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Laser Focus: Researchers look to reduce breast cancer radiation side effects

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center are looking for a way to reduce side effects of breast cancer treatment—and maybe even the chances of cancer recurrence—through a method called proton therapy radiation.

“We’re excited to offer this trial to patients and hope it provides insight into ways we can better and more effectively treat them for overall improved quality of life,” said Teresa Meier, MD, UC Health radiation oncologist and assistant professor of radiation oncology at the UC College of Medicine.

A clinical trial is determining the effectiveness of a type of radiation, called pencil beam scanning proton therapy, on partial breast radiation for early-stage breast cancer.

Proton therapy is able to deliver radiation within millimeter levels of precision, sparing healthy breast tissue and nearby organs and possibly reducing overall side effects. By comparison, radiation to the entire breast causes skin toxicity, or redness of the skin that can be painful, to one-third of patients.

UC researchers are conducting the study at the UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center—one of fewer than 30 such centers in the country.

Researchers hope that this pilot study taking place uniquely in Cincinnati will point toward the future of early breast cancer treatment.

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