Hypofractionated radiotherapy

What it is

Hypofractionated radiotherapy delivers radiation in fewer, larger doses (fractions) over a shorter overall time than standard radiation. For gliomas such as glioblastoma, it is often preferred for older or frailer patients, reducing the burden of treatment while remaining effective.

Understanding Hypofractionated radiotherapy

While standard radiation for high-grade gliomas takes about six weeks, a hypofractionated course compresses treatment into fewer sessions over a shorter period (for example, a few weeks). This shorter course can be especially appropriate for older adults or those who are frail or have a more limited prognosis, for whom a long course of daily treatments would be burdensome and the benefit of the full standard course may be similar. Studies in elderly patients with glioblastoma have supported hypofractionated radiation as an effective option, sometimes combined with temozolomide. By reducing the number of trips for treatment and the overall duration, hypofractionation can improve quality of life and practicality while still treating the tumor. The choice between standard and hypofractionated radiation depends on the person's age, condition, and circumstances, decided with the radiation oncologist. Understanding hypofractionated radiotherapy in gliomas clarifies a shorter radiation approach often used for older or frailer patients.

Why it matters

Understanding hypofractionated radiotherapy helps patients and families see a shorter radiation option — fewer, larger doses over less time — often preferred for older or frailer patients to reduce treatment burden while remaining effective.