Is accelerated partial breast irradiation as good as whole breast irradiation?

This study examined accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in comparison to whole breast irradiation (WBI) after surgery. They concluded that survival and long-term side-effects are the same for both treatments. However, ABPI had a higher rate of local recurrence as compared to WBI.

For early stage breast cancer the gold standard of care is surgery, which can be followed by radiotherapy. It is unclear whether radiotherapy delivered to the whole breast or to just the site of the tumor is more beneficial. 

This study analyzed 7 articles (7452 patients) to compare whole breast irradiation (WBI) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). The data analyzed included local recurrence rates, overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause), disease-specific survival (time from treatment until death due to breast cancer) and side-effects.  

Local recurrence rates were lower at the end of five years for WBI as compared to APBI. Overall survival and disease-specific survival were similar in both groups. 

During treatment skin reactions such as a rash were more common in WBI. However, side effects were similar for WBI and APBI after treatment ended. 

The study concluded that patients receiving APBI had higher local recurrence rates. It was suggested that this might be related to treatment options. Different radiotherapy techniques may lead to greater benefits. 

This is an analysis of previous studies and it suggested that more research in the form of a clinical trial might be useful to compare APBI to WBI. 

The study suggested that different radiotherapy techniques used to carry out APBI could lead to better local recurrence rates. 

If you are considering accelerated partial breast irradiation, it may be useful to discuss this article with your doctor