HIGH-DOSE RATE (HDR) BRACHYTHERAPY FOR LOCALLY ADVANCED BREAST CANCER

Fábio F. O. Rodrigues, Lais A. Inaba, Carlos E. Fristachi, Rodrigo M. Silva, Christine M. Ferreira, Walda H. Coelho, Mauricio Fristachi

Institution: Instituto do Câncer Dr. Arnaldo de Vieira Carvalho

“Objective: To evaluate the applicability of high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer who had breast conserving surgery (BCS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods: A prospective study was performed from November 2005 to September 2011 in patients with clinical response to NACT (at least 50% of the inicial tumor) who underwent BCS associated to axillary lymph node dissection and HDRB. Results: A total of 133 patientes were treated with HDRB boost where needle-catheters or templates were inserted directly into the tumor bed and a high intensity radiation source was delivered (1200cGy) with good tolerability (fewer side effects) and effective treatment of local breast cancer disease. Conclusion: In patients with locally advanced breast cancer with clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy who underwent lumpectomy, the HDRB is a safe and effective option to improve locoregional control. Key-word : Breast cancer; brachytherapy; breast conserving surgery; breast-conserving therapy”