Experience with partial breast irradiation for treatment of breast cancer at a community-based cancer center

BackgroundMany patients after lumpectomy have barriers to whole breast radiation. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) was introduced at our institution as an alternative.MethodsRetrospective review of patients who were treated with ABPI from March 2003 to December 2011 was conducted. Results of demographics, tumor pathology, infection, and recurrence were reviewed.ResultsTwo hundred ninety-four patients received 298 treatments of APBI. The mean follow-up was 58.5 months. Using the American Society for Radiation Oncology criteria, 101 patients were suitable, 142 cautionary, and 52 patients were unsuitable. The average age was 65 with a range of 37 to 93. In our study, true local recurrence occurred in only 1.0% (n = 3). Patients recurring in the same breast elsewhere was 2% (n = 6).ConclusionsOutcomes after treatment with APBI were excellent, and breast recurrence was similar to whole breast irradiation. It may safely be offered to patients with less than suitable criteria or barriers to whole breast radiation.