Interstitial Boost Irradiation: Indications, Technique, Complications

Abstract

The female breast is highly accessible to interstitial brachytherapy despite its large surface area and considerable volume. Because of the necessity to irradiate relatively large tissue volumes, after-loading techniques and particularly important in order to minimize the radiation hazard associated with brachytherapy (Harris and Hellman 1983; Pierquin et al. 1987). This chapter summarizes current indications for and results of interstitial irradiation in the management of small to moderate size breast carcinomas. In these patients endotherapy is used to deliver a boost dose to a limited volume of the breast tissue following external irradiation of the entire breast and associated regional lymphatic areas.