Purpose/Objective: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) has been the standard of care for breast conservation radiation therapy. Recent data indicates that Interstitial Implant and High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation afterloading compares very favorably to EBRT in selected patients. Materials/Methods: Patients with Tis, T1, and T2 tumors measuring 200 cm3) implant volumes. Two patients healed after 6 months of conservative treatment. Surgery was required in six patients who developed fat necrosis. Conclusions: Breast Conservation radiation therapy utilizing Interstitial HDR Implant appears to yield local recurrence rates and cosmetic results which compare favorably to EBRT in selected patients. Longer follow-up is needed. Treatment with anthracycline based Chemotherapy and large (> 200 cm3) implant volumes appear to be relative contraindications to Interstitial HDR Implant.
Mark, R,
Akins, R,
Interstitial High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer. Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4420751.html
