Proton therapy for breast cancer: A consensus statement from the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group Breast Cancer Subcommittee Guidelines


Authors: Mutter, R. W.; Choi, J. I.; Jimenez, R. B.; Kirova, Y. M.; Fagundes, M.; Haffty, B. G.; Amos, R. A.; Bradley, J. A.; Chen, P. Y.; Ding, X.; Carr, A. M.; Taylor, L. M.; Pankuch, M.; Vega, R. B. M.; Ho, A. Y.; Nyström, P. W.; McGee, L. A.; Urbanic, J. J.; Cahlon, O.; Maduro, J. H.; MacDonald, S. M.
Title: Proton therapy for breast cancer: A consensus statement from the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group Breast Cancer Subcommittee
Abstract: Radiation therapy plays an important role in the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer. Recent years have seen improvements in breast cancer survival and a greater appreciation of potential long-term morbidity associated with the dose and volume of irradiated organs. Proton therapy reduces the dose to nontarget structures while optimizing target coverage. However, there remain additional financial costs associated with proton therapy, despite reductions over time, and studies have yet to demonstrate that protons improve upon the treatment outcomes achieved with photon radiation therapy. There remains considerable heterogeneity in proton patient selection and techniques, and the rapid technological advances in the field have the potential to affect evidence evaluation, given the long latency period for breast cancer radiation therapy recurrence and late effects. In this consensus statement, we assess the data available to the radiation oncology community of proton therapy for breast cancer, provide expert consensus recommendations on indications and technique, and highlight ongoing trials’ cost-effectiveness analyses and key areas for future research. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: breast cancer; radiotherapy; oncology; diseases; cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness; treatment outcomes; cooperative groups; proton therapy; target coverage; technological advances; proton beams; particle therapy; proton beam therapy; photon radiation; % reductions; financial costs
Journal Title: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
Volume: 111
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0360-3016
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2021-10-01
Start Page: 337
End Page: 359
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.05.110
PUBMED: 34048815
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8416711
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 October 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Alice Yoosun Ho
    122 Ho
  2. Oren Cahlon
    158 Cahlon
  3. Jehee Isabelle Choi
    69 Choi
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