External hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy: now where does accelerated partial breast irradiation stand?
Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) has emerged as a viable option for suitable breast cancer patients who are desirous of preserving the breast. The major advantage of BCT is the good cosmetic outcome with disease-free and overall survival similar to mastectomy. In this article, I have compared two emerging modalities for treating a preserved breast with radiotherapy. These two techniques in breast cancer - accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and hypofractionated whole breast external beam radiotherapy - have their respective merits and drawbacks, and this article attempts to dissect the issue.
Munshi
Anusheel
A
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. anusheel8@hotmail.com
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant