Role of template guided interstitial implants in breast conservation therapy

Breast conservation therapy is currently considered as a viable alternative to mastectomy in early breast cancer. Radiotherapy by virtue of its ability to reduce local recurrences is an integral component of breast conservation therapy. Apart from irradiating the whole breast, the tumor bed is usually delivered a boost dose in breast conservation therapy to increase the local control rate. One of the methods which has been adopted to selectively boost the tumor bed to high doses is the use of per-operative high dose rate interstitial implants. This particular paper deals with our department's experience with breast conservation therapy using per-operative template guided, High Dose Rate (HDR) interstitial implants in early breast cancer. Local control rates, disease free survival and cosmetic benefit with this technique will be discussed along with literature review.