A One-Shot Treatment for Breast Cancer

Posted on Jun 6, 2010

Wikimedia Commons

A doctor points out a tumor in a mammogram image.

British researchers have demonstrated that a single, targeted dose of radiation in treating breast cancer can be just as effective as the prolonged course of radiotherapy that is commonly used to treat the disease.

The researchers said the technique not only saves time and money, but dramatically reduces the chance of injury to a patient’s vital organs. —JCL

The BBC:

A single dose of radiation during surgery is just as effective as a prolonged course of radiotherapy for breast cancer, a study suggests.

Doctors have tested the technique, which involves a single shot of radiotherapy to a tumour site, in more than 2,000 patients.

It could save the UK £15m a year, the researchers said.

Cancer Research UK said The Lancet study could have a “huge impact” for patients.

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