also moderate, though the prescribed PTV Dose of 76 Gy was accepted at the anterior rectal wall. 74% of patients reported any GI toxicity during follow up and no toxicity rates higher than grade 2 were observed. Grade 2 side effects were reported by 13% of the patients at 60 months. 5-year freedom from biochemical failure was 95% at our last follow up.ConclusionSIB-IMRT using daily MV-CT guidance showed excellent long-term biochemical control and low toxicity rates.     

奈达铂与紫杉醇联合同期放疗对中晚期宫颈癌的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨紫杉醇-奈达铂联合同期放疗治疗中晚期宫颈癌的临床疗效。方法:选择2012年1月~2013年12月62例中晚期宫颈癌患者,随机分成观察组和对照组,各31例,两组患者均行盆腔三维适型放疗+腔内后装放疗,观察组在此基础上同时再行奈达铂、紫杉醇全身化疗。结果:两组近期疗效比较,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者不良反应主要表现为骨髓抑制和胃肠道反应。随访一年,两组患者一年生存率比较差异显著(P0.05)。结论:本研究采用放疗联合紫杉醇+奈达铂化疗治疗中晚期宫颈癌有效率高,耐受性好,值得临床推广应用。     

Incidence of radiation toxicity in cervical cancer and endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy alone versus adjuvant radiotherapy

AimThe study was made to evaluate early and late toxicity in a diversified group of patients receiving definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy in terms of clinical diagnosis and treatment methods.BackgroundRadiotherapy is a standard way of treatment in cervical and endometrial cancer patients, both as definitive and adjuvant therapy. But every radiation treatment may be involved with toxicity.Materials and methodsA detailed analysis was performed of 263 patients with gynaecological cancer treated with definitive (90 patients with cervical cancer received radiochemotherapy or radiotherapy exclusively) and adjuvant radiotherapy (38 with cervical and 135 with endometrial cancer).ResultsAcute reactions were found in 51.3% and late reactions were found in 14.8% of patients. It was stated that early (p < 0.007) and late (p < 0.003) post radiation reaction appear more frequently in women treated with definitive than adjuvant radiotherapy. The analysis of the whole group revealed higher rate of toxicity, both early and late, in the gastrointestinal tract than in the urinary system (p < 0.004). Comparing the subgroups, it was found that intestinal reactions occurred more frequently in the definitive radiotherapy group than in the adjuvant one.The occurrence of side effects was associated with the prolongation of total irradiation time due to necessary interruptions of radiotherapy. The comparison of the subgroups showed that interruptions occurred more frequently in patients receiving definitive rather than adjuvant radiotherapy (17.7–2.9%).ConclusionsDefinitive radiotherapy compared with adjuvant treatment may by associated with higher percentage of side effects caused by dose of therapy and correlation with chemotherapy.     

调强放射治疗对食管癌患者外周血Treg细胞、血清肿瘤标志物及应激激素水平的影响

摘要 目的：观察调强放射（IMRT）治疗对食管癌患者外周血调节性T细胞（Treg）细胞、血清肿瘤标志物及应激激素水平的影响。方法：选取2019年9月~2021年3月期间自贡市第一人民医院收治的食管癌患者80例,按照随机数字表法将患者分为对照组（普通适形放疗,40例）和研究组（IMRT治疗,40例）。对比两组临床总有效率、外周血Treg细胞比例、血清肿瘤标志物及应激激素水平,观察放疗期间出现的不良反应。结果：研究组的临床总有效率高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组放疗后癌胚抗原（CEA）、糖类抗原 199（CA199）、细胞角蛋白19片段（CYFRA21-1）均下降,且研究组低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组放疗后生长激素（GH）、催乳素（PRL）均下降,且研究组低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组放疗后外周血Treg细胞占CD4⁺T细胞的比例下降,且研究组较对照组低（P<0.05）。不良反应发生率两组组间对比,未见显著性差异（P>0.05）。结论：食管癌患者采用IMRT治疗,可有效降低外周血Treg细胞比例、血清肿瘤标志物及应激激素水平,疗效较好,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

Radiation techniques used in patients with breast cancer: Results of a survey in Spain

AimTo evaluate the resources and techniques used in the irradiation of patients with breast cancer after lumpectomy or mastectomy and the status of implementation of new techniques and therapeutic schedules in our country.BackgroundThe demand for cancer care has increased among the Spanish population, as long as cancer treatment innovations have proliferated. Radiation therapy in breast cancer has evolved exponentially in recent years with the implementation of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, image guided radiotherapy and hypofractionation.Material and MethodsAn original survey questionnaire was sent to institutions participating in the SEOR-Mama group (GEORM). In total, the standards of practice in 969 patients with breast cancer after surgery were evaluated.ResultsThe response rate was 70% (28/40 centers). In 98.5% of cases 3D conformal treatment was used. All the institutions employed CT-based planning treatment. Boost was performed in 56.4% of patients: electrons in 59.8%, photons in 23.7% and HDR brachytherapy in 8.8%. Fractionation was standard in 93.1% of patients. Supine position was the most frequent. Only 3 centers used prone position. The common organs of risk delimited were: homolateral lung (80.8%) and heart (80.8%). In 84% histograms were used. An 80.8% of the centers used isocentric technique. In 62.5% asymmetric fields were employed. CTV was delimited in 46.2%, PTV in 65% and both in 38.5%. A 65% of the centers checked with portal films. IMRT and hypofractionation were used in 1% and in 5.5% respectively.ConclusionIn most of centers, 3D conformal treatment and CT-based planning treatment were used. IMRT and hypofractionation are currently poorly implemented in Spain.