Update on intraoperative radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer

Kexin Feng; Xiangzhi Meng; Jiaqi Liu; Zeyu Xing; Menglu Zhang; Xin Wang; Qinfu Feng; Xiang Wang

Update on intraoperative radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer

Am J Cancer Res. 2020 Jul 1;10(7):2032-2042. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Kexin Feng¹, Xiangzhi Meng¹, Jiaqi Liu¹, Zeyu Xing¹, Menglu Zhang¹, Xin Wang¹, Qinfu Feng², Xiang Wang¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100021, China.
² Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100021, China.

PMID: 32774999
PMCID: PMC7407349

Abstract

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is a practical and feasible alternative or an adjunct to whole-breast external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. A large number of experiments have proved IORT is non-inferior for treating early breast cancer due to its advantages, including precise radiotherapy, protection of healthy tissues and organs and sound cosmetic effects. IORT can use both electron beams and X-rays. Some aspects of the clinical use of IORT are still controversial, and extensive trails are ongoing. In this article, we review the published evidence and some ongoing clinical practice to introduce IORT in breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: Early-stage breast cancer; breast-conserving surgery; intraoperative radiotherapy.

Publication types

Review