Three-year clinical outcome using the Contura multilumen balloon breast brachytherapy catheter to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI): Improving radiation standards for the optimal application of APBI

PURPOSE: We reviewed our institution's 3-year clinical experience in treating patients with the Contura multilumen balloon (SenoRx, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) breast brachytherapy catheter to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-six patients treated with breast-conserving therapy received adjuvant radiation using the Contura catheter (34 Gy in 3.4 Gy fractions). Fourteen patients had Stage 0, 24 had Stage I, and 8 had Stage II breast cancer. Median follow-up was 36 months (range, 1-44 months). RESULTS: Only one local recurrence developed (2%). The rate of persistent seroma formation at latest reported follow-up was 4.3% (2 patients) and the incidence of any clinically detectable telengiectasias was 2.2%. No major toxicities (0% Grade III) have occurred. The median skin dose (% of the prescribed dose) was 99.7. The median dose to 95% of the planning target volume for evaluation was 98.8%. The percentage of patients with excellent/good cosmetic results at 24 (n = 23) and 36 = 22) months was 100% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant APBI using the Contura multilumen balloon catheter exhibited similar locoregional control, cosmesis, and toxicities to other forms of APBI with similar lengths of follow-up. In addition, improved radiation standards for the delivery of APBI were demonstrated. (C) 2012 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.