The clinical application of the intra-operative radiation for patients with breast cancer receiving breast-conserving surgery

Objective: To evaluate the safety and operablility of intra-operative radiotherapy plus post-operative whole breast radiotherapy instead of post-operative whole breast radiotherapy with a boost to the tumor bed in patients with early-stage breast cancer patients receiving breast-conserving surgery. Methods: A total of 30 patients with early-stage breast cancer were included in this study, and they received breast-conserving surgery plus intra-operative radiotherapy and post-operative whole breast radiotherapy (n = 15, study group) or breast-conserving surgery plus post-operative whole breast radiotherapy with a boost to the tumor bed (n = 15, control group). The clinical measurements including the external drainage of residual cavity in 24-48 h, first stage of wound healing, duration of hospitalization, satisfaction with breast shape and the interval between breast-conserving surgery and the chemotherapy were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in external drainage of residual cavity, first stage of wound healing duration of hospitalization and the interval between breast-conserving surgery and the chemotherapy (P＞0.05). The short-term follow-up revealed that the patients in both two groups kept breast in good shape.  Conclusion: Intra-operative radiotherapy is safe and operable in patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving breast-conserving surgery. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2012.07.010