Brachytherapy For Breast Cancer Research Articles

Dosimetric evaluation of multilumen intracavitary balloon applicator rotation in high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for breast cancer

The objective of this work is to evaluate dosimetric impact of multilumen balloon applicator rotation in high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy for breast cancer. Highly asymmetrical dose distribution was generated for patients A and B, depending upon applicator proximity to skin and rib. Both skin and rib spacing was ≤0.7 cm for A; only rib spacing was ≤0.7 cm for B. Thirty‐five rotation scenarios were simulated for each patient by rotating outer lumens every 10° over ±180∘ range with respect to central lumen using mathematically calculated rotational matrix. Thirty‐five rotated plans were compared with three plans: 1) original multidwell multilumen (MDML) plan, 2) multidwell single‐lumen (MDSL) plan, and 3) singledwell single‐lumen (SDSL) plan. For plan comparison, planning target volume for evaluation (PTV_EVAL) coverage (dose to 95% and 90% volume of PTV_EVAL) (D95 and D90), skin and rib maximal dose (Dmax), and normal breast tissue volume receiving 150% (V150) and 200% (V200) of prescribed dose (PD) were evaluated. Dose variation due to device rotation ranged from −5.6% to 0.8% (A) and −6.5% to 0.2% (B) for PTV_EVAL D95; −5.2% to 0.4% (A) and −4.1% to 0.7% (B) for PTV_EVAL D90; −2.0 to 18.4% (A) and −7.8 to 17.5% (B) for skin Dmax; −11.1 to 22.8% (A) and −4.7 to 55.1% (B) of PD for rib Dmax, respectively. Normal breast tissue V150 and V200 variation was <1.0 cc, except for −0.1 to 2.5 cc (B) of V200. Furthermore, 30° device rotation increased rib Dmax over 145% of PD: 152.9% (A) by clockwise 30° rotation and 152.5% (B) by counterclockwise 30° rotation. For a highly asymmetric dose distribution, device rotation can outweigh the potential benefit of improved dose shaping capability afforded by multilumen and make dosimetric data worse than single‐lumen plans unless it is properly corrected.PACS number: 87.53.Jw

Brachytherapy in breast cancer: an effective alternative.

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) with following external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) of the conserved breast has become widely accepted in the last decades for the treatment of early invasive breast cancer. The standard technique of EBRT after BCS is to treat the whole breast up to a total dose of 42.5 to 50 Gy. An additional dose is given to treated volume as a boost to a portion of the breast. In the early stage of breast cancer, research has shown that the area requiring radiation treatment to prevent the cancer from local recurrence is the breast tissue that surrounds the area where the initial cancer was removed. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an approach that treats only the lumpectomy bed plus a 1-2 cm margin rather than the whole breast and as a result allows accelerated delivery of the radiation dose in four to five days. There has been a growing interest for APBI and various approaches have been developed under phase I-III clinical studies; these include multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy, balloon catheter brachytherapy, conformal external beam radiation therapy (3D-EBRT) and intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT). Balloon-based brachytherapy approaches include MammoSite, Axxent electronic brachytherapy, Contura, hybrid brachytherapy devices. Another indication for breast brachytherapy is reirradiation of local recurrence after mastectomy. Published results of brachytherapy are very promising. We discuss the current status, indications, and technical aspects of breast cancer brachytherapy.

EP-1217: Acelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) with high dose rate brachytherapy in luminal breast cancer

EP-1217: Acelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) with high dose rate brachytherapy in luminal breast cancer

A Prospective Longitudinal Clinical Trial Evaluating Quality of Life After Breast-Conserving Surgery and High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

To prospectively examine quality of life (QOL) of patients with early stage breast cancer treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy. Between March 2004 and December 2008, 151 patients with early stage breast cancer were enrolled in a phase 2 prospective clinical trial. Eligible patients included those with Tis-T2 tumors measuring ≤3 cm excised with negative surgical margins and with no nodal involvement. Patients received 3.4 Gy twice daily to a total dose of 34 Gy. QOL was measured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, version 3.0, and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were evaluated during pretreatment and then at 6 to 8 weeks, 3 to 4 months, 6 to 8 months, and 1 and 2 years after treatment. The median follow-up was 55 months. Breast symptom scores remained stable in the months after treatment, and they significantly improved 6 to 8 months after treatment. Scores for emotional functioning, social functioning, and future perspective showed significant improvement 2 years after treatment. Symptomatic fat necrosis was associated with several changes in QOL, including increased pain, breast symptoms, systemic treatment side effects, dyspnea, and fatigue, as well as decreased role functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning. HDR multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy was well tolerated, with no significant detrimental effect on measured QOL scales/items through 2 years of follow-up. Compared to pretreatment scores, there was improvement in breast symptoms, emotional functioning, social functioning, and future perspective 2 years after treatment.

