Brachytherapy for breast cancer

Brachytherapy is commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer.

Using radiotherapy after surgery helps prevent the cancer from returning. There are two main radiotherapy approaches used to deliver the radiotherapy: whole breast irradiation (WBI) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI).

In the context of whole breast irradiation (WBI), High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy can be administered as a 'boost' to the area affected by the tumor after the completion of external beam radiotherapy¹. Additionally, HDR brachytherapy can serve as the primary method of radiotherapy after surgery, known as accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), offering targeted radiation to the vicinity of the tumor with a faster completion time compared to WBI². This procedure can be conducted using various techniques, including balloon, hybrid device (SAVI), or multicatheter interstitial technique, depending on the preference of the healthcare provider³.

Modern brachytherapy adopts the use of Computed Tomography (CT) images to precisely position the tumor and the radioactive source—Image-guided or 3D brachytherapy³.

What is the brachytherapy procedure for breast cancer?

Elekta provide various applicators, such as the OncoSmart Catheter System and the Breast CT/MR Template Sets, which offer flexibility for both the treatment and the patient. The procedure involves:

applicator selection
applicator insertion
imaging
treatment planning
treatment delivery

Elekta's brachytherapy options for breast cancer treatment include the OncoSmart Catheter System and the Breast CT/MR Template Sets. The treatment planning software, Oncentra Brachy, helps optimize the accuracy of the treatment plan. The treatment delivery follows a standardized, safe, and intuitive brachytherapy workflow. Elekta's Flexitron system is used for treatment delivery, ensuring accurate positioning of the radiation source.

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Different types of brachytherapy techniques

There are two main brachytherapy treatments: as a boost to whole breast irradiation (WBI) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI).

As a boost to WBI

After completion of the full treatment external beam radiation, a further dose of radiation, known as a ‘boost’, can be given to just the area where the cancer was located.

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI)

APBI only involves administering radiation to the area of the breast where the cancer was located, sparing healthy tissue. This technique delivers highly targeted radiation therapy in a single session during breast cancer surgery¹. Compared to traditional forms of radiation therapy, which can take weeks to complete, IPBA only requires a single visit and can significantly reduce treatment duration².

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/intraoperative-radiotherapy.html
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/types/intraoperative_partial

How successful is brachytherapy for breast cancer?

A 2022 review found that brachytherapy is as effective as a boost with whole-breast external beam radiation therapy and surgery for many cases of early-stage breast cancer². Specifically, studies have shown that brachytherapy has similar or improved local control rates compared to other radiation therapies³. Furthermore, studies have shown that brachytherapy may be associated with fewer side effects and better quality of life than whole-breast external beam radiation therapy³. In addition, accelerated partial breast irradiation using brachytherapy can have a shorter treatment time and is effective in selected patients⁴. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of brachytherapy depends on the patient's specific circumstances and is most suitable for early-stage, low-risk breast cancer cases².

https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/brachytherapy
https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/brachytherapy#effectiveness
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32968146/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6031933/

What our customers say

The voice of our customers speaks volumes about the impact our technology has on patient lives and treatment outcomes. Dr. Sabhakar Mutyala from the University of Arizona emphasizes the efficacy of our breast brachytherapy solutions.

Sabhakar Mutyala, MD from University of Arizona, on Breast Brachytherapy

Other indications

Find out about our Brachytherapy solutions for other indications.

Head and neck cancer

Bronchus and oesophagus cancer

Breast cancer

Skin cancer

Prostate cancer

Bladder cancer

Rectum cancer

Cervical cancer

BrachyAcademy training and education

The BrachyAcademy comprises a complete peer-to-peer medical education library and includes programs such as clinical workshops and training visits to leading hospitals worldwide.

Learn more

about brachytherapy

We've created our online educational brachytherapy portal for patients and those who are supporting patients throughout their curative treatment, to provide key information and to help those affected gain an understanding of brachytherapy.

Visit about brachytherapy

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