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Hypofractionated vs. Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Stage II-IIIA Invasive Breast Carcinoma, SWIFT RT Trial

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial evaluates the side effects associated with standard schedule radiation therapy (RT) (hypofractionated) versus a shortened schedule (approximately 5 fractions given over about 1 week, called SWIFT RT [ultra-hypofractionated]) in treating patients with stage II-IIIA invasive breast cancer. The current standard radiation therapy schedule for patients with breast cancer is approximately 16 doses (or fractions) of radiation given over about 3 weeks. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Hypofractionated radiation therapy delivers higher doses of radiation therapy over a shorter period of time and may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. Ultra-hypofractionated radiation therapy delivers radiation over an even shorter period of time than hypofractionated radiation therapy. Ultra-hypofractionated radiation therapy may be just as effective at treating patients with invasive breast cancer, but with fewer side effects than hypofractionated radiation.