Partial Breast Radiation

Patients diagnosed with certain early-stage breast cancers may be eligible for a relatively new form of treatment called accelerated partial breast irradiation, or APBI, following the surgical removal of their tumor via lumpectomy. This treatment targets the specific location within the breast where the tumor had been, thereby minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Compared to the usual course of radiation treatment that can take up to seven weeks to complete, APBI can be completed in approximately five days. This therapy involves the placement of radioactive “seed” implants that are removed after less than two weeks. Also known as brachytherapy, this cancer treatment may be provided via Mammosite™ or Contura™ MLB balloon devices or via a strut assisted volume implant (SAVI™) device.