The American Brachytherapy Society consensus statement for accelerated partial breast irradiation

To develop clinical guidelines for the quality practice of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) as part of breast-conserving therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer. Members of the American Brachytherapy Society with expertise in breast cancer and breast brachytherapy in particular devised updated guidelines for appropriate patient evaluation and selection based on an extensive literature search and clinical experience. Increasing numbers of randomized and single and multi-institution series have been published documenting the efficacy of various APBI modalities. With more than 10-year followup, multiple series have documented excellent clinical outcomes with interstitial APBI. Patient selection for APBI should be based on a review of clinical and pathologic factors by the clinician with particular attention paid to age (≥50 years old), tumor size (≤3cm), histology (all invasive subtypes and ductal carcinoma in situ), surgical margins (negative), lymphovascular space invasion (not present), and nodal status (negative). Consistent dosimetric guidelines should be used to improve target coverage and limit potential for toxicity following treatment. These guidelines have been created to provide clinicians with appropriate patient selection criteria to allow clinicians to use APBI in a manner that will optimize clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. These guidelines will continue to be evaluated and revised as future publications further stratify optimal patient selection.

Dosimetric differences in 3D CT-scan planning breast cancer brachytherapy

Dosimetric differences in 3D CT-scan planning breast cancer brachytherapy

Measurement verification of dose distributions in pulsed-dose rate brachytherapy in breast cancer

AimThe aim of the study was to verify the dose distribution optimisation method in pulsed brachytherapy. BackgroundThe pulsed-dose rate brachytherapy is a very important method of breast tumour treatment using a standard brachytheraphy equipment. The appropriate dose distribution round an implant is an important issue in treatment planning. Advanced computer systems of treatment planning are equipped with algorithms optimising dose distribution. Materials and methodsThe wax-paraffin phantom was constructed and seven applicators were placed within it. Two treatment plans (non-optimised, optimised) were prepared. The reference points were located at a distance of 5mm from the applicators’ axis. Thermoluminescent detectors were placed in the phantom at suitable 35 chosen reference points. ResultsThe dosimetry verification was carried out in 35 reference points for the plans before and after optimisation. Percentage difference for the plan without optimisation ranged from −8.5% to 1.4% and after optimisation from −8.3% to 0.01%. In 16 reference points, the calculated percentage difference was negative (from −8.5% to 1.3% for the plan without optimisation and from −8.3% to 0.8% for the optimised plan). In the remaining 19 points percentage difference was from 9.1% to 1.4% for the plan without optimisation and from 7.5% to 0.01% for the optimised plan.No statistically significant differences were found between calculated doses and doses measured at reference points in both dose distribution non-optimised treatment plans and optimised treatment plans. ConclusionsNo statistically significant differences were found in dose values at reference points between doses calculated by the treatment planning system and those measured by TLDs. This proves the consistency between the measurements and the calculations.

Sorting Out the Complications of Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer

Accelerated partial breast irradiation with brachytherapy following lumpectomy versus traditional whole-breast irradiation (WBI) has become a standard treatment for breast cancer despite minimal comparative data. Use of brachytherapy can shorten treatment duration from 6 weeks to 5 days, theoretically with less risk for toxicity to the heart and lungs because radiation exposure is limited to the lumpectomy site. However, some have postulated that risk for acute skin and wound complications is higher with this approach. Investigators conducted an observational study …

PO40 Impact of quality of interstitial brachytherapy in early stage breast cancer in young women

PO40 Impact of quality of interstitial brachytherapy in early stage breast cancer in young women

The Importance of 3-dimensional CT Treatment Planning to Optimize Outcomes From Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) With Brachytherapy in Early Stage Breast Cancer

Objective/Purpose While we await outcomes from randomized studies, APBI has seen increasing use as an alternative to whole breast irradiation (WBI) after lumpectomy for early stage breast cancer. Recently, there has been concern generated about excess toxicity associated with brachytherapy APBI. Multi-catheter (MCT) brachytherapy, as the initial APBI method developed, has the longest follow-up and provides a means for looking at late outcomes.

