How do you explain the risks and benefits of palliative radiation therapy to patients with fungating breast masses?
Patients are understandably concerned about the risks and benefits of radiation to an oozing, bleeding, ulcerated breast.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
The value of palliative RT in these patients is to dry up oozing and bleeding and RT is very effective in achieving that goal. I have had success in these patients almost all the time and my usual dose is 30-39 Gy in 10-13 fractions.This study gives a prospective dataset for fractionation and pallia...
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Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I agree with Dr. @Beriwal. The other benefit can be reducing the risk of infection. I have gone as quickly as 20/5 but routinely use 30/10 with excellent effect.
Comments
Radiation Oncologist at Naval Medical Center San Diego
I have a patient with only fungating chest wall re...
I have a patient with only fungating chest wall re...
Radiation Oncologist at Cleveland Clinic
I've administered this treatment three times in ce...
I've administered this treatment three times in ce...
Radiation Oncologist at Naval Medical Center San Diego
Thank you!
Thank you!
Radiation Oncologist at NYHQ
Usually, following palliative radiation, the tumor...
Usually, following palliative radiation, the tumor...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
Radiation will help stop the bleeding and prevent infection. I generally would only do 20 Gy in 5 fractions or 30 Gy in 10 fractions if the patient has a lot of disease burden elsewhere with a short life expectancy of a few months and the goal is simply to stop bleeding - these are effective regimen...