Bocholt

Researchers are investigating the best timing for radiotherapy in women with high-risk breast cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study compares preoperative radiotherapy to the standard postoperative radiotherapy to see if it improves disease-free survival and reduces radiation-related late side effects. This is a randomized phase III trial conducted internationally to address an important gap in breast cancer treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either radiotherapy before surgery or the usual radiotherapy after surgery. Both treatments include radiation to the whole breast or chest wall, with additional boosts to the tumor bed when breast-conserving surgery is performed. If lymph nodes are involved, radiation to regional lymph nodes is also given. Treatments follow national and international guidelines and are carefully monitored. Throughout the study, participants will be followed for 6 to 10 years to assess disease-free survival as the main outcome. Researchers will also track local and regional recurrences, metastasis-free survival, overall and disease-specific survival, cosmetic results, quality of life, arm lymphedema, brachial plexus toxicity, and other treatment-related side effects. Regular evaluations by physicians and patient questionnaires will help monitor safety and effectiveness over the long term.