Shorter, More Comfortable Radiotherapy Improves Quality of Life for Older Women with Early Breast Cancer

MÁLAGA, Spain – Feb. 20, 2026 – A new study from Málaga, Spain, demonstrates that a shorter course of radiotherapy is both safe and effective for women with early-stage breast cancer, significantly improving their quality of life. Researchers from the Clinical, Molecular and Technological Research group in Radiation Oncology at IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, in collaboration with the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, have shown that reducing the number of radiotherapy sessions does not compromise treatment efficacy.

Innovative Radiotherapy Schedule

The study, led by Isabel García Ríos and María Jesús García Anaya, along with researcher Jaime Gómez-Millán, supports the apply of an ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule. This innovative approach delivers a single radiotherapy session per week for five weeks, a departure from the traditional daily treatments.¹

Study Details and Results

The research analyzed data from 334 patients treated between 2007 and 2019, with an average age of 77 years. All patients had previously undergone surgery for breast cancer and received radiotherapy to the entire breast.² The results were compelling:

• Tumor control at three years: 98.7%
• Overall survival rate: 90%
• Treatment completion rate: 99.7%

These findings confirm that the reduced-session treatment is not only effective in controlling the cancer but also significantly improves treatment adherence.

Addressing Challenges for Older Patients

The study highlights the particular benefits for older women, many of whom face challenges with mobility, co-existing health conditions, or live far from the hospital. Over 60% of the patients lived outside the metropolitan area of Málaga, making daily hospital visits particularly hard.² Reducing the frequency of visits minimizes fatigue, stress, and emotional burden, leading to a more patient-centered approach.

Optimized Dosage and Technique

The research team determined that a regimen of 28.5 Gy (5.7 Gy per session) is the most recommended, as it minimizes long-term side effects such as chronic fibrosis, which can affect breast tissue. The study included complex clinical cases, such as mastectomized patients and those requiring lymph node irradiation, broadening the applicability of this technique.

Malaga’s Role in Radiation Oncology Innovation

This advancement solidifies Málaga’s position as a leading center for shorter, personalized radiotherapy treatments focused on patient well-being, particularly for older individuals. Researchers emphasize that medical innovation is about more than just curing disease; it’s about providing better care.

Source: IBIMA and Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria