A breast cancer treatment trial which has achieved significant success in the North Island may be implemented by the Southern District Health Board. Fast Forward accelerates the radiation oncology treatment given to suitable early stage breast cancer patients, so they receive 15 doses of radiation over a span of three weeks. MidCentral Regional Cancer Treatment Service radiation oncologist Kim Lohlun said patients seen at the Palmerston North service who had gone through Fast Forward treatment had not experienced more side effects than other patients, and treatment results had been positive. The SDHB has lengthy waiting lists for breast cancer treatment, and recently issued a request for proposal for up to 200 breast and prostate cancer cases to be taken on by other health providers. Dr Lohlun said MidCentral’s Fast Forward trial had just had its first-six month review, and clinicians were considering expanding it to more patients.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 27, 2021 16:30 UTC