The evolving role of brachytherapy in breast cancer.
The role of brachytherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the breast continues to evolve. Initially, brachytherapy was used alone; later it was used to boost external beam irradiation. In the 1980's, its role diminished. Low-energy radionuclides like iodine-125 and remote-controlled high-dose-rate brachytherapy have been used to reduce radiation exposure to medical care givers. The 1990's has seen renewed interest in the use of brachytherapy alone to the tumor for management of primary and recurrent breast cancer. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are needed to redefine the role of brachytherapy in breast cancer.
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Division of Radion Oncology, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes