Implementation of accelerated partial breast irradiation at the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina

Abstract

Introduction Early breast cancer is usually treated with breast conserving surgery followed by radiation treatment. Whole breast irradiation is standard of care so far, but currently there is an increasement in accelerated partial breast irradiation for selected patients which showed many advantages. The aim of this paper is to present the implementation of the accelerated partial breast irradiation in Oncology Institute of Vojvodina.

Case outline A 54-year-old woman was referred to radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery. After she met all of the inclusion criteria, she underwent accelerated partial breast irradiation with 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions. Active breathing control device was used during the treatment and cone beam computed tomography was performed before each fraction for the purpose of target position control. She terminated therapy in good health condition with only adverse effect of mild radiation dermatitis of irradiated area. On the first follow up, she was without any symptom or sign of disease or complication.

Conclusion Accelerated partial breast irradiation is safe and effective. Radiation oncologist should be encouraged to implement this technique.

Keywords: breast cancer; radiation therapy; accelerated partial breast irradiation