UK tests five-day breast cancer radiotherapy

More than 1,000 people have joined a government-funded clinical trial testing whether breast cancer radiotherapy can be shortened from three weeks to five days, potentially saving patients 10 hospital visits.

The FAST-Forward Boost trial, which is being “conducted at 39 hospitals across the United Kingdom, will assess whether a shorter course of radiotherapy combined with an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, can help prevent breast cancer from returning.”

The UK Department of Health and Social Care disclosed this in a statement on Friday, describing the development as part of efforts to improve cancer treatment and patient support.

The trial is led by the “Institute of Cancer Research, London, and funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.”

According to the department, “the trial aims to recruit 4,830 participants by 2028, with those enrolled to be followed up for five years. Results are expected in 2033.

“If successful, the shorter treatment schedule could reduce patients’ travel costs and time away from work and family while freeing up capacity in the National Health Service to treat more people.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said the trial demonstrated how the UK was using its research capabilities to improve cancer treatment.

“This trial shows how the UK is using our world beating research capabilities to pursue huge improvements and transformations in cancer treatment for patients,” she said.

Cooper said the programme was intended to shorten breast cancer treatment times and improve patient care.

The announcement also comes as the government steps up efforts to improve breast cancer screening, early diagnosis and support for patients.

The department said breast screening uptake among women receiving their first invitation had reached 63.6 per cent, the highest level in a decade.

However, around four in 10 women invited for the first time do not attend screening.

The government is also working with the National Institute for Health and Care Research and NHS England on trials involving artificial intelligence to support the analysis of mammograms.

It has also partnered with Breast Cancer Now for three years to help women recognise breast cancer symptoms and access reliable information and support after treatment.