The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the effects of using proton radiation therapy delivered over a shorter course of treatment (3 weeks) compared with a longer, standard course of treatment (5 weeks) for women with breast cancer who require radiotherapy to the breast/chest wall and regional lymph nodes.
Patients with Stage I-III breast cancer who have undergone breast conserving surgery or mastectomy and have been recommended to receive postoperative radiation therapy to the breast or chest wall and regional draining lymph nodes (axilla levels I-III, SCV, IMN)
Histologically documented breast cancer (invasive mammary, ductal, medullary, tubular, mucinous, lobular, or ductal carcinoma in situ) for which treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest wall and comprehensive regional lymph nodes including the internal mammary chain is recommended
Documentation of negative metastatic workup by whole body Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET/CT) or by combined CT of the chest, abdomen, pelvis and Bone scan
History and physical exam within 90 days prior to study registration
Presence of skin ulceration and / or ipsilateral satellite nodules and/or edema (including peau d'orange) (T4b or T4c disease) or diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer (T4d disease)
Residual gross disease detected by imaging or clinical exam with the exception of <2cm internal mammary lymph node or supraclavicular lymph node amenable to sequential boost
Prior history of radiation therapy overlapping with current target volume (including intraoperative brachytherapy, interstitial catheter brachytherapy, balloon brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy)
Prior history of explant surgery or implant removal due to infection or wound healing issues without subsequent implant or flap reconstruction