Researchers from Weston Park Cancer Centre are celebrating after becoming one of the highest recruiters in the UK to a major trial that could significantly shorten radiotherapy treatment time for breast cancer care patients.
Led by Dr Claire Baldry and supported by the Sheffield Cancer Clinical Trials Centre, the team have successfully recruited over 50 patients into FAST-Forward Boost since opening as a trial site six months ago.
FAST-Forward Boost builds on the success of its landmark sister study, FAST-Foward. This trial led to a change in practice, with many people with breast cancer now able to have their radiotherapy treatment over five days.
However, around one in four women receiving radiotherapy to the breast need an extra "boost" dose of targeted radiotherapy to the part of the breast where the tumour was removed to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. This treatment is currently delivered over three weeks.
Game-changing breast cancer trial
The trial is looking to see if an equivalent dose of radiotherapy can be given to the whole breast including a boost, over five days, without compromising on outcomes or increasing side effects for patients. It also includes some women who need radiotherapy to the lymph nodes. As well as saving valuable NHS resource, this reduces the time patients spend receiving treatment by up to two thirds, improving patient experience and convenience.
Over 4,830 patients are set to be recruited to the trial, which is the UK's largest ongoing radiotherapy trial in breast cancer.
The new trial is running across 40 NHS Trusts.
It is being led nationally by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
'Thankful to be part of trial'
| Naomi said having radiotherapy in one week made her treatment less daunting
Naomi Moody, 44, from Crookes, joined the FAST-Forward Boost trial after she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She underwent surgery in October last year and started radiotherapy in January.
"I'm back at work full time now and I've had no issues with side effects. Having my radiotherapy over just five days meant I was able to get back to normal life much more quickly. The thought of having treatment over three weeks would have been much more daunting.
"My biggest fear was the surgery, but once that was over, I had to mentally prepare myself for radiotherapy, which I found quite daunting. It was such a relief to have the opportunity to take part in the trial, and I'm so grateful that I did.
"I work in healthcare, so I understand how important clinical trials are in helping improve treatments for future patients. Hopefully, the radiotherapy will prevent the cancer from returning. I'm feeling really well now, and I'm incredibly thankful I was able to be part of the FAST-Forward Boost trial."
Research opportunities
Dr Claire Baldry, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Weston Park Cancer Centre, said: "I am absolutely delighted at the success of the FAST-Forward Boost breast radiotherapy trial at Weston Park Cancer Centre.
"I would like to thank the patients who are taking part in this study. The fact that so many women want to participate demonstrates the importance of offering cancer treatments that minimise disruption and travel time.
"I would also like to thank the breast radiotherapy and clinical trials teams whose determination and hard work have ensured that this trial was able to open at Weston Park, and that eligible patients continue to be offered the opportunity to participate.
"Our thanks also go to Weston Park Cancer Charity, who fund the research radiographer working on the FAST-Forward Boost trial."
