Wide-volume partial breast interstitial brachytherapy alone after lumpectomy in breast-conserving treatment for earlybreast cancer

Abstract

As most local recurrence after breast-conserving treatment occurs within 2 cm around the lumpectomy cavity, wide-volume partial breast rather than whole breast irradiation has been actively investigated with a view to decreasing radiation toxicities. Replacing external beam radiatherapy by wide-volume interstitial brachytherapy offers the advantages of more accurate treatment volume coverage and a shorter duration of radiation treatment. Incorporating high-dose-rate treatment in brachytherapy has the additional advantage of allowing dosimetric optimisation. This article reports our technique and experience of high-dose-rate wide-volume partial breast brachytherapy, also known as accelerated partial breast irradiation, in breast-conserving treatment. © 2005 Hong Kong College of Radiologists.