Cosmetic Analysis Following Breast-Conserving Surgery and Adjuvant High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Prospective Clinical Study

To prospectively evaluate cosmetic outcomes in women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation using high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for early-stage breast cancer. Between 2004 and 2008, 151 patients with early-stage breast cancer were enrolled in a phase 2 prospective clinical trial. Eligible patients had stage Tis-T2 tumors of ≤3 cm that were excised with negative margins and with no nodal involvement. Patients received 3.4 Gy twice daily to a total dose of 34 Gy. Both the patients and the treating radiation oncologist qualitatively rated cosmesis as excellent, good, fair, or poor over time and ascribed a cause for changes in cosmesis. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated quantitatively by percentage of breast retraction assessment (pBRA). Patients also reported their satisfaction with treatment over time. Median follow-up was 55 months. The rates of excellent-to-good cosmesis reported by patients and the treating radiation oncologist were 92% and 97% pretreatment, 91% and 97% at 3 to 4 months' follow-up, 87% and 94% at 2 years, and 92% and 94% at 3 years, respectively. Breast infection and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent predictors of a fair-to-poor cosmetic outcome at 3 years. Compared to pretreatment pBRA (7.35), there was no significant change in pBRA over time. The volume receiving more than 150 Gy (V150) was the only significant predictor of pBRA. The majority of patients (86.6%) were completely satisfied with their treatment. Patients and the treating physician reported a high rate of excellent-to-good cosmetic outcomes at all follow-up time points. Acute breast infection and chemotherapy were associated with worse cosmetic outcomes. Multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy does not significantly change breast size as measured by pBRA.

Brachytherapy vs Whole-Breast Irradiation for Breast Cancer—Reply

Brachytherapy vs Whole-Breast Irradiation for Breast Cancer—Reply

Analysis of fat necrosis after adjuvant high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for early stage breast cancer

To report the incidence and potential predictors of fat necrosis in women with early stage breast cancer treated with adjuvant high-dose-rate (HDR) multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy. Between 2003 and 2010, 238 treated breasts in 236 women were treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation using HDR interstitial brachytherapy. Selection criteria included patients with Tis-T2 tumors measuring ≤3cm, without nodal involvement, who underwent breast-conserving surgery. Ninety-nine percent of treatments were to a total dose of 34Gy. The presence and severity of fat necrosis were prospectively recorded during followup. Cosmesis was qualitatively scored in all patients. Cosmesis was quantitatively measured via the percentage breast retraction assessment in 151 cases. Median followup was 56 months. The crude rate of fat necrosis was 17.6%. The rate of symptomatic fat necrosis was 10.1%. In univariate analysis, acute breast infection and anthracycline-based chemotherapy, number of catheters, volume encompassed by the prescription isodose, volume encompassed by the 150% isodose (V150), volume encompassed by the 200% isodose, and integrated reference air kerma were significantly associated with fat necrosis. There was significant collinearity between the brachytherapy-related factors; of these, V150 was most predictive. In multivariate analysis, only V150 was significantly associated with fat necrosis. At 3 years, patients with fat necrosis were more likely to have a fair or poor cosmetic outcome and a larger percentage breast retraction assessment. Mammary fat necrosis is a common adverse event after breast-conserving surgery and HDR interstitial brachytherapy. Fat necrosis is associated with worse qualitative and quantitative cosmetic outcomes. Minimizing exposure volumes, such as V150, may decrease the incidence of fat necrosis and improve cosmesis.

SU-E-T-314: Evaluation of Dosimetric Impact of Catheter-Position Uncertainty in Balloon High Dose Rate Brachytherapy of Breast Cancer.

