Internal mammary implantation: the need for revival of a simple technique.
Available statistics on breast cancer indicate a high frequency of positive internal mammary nodes, which is associated with decreased five-year survival rates. The close proximity of the majority of internal mammary nodes (87 percent within 1 cm) to the internal mammary vessels makes them easily accessible to high-dose intravascular continuous irradiation by afterloading radioactive ribbons (iridium 192) in the internal mammary vessels that are surgically exposed. This is a simple technique that can be carried out at the time of mastectomy or as a separate procedure, either as a primary radiation modality, for post-XRT recurrence, or as a boost in combination with conventional parasternal radiation therapy. The step-by-step technique, indications, need for revival, and future implications are presented.
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007495:Iridium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D011868:Radioisotopes; D007495:Iridium