Patient selection: woman receiving acute radiotherapy
The most common complaints:
(1) moderate or severe breast pain
(2) fatigue
(3) bother (itching, stinging, burning, swelling)
The risk of symptoms was greater for conventional fractionation versus hypofractionation.
Risk factors for breast pain independent of dosing:
(1) younger age (< 60 years)
(2) higher body mass index (>= 35 kg per sq m)
(3) race non-White
(4) current or former smoker
(5) larger breast volume
Risk factors for breast pain for a patient receiving hypofractionation:
(1) no chemotherapy
(2) receipt of boost treatment
(3) treatment at a nonteaching center
Risk factors for breast pain for a patient receiving conventional fractionation:
(1) diabetes
