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Aims: Hypofractionated radiation treatment (HFRT) following breast conservation surgery (BCS) has similar efficacy to conventionally fractionated radiation treatment (CFRT). This study updates outcomes for patients treated with HFRT in Christchurch, New Zealand, and reports on the pattern, timing and method of detection of recurrences to inform follow‐up practice. Methods: Between 2004 and 2006, 273 women with early breast cancer were treated with HFRT (42.5 Gray (Gy) in 16 fractions). Details of demographics, tumour characteristics, treatments, any recurrence (local, nodal or distant), follow‐ups and date of death were collected. The primary endpoint was local recurrence rate (LRR); secondary endpoints were local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: With a median follow‐up of 12.9 years, 17 women developed a local recurrence. LRR at 5 and 10 years were 3.1% and 5.3%, respectively. Five‐year LRFS was 91.7% and ten‐year LRFS was 83.5%. The OS at five years was 93.7% and at ten years was 87.7%. For the 41 patients with a first recurrence at any site, 75.6% were symptomatic, 22% were screen detected with radiology and 2.4% were incidental findings. None of the first recurrences were detected when asymptomatic on clinical examination in follow‐up clinics. Conclusions: The rate of local recurrence following HFRT for BCS is low. No asymptomatic recurrence was detected by routine clinic follow‐up. The utility of regular clinical examination for the detection of recurrence is low and this should inform follow‐up strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims High-quality evidence supports that hypofractionated radiation treatment (HFRT) is as effective and safe in early breast cancer as conventionally fractionated radiation treatment. HFRT with fewer treatments has potential benefits for both patients and radiation departments. Despite this, concerns about local control and toxicity with HFRT persist, such that many eligible patients do not receive HFRT. The local recurrence rates and acute toxicity after HFRT was analyzed in our center in Christchurch, New Zealand. Methods An audit was undertaken of all early breast cancer (T1-2 and N0-1) patients treated with HFRT from Jan 21, 2004, to December 31, 2006, dating from the adoption of HFRT in our department. Sixty-eight percent of the patients during this time received HFRT (274/402). Acute toxicity was prospectively recorded and local, regional and distant recurrences were documented. Results A total of 274 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 7 years (range 0.55-9.5 years). Eleven of 274 patients had local recurrence only. The local recurrence-free survival was 97.2% and 95.8% at 7 years. The skin, lethargy and breast pain acute toxicity was less than grade 3, except for one patient experiencing grade 3 breast pain. Conclusion Low local recurrence rates and acceptably low acute toxicity were achieved in a local setting with HFRT, comparable to results achieved in large randomized controlled trials. HFRT is a valid option for eligible patients and its use should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]