Abstract
Background. Previous studies showed that after breast conserving surgery for breast cancer , Radiotherapy may be applied to the portion of the breast where the primary tumor was removed (partial breast irradiation – PBI) avoiding the irradiation of the whole breast. We developed a procedure of PBI consisting in a single high dose of radiotherapy of 21Gy with electrons equivalent to 58-60Gy in fractionated doses, delivered during the surgical session by a mobile linear accelerator, positioned close to the operating bed.
Patients and methods From July 1999 to December 2006, 1246 patients with primary carcinoma less than 2.5 cm in diameter mostly over 48 years were treated with Electron IntraOperative Radiotherapy (ELIOT) at a single dose of 21Gy.
Results. After a follow-up from 0.3 to 94.7 months (median 26), 24 patients (1.9 %) showed a local recurrence and 22 developed distant metastases. 16 patients died, 7 for breast carcinoma and 9 for others causes. The 5 years crude survival was 96.5%. Six cases (0.5%) developed serious breast fibrosis which resolved in two-three years. Other 40 patients suffered for mild fibrosis. Cosmetic results were good.
Conclusions. ELIOT is a safe method for treating conservatively operated breasts, avoids the long period of postoperative radiotherapy greatly improving the quality of life and reduces the cost of Radiotherapy. ELIOT reduces radiation to normal surrounding tissues and deep organs. Results on short-term and middle-term toxicity are good. Data on local control are encouraging.

Further information:

Article source

Related posts:

1. Impact of a reduced dose intensity of adjuvant anthracycline based chemotherapy in a population-based cohort of stage I-II breast cancers
2. Long waits for radiotherapy linked to increased recurrence of breast cancer
3. COMICE Results on MRI Before Breast-Conserving Surgery
4. Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in benign giant cell tumors – a single institution case series and a short review of the literature
5. Whole brain radiotherapy with a conformational external beam radiation boost for lung cancer patients with 1-3 brain metastasis: a multi institutional study