Accelerated partial breast irradiation using MammoSite brachytherapy: a multidisciplinary approach to breast-conservation therapy

Kim N. Vu, MD,¹ Anthony E. Dragun, MD,¹ David J. Cole, MD,² and Joseph M. Jenrette, MD¹

Departments of ¹Radiation Oncology and ²General Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

MammoSite balloon brachytherapy (MBT) is a relatively new technique for the delivery of adjuvant radiation therapy in the setting of breast conservation. Its application is gaining widespread popularity for its ease of reproducibility and its capacity to reduce the overall treatment time and morbidity traditionally associated with whole-breast radiotherapy. The Medical University of South Carolina was one of the first institutions in the country to adopt the use of MBT, and over the past 3 years we have treated almost 100 patients with this system. Initiation of an MBT program requires close coordination between the treating radiation oncologist and breast surgeon in order to maximize the potential advantages of MBT and minimize its pitfalls. This article will describe the steps that we have used for successful MammoSite implantation and treatment and will detail how our technique has evolved with time and experience.

Commun Oncol 2005;2:477–482 print e-mail full text 131 kb