Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation - Apbi - Internal radiation - Brachytherapy
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Brachytherapy is a method of delivering a high dose of radiation to a small area. And
to do that, we, in the case of breast cancer, after the surgeon has removed the tumor there
is a small cavity left in the breast. And we’ll put in a special treatment device
– there are several vendors now that make these treatment devices – what they have
in common, a balloon catheter that can be inflated to conform to the lumpectomy cavity.
And it has a catheter that extends external to the breast and, within the balloon.
The idea is to give the radiation from the inside out. To give high dose to the high
risk area and minimize the dose to the rest of the breast. The further advantage is, and
that should translate to a better cosmetic result eventually. The other advantage is
that the treatment is completed in just ten treatments. Every day for five straight days,
morning and afternoon, and then the catheter is removed.
