WHAT IS APBI?-ACCELLERATED PARTIAL BREAST IRRADIATION
In the past there have been several methods of radiation therapy delivery to treat breast cancer. Most involve treatment of the entire breast as well as a boost to the tumor bed to decrease the risk of local recurrence. Small catheters were inserted into the breast to deliver the boost to the tumor bed.
These catheters had several problems with cosmesis and patient tolerance.
At the present time, we are revisiting the use of partial breast irradiation for the treatment of small Stage I breast carcinomas.
This treatment involves the use of HDR (High Dose Radiation) to treat the tumor bed in women whose cancers have a low risk of local recurrence.
Brachy therapy treatment lasts one week as opposed to six weeks for convention external beam radiation.
A catheter is inserted either with US guidance in an outpatient setting or thorough an open procedure in the operating room. Once the position is confirmed by CT scan (called simulation) images the treatment is given twice a day for a week. The Radiation Oncologist in their office can easily remove the catheter.
Am I a candidate for this procedure?
Clearly you must discuss your particular case with your care management team to determine if you are eligible for this form of radiation.
General accepted treatment criteria:
- Age >55
- Tumor size <2cm
- Lymph Node Status Negative
- Breast size (varies with tumor size)
- ER+, PR+ Her 2 – tumors
- Clinical trial criteria vary
- Infiltrating Lobular Cancers are excluded
- Extensive DCIS are excluded
- Lympho-vascular invasion excluded
Ask your surgeon and or radiation oncologist if you are a candidate.
