Partial breast irradiation: a review of techniques and indications

The addition of whole-breast external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to breast-conserving surgery results in a significant reduction in the risk of death due to breast cancer, but this may be offset by an increase in deaths from other causes and toxicity to surrounding organs. Because of this, and with a view to patterns of local recurrence, irradiation of the tumour bed has been explored in selected patients with early breast cancer using a variety of radiotherapeutic modalities. This review article explores the treatment options for partial breast irradiation and examines their role within the field of breast cancer treatment.