To evaluate the dosimetric impact of catheter-position uncertainty prior to each fraction in balloon high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for breast cancer. For 30 balloon HDR patients, each dwell position of the catheters was manually shifted distally (+) and proximally (-) with a magnitude of ±1 mm, ±2 mm, ±3 mm and ±4 mm. A total of 240 plans were retrospectively produced and compared to clinical treatment plans to simulate catheter-position uncertainty. The following dosimetric data were evaluated: PTV_EVAL V90[%] after subtracting air/seroma volume, skin and rib maximal dose (Dmax[%]) and normal breast tissue V200[cc]. PTV_EVAL V90 was decreased in 93% of cases while increased with maximum value of < 0.7% in 7% of cases. Average/maximal reduction was increased from 0.3%/1.2% (±1 mm), 1.0%/3.5% (±2 mm) and 2.6%/6.2% (±3 mm) to 5.0%/9.2% (± 4 mm) as catheter-position error was increased. Change of skin and rib Dmax values was case-specific. They were increased in 52% of cases while decreased in 48% of cases. As catheter-position error was increased, the average/maximal deviation was increased from 1.6%/9.3% (±1 mm), 3.1%/19.1% (±2 mm) and 4.6%/29.1% (±3 mm) to 6.3%/40.2% (± 4 mm). Normal breast tissue V200 was increased in 90% of cases while decreased with maximum value of < 0.4cc in 10% of cases. Average/maximal increase was elevated from 0.3cc/1.2cc (±1 mm), 0.8cc/2.9cc (±2 mm) and 1.8cc/4.8cc (±3 mm) to 2.9cc/6.7cc (± 4 mm) as catheter-position error was increased. The catheterposition tolerance of ±2 mm set by the AAPM TG 56 is clinically acceptable for most clinical cases. However, in a case where the dosimetric data of treatment plan are close to the dosimetry limits of the clinical protocol, smaller tolerances such as ±1 mm or zero tolerance is clinically recommended to minimize delivered dose discrepancy from the planned dose.

SU-D-213AB-04: Evaluation of the Dose Calculation in a Commercial Planning System for a Breast Cancer Brachytherapy Technology Using Monte Carlo Simulation.

To evaluate the dose calculation in a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) for a breast cancer brachytherapy technology using Monte Carlo simulation for 21 patients. Plans for 21 patients who received SAVI treatments were modeled using data from the TPS including CT images, structures and source information. The MC code PENELOPE was used, inputting images in voxel format, where density and material (tissue, air, bone and Nitinol) for each voxel were assigned based on its calibrated Hounsfield units and contoured structure sets, respectively. For the source model only gamma-rays and fluorescence X-rays of the NuDat database 192Ir spectrum were used, leaving out photons with emission intensity less than 0.1% and X-rays with energies below 10 keV. Source positions were entered into the plan and run individually. Dose was totaledby individually weighting the dose for each source position using the original TPS plan dwell times and then summing the weighted dose for all positions. Dose from the Monte Carlo plan was compared with dose from the original plan using isodose lines at 50, 100, 150 and 200% of the prescription dose of 34Gy. Dosimetric coverage of the target was compared by evaluating the V100, V150 and V200 (volume of the target covered by 100%, 150 and 200% of the dose respectively). The V200 and V150 had an average increase (and standard deviation) of 9.1% (3.2%) and 3.8% (1.4%) respectively, while the average change in V100 was 1.2% (1.0%). Where variance for the entire simulation was 0.9%. We have compared dose distributions of a commercial TPS using Monte Carlo simulation for SAVI breast cancer brachytherapy and found that a dose increase near the air-tissue interface.

70P Role of Interstitial Brachytherapy in Early Stage Breast Cancer

AimTo assess the quality of high dose rate interstitial implants in breast cancer by using different volumetric indices and to correlate them with skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicities. BackgroundIn recent years brachytherapy by using high dose rate with Ir192 source for partial breast irradiation as well as boost after external irradiation has been an established modality of treatment of early breast cancer. Despite the advantages of brachytherapy with regard to tumor control, maintaining good cosmesis and minimum skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicity is important. Materials and methodsOut of 25 patients, who were selected for interstitial implants after undergoing breast conservation surgery, ten were treated radically with 34 Gy in 10 fractions in 5 days @ 3.4 Gy twice daily and 15 patients received boost dose of 12 Gy in 4 fractions @ 3 Gy twice daily. The median follow up was 20 months. During each follow up assessment of late skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicity as per RTOG criteria was done. Various dosimetric indices were analysed. Dose Volume Histogram for dose per unit volume of skin for 10cc, 5cc, 2cc, 1cc, 0.1cc and 0.01cc was calculated. Best estimates and correlation of toxicity was revealed by assessment of Dose Non-uniformity Ratio (DN R) which also correlated well with geometry defining indices like Uniformity Index (UI). ConclusionVolumetric assessment of skin dose for less than 2 cc correlated most with toxicity. DNR and UI can help us to assess and correlate late skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicity and thus serve useful to determine the quality of implant. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Consensus of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) Brachytherapy Group on brachytherapy in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasia in women. Randomized studies which compare mastectomy with conservative treatment show no differences in global survival. In cases in which conservative surgery is performed, breast radiation therapy and boost reduces the rate of local recurrence. On March 2010, the 8th Consensus Meeting of the Spanish Society for Radiation Oncology (SEOR) Brachytherapy Group was held in Madrid about «Treatment of Breast Cancer with Brachytherapy». In this article we presented the conclusions about brachytherapy boost, Partial breast irradiation and clinical dosimetry.

