Intraoperative radiation therapy in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer utilizing xoft axxent electronic brachytherapy

Background: In an effort to overcome the barriers to BCT, alternative methods of delivering radiation therapy have been explored. APBI allows the radiation treatment to be accomplished in one week or less. XB is a form of balloon-based APBI that uses an electronic source generated by a mobile controller unit. Investigators have also explored IORT treatment that delivers a single fraction of radiation in the operating suite at the time of surgery. Methods: We report on the first patient treated with XB to deliver IORT. Results: IORT treatment utilizing XB is feasible and can be accomplished with a total procedure time of approximately 2 hours. Conclusion: Further research on XB and other methods of IORT is needed to establish clinical efficacy and safety for patients with early-stage breast cancer.