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Practice Point
Radiation therapy timing – After surgery or chemotherapy
In patients who have completed definitive surgery for breast cancer, commence radiation therapy as soon as possible after wound healing within 8 weeks of surgery or typically within 3-4 weeks of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer should receive local breast irradiation as soon as possible following wound healing. A safe interval between surgery and the start of radiotherapy is unknown, but it is reasonable to start breast irradiation within 12 weeks of definitive surgery
A body of evidence including studies rated as 2+, directly applicable to the target population and demonstrating overall consistency of results; or Extrapolated evidence from studies rated as 2++
How this guidance was developed
This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. A potentially relevant source recommendation, graded 'C’, was identified from the NCCP 2015 guidelines (Ireland) that recommends local breast irradiation is initiated as soon as possible following wound healing. The NCCP recommendation was used as the basis for the development of this practice point, which is consistent with eviQ recommendations.
Radiation therapy timing – After surgery or chemotherapy
Practice Point
In patients who have completed definitive surgery for breast cancer, commence radiation therapy as soon as possible after wound healing within 8 weeks of surgery or typically within 3-4 weeks of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Principles in action
Safe and quality care
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Multidisciplinary care
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Care coordination
This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. A potentially relevant source recommendation, graded 'C’, was identified from the NCCP 2015 guidelines (Ireland) that recommends local breast irradiation is initiated as soon as possible following wound healing. The NCCP recommendation was used as the basis for the development of this practice point, which is consistent with eviQ recommendations.