March 2012
"Selective Use of Postoperative Radiotherapy AftEr MastectOmy (SUPREMO) trial"
A new clinical trial, SUPREMO, has recently opened at Waikato hospital inviting participation from women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer and may be scheduled to undergo radiotherapy following their surgery.
Radiotherapy treats breast cancer using high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells and the aim of the radiotherapy is to reduce the risk of the tumour coming back. In addition, when given in conjunction with anti-cancer drug treatments, it may also improve long-term survival.
Radiotherapy is routinely given to women after mastectomy when they are at “higher” risk of their breast cancer returning (e.g. when the tumour is large or when there are four or more lymph nodes involved by cancer).
International controversy continues regarding whether the “moderate” risk group of women requires radiotherapy after mastectomy. This international randomised trial (SUPREMO) is underway to attempt to further address this issue.
The SUPREMO trial aims to establish the benefits and possible risks of postoperative radiotherapy to the chest wall in women who are at moderate risk of recurrence. The Waikato is the only New Zealand centre for this trial.
If you are receiving treatment for breast cancer in the Waikato region and you are interested in participating in this trial ask your radiation oncologist if it is suitable for you. More information is also available from Jenni Scarlet, the Study Coordinator. Contact Jenni Scarlet.
