Partial breast irradiation: rationale and early results

The purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of partial breast irradiation in the management of early stage breast cancer, and describe the early experience at treating patients at Schiffler Cancer Center at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va., with this new technology. A prospective analysis of the first 25 patients treated with breast brachytherapy, with detailed patient and tumor characteristics, will serve as a reference for further investigation into this technique. Results from this early experience will provide information that will further establish this technology as a feasible and appropriate treatment option for well-selected breast cancer patients.