Rotational subtotal skin electron beam therapy for management of carcinoma en cuirasse

Abstract

Recurrent or primary carcinoma of the breast en cuirasse, which may involve the skin of the entire thorax and abdomen, cannot be controlled by means of surgery or conventional local irradiation. The authors' technique and a review of dosimetry of rotational subtotal skin electron beam therapy (SSEBT) used for palliation in patients with this difficult clinical problem are presented. The dosimetry, ease of setup, and required treatment time are superior for the rotational technique compared with two-field, four-field, and six-field techniques.