Long-term outcome and toxicity in a Phase I/II trial using high-dose-rate multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy for T1/T2 breast cancer

Our series showed a local recurrence rate of 6.1% at 5 years, which is comparable to that seen in conventional whole breast series. Fat necrosis was found in more than half the cohort. Fat necrosis, pain, and cosmesis appeared to improve with longer followup, whereas subcutaneous toxicity worsened and skin toxicity stabilized.