Intraoperative Radiotherapy vs. Postoperative Whole-Breast Radiotherapy

Promising results, but too early to draw meaningful conclusions or change standard practice

Given that 90% of local recurrences after breast-conserving surgery occur within the index quadrant, the need for whole-breast radiotherapy has been questioned (Ann Surg 2004 Mar; 239:338). Targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) permits delivery of a small dose of low-energy x-rays (≤50 kV) directly into the lumpectomy cavity during surgery. In a phase III, international, prospective noninferiority trial, investigators assessed the efficacy of TARGIT compared with whole-breast radiotherapy for local control of breast cancer. Women (median age, 63) who were undergoing breast-conserving surgery for invasive ductal breast carcinoma (90% estrogen receptor positive; 80% node negative, T1, and low or intermediate grade) were randomly assig…

Reviewing Author

Henry Mark Kuerer, MD, PhD, FACS

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)

Henry Mark Kuerer, MD, PhD, FACS

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)

Intraoperative Radiotherapy vs. Postoperative Whole-Breast Radiotherapy

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Reviewing Author