The study, known as the FAST-Forward Boost trial, is being led by the Institute of Cancer Research in London and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. It is examining whether the shorter treatment schedule can achieve the same results as the conventional approach while maintaining patient safety.
According to the research team, more than 1,000 patients have already joined the trial, which has expanded to 39 hospitals and cancer centres across the UK since recruitment began in April 2025. Participants are being assigned to receive either the standard 15-day treatment or one of two five-day treatment schedules.
Researchers will monitor patients for possible side effects, including skin changes, extreme tiredness and other effects on their quality of life. The study will also examine whether shorter treatment reduces the financial and logistical burden on patients and the National Health Service.
The trial aims to recruit 4,830 participants by 2028, with each patient expected to be followed up for five years and final results anticipated in 2033. Researchers hope the findings will establish whether the shorter approach can become a safe and effective option for patients who require additional radiotherapy following breast cancer surgery.
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Researchers in the United Kingdom are investigating whether breast cancer patients can safely complete a full course of radiotherapy in just five days, potentially reducing treatment time, hospital visits and associated costs. Researchers in the United Kingdom are conducting a major clinical trial to determine whether breast cancer patients can safely receive a complete course of radiotherapy, including...
Key takeaways
- Researchers in the United Kingdom are investigating whether breast cancer patients can safely complete a full course of radiotherapy in just five days, potentially reducing treatment time, hospital visits and associated costs.
- Researchers in the United Kingdom are conducting a major clinical trial to determine whether breast cancer patients can safely receive a complete course of radiotherapy, including an additional dose targeting the tumour site, within five days instead of the usual three weeks.The study, known as the FAST-Forward Boost trial, is being led by the Institute of Cancer Research in London and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
- It is examining whether the shorter treatment schedule can achieve the same results as the conventional approach while maintaining patient safety.According to the research team, more than 1,000 patients have already joined the trial, which has expanded to 39 hospitals and cancer centres across the UK since recruitment began in April 2025.
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Researchers in the United Kingdom are investigating whether breast cancer patients can safely complete a full course of radiotherapy in just five days, potentially reducing treatment time, hospital visits and associated costs. Researchers in the United Kingdom are conducting a major clinical trial to determine whether breast cancer patients can safely receive a complete course of radiotherapy, including...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
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October 30, 2026
