Dr. Kuske on APBI Via Multicatheter Interstitial Brachytherapy

Robert R. Kuske, MD, radiation oncologist, Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists, discusses an analysis of the Pooled Registry of Multicatheter Interstitial Sites (PROMIS) Experience, which examined the safety of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) via multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy.

Previous studies show that APBI is non-inferior to whole breast irradiation, Kuske adds. The PROMIS analysis examined more than 1300 patients treated with APBI at five institutions. Patients had > 2 cm beyond the lumpectomy cavity in all dimensions.

With APBI, the treatment time was shortened from 6 weeks to 5 days, Kuske explains, and reduced radiation exposure to the lung and heart. Data showed that cosmetic outcomes were reported as 'good' or 'excellent' in 91% of patients. Also, rates of infection, fibrosis, and telangiectasia were found to be significantly low.