Fat necrosis in women with early-stage breast cancer treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using interstitial brachytherapy

PurposeTo report the incidence of clinical, pathological and radiological fat necrosis (FN) in women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using interstitial brachytherapy (BRT) for early-stage breast cancer and to study certain variables associated with it. Methods and materialsBetween May 2000 and August 2008, 171 women were treated with APBI using high dose rate (HDR) BRT. Patients were treated to a dose of 34Gy/10 fractions/1week with two fractions/day after intraoperative/postoperative placement of catheters. ResultsAt a median follow up of 48months (SD: 28) 20 women developed FN with median time to detection being 24months (range: 4–62months, SD: 20). Actuarial 5 and 7year FN rate was 18% and 23%, respectively. Grade 1 FN was seen in 4, grade 2 in 8 and grade 4 in 8 women. Additional investigations such as aspiration/biopsy were done in 9 patients. Volume of excision was the only significant factor affecting FN (p=0.04). ConclusionsActuarial FN rate of 18% at 5years in our study was comparable to other reported series of FN. Median time of detection of FN was 24months. Higher volume of excision resulted in an increased incidence of fat necrosis.

Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer: Maybe Not So Good

Brachytherapy uses an implanted radioactive source to deliver radiation therapy. The upsides of brachytherapy after lumpectomy include shorter duration than the typical 6 to 8 week course of conventional whole-breast irradiation (WBI), and more-limited exposure of normal breast tissue to radiation. Although some data suggest that brachytherapy compares favorably with WBI in efficacy and adverse events, most reports have included small numbers of participants and …

Perioperative Interstitial Brachytherapy as a Boost in Breast Cancer Conserving Therapy

Background: The aim of breast-conserving treatment (BCT) in breast cancer, consisting of wide local excision (WLE) and radiotherapy, is to obtain local control of disease as well as an optimal cosmetic result. The application of perioperative brachytherapy allows more precise deposition of the boost radiation dose to the lumpectomy cavity plus margins in a shorter period of time, as compared to external beam radiotherapy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the oncological outcome of interstitial brachytherapy in our patient population of patients with early-stage breast cancer. Patients and Methods: 107 breasts in 105 patients with T1-2 breast cancer were treated between 1996 and 2009 with BCT, including WLE combined with perioperative brachytherapy using Iridium-192 (15 Gy with low dose rate or 9 Gy with high dose rate) followed by whole breast irradiation (50 Gy). Outcomes analyzed included treatment toxicity (according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events), local recurrence rate, and disease-free and overall survival. Results: Median follow-up of patients still alive was 6.3 years (range 2.0 - 14.5). Mean age was 50.2 years (+/- S.D. 10.5). Mean tumor diameter was 15 mm (+/- S.D. 8 mm. Acute complications consisted of grade 1 and 3 complications, respectively n = 8 and n = 1. Late complications consisted of grade 1 or 2, respectively n = 25 and n = 2. Only three patients (2.8%) developed a local recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 9.3 years (range 3.3 - 9.3). Five- and ten-year local recurrence free survival was 99% and 91%, respectively. Five- and ten-year disease-specific and overall survival was 95% and 84% versus 92% and 78%, respectively. Conclusions: Treatment-related toxicity after brachytherapy for breast cancer was mild. The local recurrence rate is low. Therefore, brachytherapy is a good alternative to conventional radiation boost as a part of breast irradiation in breast conserving treatment in early stage breast cancer.