DOD-BCR: Conformal Partial Breast Radiation Well Tolerated but Efficacy Still Unknown ORLANDO, FL -- September 30, 2002 -- Preliminary results from a study of conformal partial-breast radiation therapy suggest that this less aggressive therapy is well tolerated with only mild acute side effects, but efficacy and cosmesis will require longer follow-up to assess. The research was presented here September 26th at the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Meeting (DOD-BCR). Silvia Formenti, MD, of the Department of Radiation Oncology at New York University and the study's lead investigator said that if this technique demonstrates efficacy it is likely to be widely used because it will reduce the number of adjuvant radiation visits from 30 to five. Dr. Formenti reported results from the first 26 patients recruited. Eligible women were post-menopausal with non-palpable T1N0 breast cancer that had been completely excised with at least 0.5 cm margins, no extensive intraductal cancer (EIC), and estrogen-receptor positive. Only patients who refused standard radiation were offered the research protocol. [10/01/2002; Doctor's Guide] Ann's NOTE: 26 people went into this study after refusing full-scale radiation. This is a large number of 'refusniks'. I had no idea so many people were just saying no. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.