What is "targeted boost?"

adot99

So, I have posted elsewhere about my frustration about not getting the info I need from my medical "team." Thought maybe you all could help. I was originally told I'd get four weeks of radiation. Then, she changed it to three. When I asked why, the RO implied (she can't ever just seem to say anything straight) that the fourth "boost" week wasn't necessarily evidence-based. Like "well, there's evidence about the efficacy of the first three weeks treatment, but with you not being totally on board I decided not to do the boost for the last week."

So, can anybody tell me what this targeted boost would have been? And if it's not proven to improve outcomes, why are they recommending it for anyone? (and not just taking it off the table for people like me that they're tired of dealing with?)

Honestly, I'm glad I'm not getting those extra days, since I'm not even sure I want to do any of it. But I am curious and just exhausted with trying to get a straight answer out of any of the professionals.

SpecialK

Sounds like you are receiving accelerated, or hypofractionated, radiation - larger doses over a shorter period, three weeks instead of six.  I have seen this referred to on this site as Canadian Protocol also.  The radiation you would receive would be covering a large area of the breast for that three week period, whereas the boost, for the fourth week, would have been directly aimed at the location of the lumpectomy. 

cuddyclothes

I'm getting both at the same time, so my treatment time is 3 weeks. The side effects have been tough--mostly fatigue, loss of balance and foggy thinking. However, I have a pre-existing balance problem, so I'm using a cane and being careful. My RO confirmed that the process tends to make the reactions come on earlier and stronger. I'm still glad I'm doing it.

BrooksideVT

The boost is aimed directly at your tumor bed. Statistics indicate that this is the most likely area for a local recurrence to take place. As you have DCIS with no IDC component, it is likely that your personal chances of a recurrence in that area are close to nil, Do ask your RO for more info--s/he is the one who really knows the reasoning on this.

Brutersmom

I had accelerated radiation to the whole breast follow by 3 accelerated boosts the the tumor site. The radiation in the boost was a different type of radiation as well. My techs did more explaining than the docs. Still think a radiation therapy treatment looks like something out of a Steven King novel.

SweetThing

.I had a total of 33 days of radiation, with the final 5 as a "boost". These final treatments were directed at the tumor bed. I was fortunate and had a wonderful medical team and explained every step of the process. They were always happy to answer any of my questions and concerns. The only major side effect was fatigue, but I was working full time and taking care of my elderly father. Not a lot of time to take a nap, so I'd go to be very early and catch up on sleep on the weekend.

adot99

Thanks for the info. I'm now 5 out of 15 treatments done and mostly doing ok. I think I'm glad I'm not getting the "boost." Time will tell.