Summary

The international standard for radiotherapy after primary surgery for early breast cancer has been a total dose of 50 Gy administered in 25 small daily fractions over 5 weeks. However, the randomized UK Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy [START] trials indicate that a lower total dose delivered in fewer larger fractions is likely to be safe and effective [START Trialists' Group. Lancet 2008; Lancet Oncol 2008]. This article presents the 10-year follow-up results of the UK START trials, which tested 13- and 15-fraction regimens in women with completely excised early breast cancer (T1–3, N0–1, M0).