Radiotherapeutic options for symptom control in breast cancer

The majority of breast cancer patients will require radiation therapy at some time during the course of their disease. An estimated 30-50% of all radiation treatments are of palliative nature, either to alleviate symptoms or prophylactic to prevent deterioration of quality of life due to locally progressive disease. Radiotherapy is a locally effective tool, and typically causes no systemic and mostly mild acute side effects. The following article provides an overview of options and decision-making in palliative radiotherapy for symptom control.