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Review
. 2011 Oct 14;16(6):213-20.
doi: 10.1016/j.rpor.2011.08.003.

Partial breast irradiation techniques in early breast cancer

Agata Kacprowska  1 , Jacek Jassem  1
Affiliations
Review

Partial breast irradiation techniques in early breast cancer

Agata Kacprowska et al. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. .

Abstract

Whole breast irradiation represents an integral part of combined breast-conserving treatment of early breast cancer. A new concept includes replacing traditionally fractionated whole breast postoperative radiotherapy by accelerated partial breast irradiation. The latter involves a variety of techniques and may be applied intraoperatively or shortly after the surgery. The intraoperative techniques include photon or electron external beam irradiation and interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, whereas the postoperative techniques comprise interstitial brachytherapy, be it HDR, pulse dose rate (PDR) or low dose rate (LDR), intracavitary brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy using electrons, photons or protons. This article presents accelerated partial breast irradiation techniques, ongoing phase III trials evaluating their value and recommendations for clinical practice.

Keywords: Accelerated partial breast irradiation; Adjuvant radiotherapy; Breast cancer; Whole breast irradiation.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Insertion of the ELIOT applicator into the excision cavity during breast conserving surgery.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Electron beam intra-operative radiotherapy.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mobile intraoperative radiation device (Intrabeam, ZEISS Corporation, Germany).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Targeted Intra-Operative Radiotherapy (TARGIT).
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Flexible plastic catheters inserted into the tumour bed.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
MammoSite brachytherapy device. (Hologic, Inc.)
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Illustration of MammoSite balloon inside tumour resection cavity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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