Vaidya, J.S.; (2002) A novel approach for local treatment of breast cancer. Doctoral thesis , University of London.

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Abstract

Early local recurrence of breast cancer most commonly (over 90%) occurs at the site of the primary tumour. This is true whether or not radiotherapy is given and irrespective of the margin status. Whole-organ analysis of mastectomy specimens on the other hand, reveals that 63% of breasts harbour occult cancer foci and 80% of these are situated remote from the index quadrant. Therefore, these occult cancer foci may be clinically irrelevant and it may not be necessary to treat the whole breast with radiotherapy. This 6-wks long course of post-operative radiotherapy after breast conserving therapy is not only inconvenient and costly, but may cause many women from geographically remote areas to choose mastectomy. Targeted Intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) to the peri-tumoural area alone might provide adequate local control. ‘Intrabeam’ (PeC) is a portable electron-beam driven device that can deliver therapeutic radiation (soft x-rays) in 20-30 minutes within a standard operating theatre environment. The pliable breast tissue - the target - is wrapped around a spherical applicator - the source - providing truly conformal radiotherapy. The prescribed dose is 5 & 20Gy at 1cm and 0.2cm respectively, from the tumour bed. The biologically effective dose is 7-53Gy for α/β=10 and 20-120Gy for α/β=1.5. In our pilot study of 26 patients (age 30-80 years, T=0.42-4.0cm), we replaced the routine post-operative tumour bed boost with targeted intra-operative radiotherapy. There have been no major complications and no patient has developed local recurrence, although the median follow-up time is short at 34 months. The cosmetic outcome is satisfying to both the patient and the clinician. Having established the feasibility, acceptability and safety in the pilot study, we started in March 2000, a randomised trial that compares TARGIT with conventional postoperative radiotherapy for infiltrating duct carcinomas, with local recurrence and cosmesis as the main outcome measures. Patient accrual in this trial has been excellent and it has attracted several international collaborative groups. If proven effective, TARGIT could eliminate the need for postoperative radiotherapy potentially saving time, money and breasts.

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