The MammoSite balloon brachytherapy catheter for accelerated partial breast irradiation

Whole-breast irradiation after lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer appears to prevent relapse only at the site of initial involvement, and therefore it is likely that radiation can safely be limited to tissues immediately surrounding the excision cavity. Accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) with the MammoSite catheter (Proxima Therapeutics, Alpharetta, GA) has been proposed as a means through which APBI can be offered to a wide range of patients. Although sufficient follow-up is not yet available regarding local control, survival, late toxicity, and long-term cosmetic results, early results are promising. This article reviews the current literature reflecting treatment, dose optimization, outcomes, and toxicity of APBI with the MammoSite brachytherapy catheter.