Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Study

The balloon brachytherapy catheter method uses one tube with a small balloon on the end placed where the tumor had been. The balloon is filled with salt water so it fits this space. The end of the tube will extend from the side of the breast and will be connected to a special machine for treatments. The RT dose is delivered by a radioactive seed that travels through the tube into the center of the balloon. The seed will be removed at the end of each treatment. The tube and the balloon filled with salt water will stay in the breast until the 10 RT treatments are done. The radiation oncologist will decide if this type of treatment is most appropriate for the patient. The treatment will be given 2 times a day, about 6 hours apart, on 5 days. Each treatment lasts for 10-15 minutes.

3D conformal external beam irradiation uses a beam of radiation to deliver the radiation therapy dose to the place in the breast where the cancer was removed. The Radiation Oncologist will decide which type of treatment is most appropriate for the patient. The treatment will be given 2 times a day, about 6 hours apart, on 5 days. Each treatment lasts for 10 to 15 minutes.