Hyperfractionation

Hyperfractionation is a method of radiation therapy where the total dose of radiation is divided into small doses and treatments are given more than once a day. This type of radiation therapy is under study for the treatment of several types of cancer, including head and neck cancer and breast cancer. It is a type of fractionation.

Overview

Hyperfractionation is a form of fractionation where the radiation dose is divided into small doses, typically given more than once per day. This is in contrast to conventional fractionation, where the total dose of radiation is divided into larger doses and treatments are given once a day.

Use in Cancer Treatment

Hyperfractionation is currently under study for the treatment of several types of cancer. It has been found to be particularly effective in the treatment of head and neck cancer, where it can help to reduce the risk of local recurrence and improve overall survival rates. It is also being studied for use in the treatment of breast cancer, where it may help to reduce the risk of local recurrence and improve cosmetic outcomes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of hyperfractionation is that it allows for a higher total dose of radiation to be given without increasing the risk of side effects. This is because the smaller doses allow healthy tissues to recover between treatments. However, hyperfractionation requires more frequent visits to the clinic, which can be inconvenient for some patients.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Cancer treatment
• Head and neck cancer
• Breast cancer

References

Hyperfractionation Resources
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