Wide-volume Partial Breast Interstitial Brachytherapy Alone after Lumpectomy in Breast-conserving Treatment for Early Breast Cancer

RKY Wong, RKC Ngan, F Tang

Hong Kong J Radiol 2005;8:256-60

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 radiotherapy 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.