The Technical Approach to Radiation Treatment As a Component of Breast Conservation Treatment for Early Stage Breast Carcinoma

For the woman with newly diagnosed early stage breast carcinoma undergoing breast conservation treatment, definitive radiation treatment is delivered after breast conservation surgery. While the importance of the technical approach to breast conservation surgery is widely appreciated, the technical skill for radiation treatment is also critical to maximize local-regional control and to minimize toxicity. Recent advances have dramatically improved technical radiation treatment planning and delivery. The radiation treatment technique must be integrated with the surgical procedure performed, the pathology findings, and the systemic treatment delivered. The radiation treatment technique also must coordinate with newer treatment approaches in surgery (e.g., sentinel lymph node biopsy) and systemic therapy (e.g., neoadjuvant systemic therapy, agents with potential cardiac toxicity). To maximize long-term outcome, a sound approach to the technical radiation treatment is an integral component of the combined modality treatment for the patient with early stage breast carcinoma.