Accelerated Partial-Breast Irradiation

Minimizing Radiation Dose

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a therapy performed after a breast tumor has been surgically removed to ensure that any microscopic cancer cells left behind are destroyed. Unlike whole breast radiation, APBI only delivers radiation to the area where the tumor was removed, sparing healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation. APBI also offers the significant advantage of shortened treatment time, from several weeks (whole breast) to just five days (partial breast). In properly selected patients with early stage breast cancer, clinical trials have shown that APBI is as effective as standard whole-breast radiation in preventing recurrence.

With APBI, a catheter with a balloon at the tip is inserted into the cavity where your tumor was removed. Radioactive seeds are administered through the catheter to the targeted area, twice a day for five days. Each treatment lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. The catheter stays in place for the entire treatment period. However, no radiation remains in your body between treatments or after the final treatment. After the last treatment, we deflate the balloon and remove the catheter.

APBI may also be delivered as external beam irradiation without the internal catheter. The treatment is still twice daily for 5 days.