Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

APBI is generally suited for early stage breast cancer cases where breast preservation is a priority. During or soon after your lumpectomy, your surgeon will insert a catheter through the skin and into the cavity left by the removed tumor. Once inserted, it is left in place for the rest of the treatment course. APBI then uses tiny tubes that deliver radiation through the catheter to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast tissue and to help prevent a recurrence.

Twice a day for five days, a computer-controlled machine sends the radioactive isotopes through tiny sealed pellets down the lumens of the catheter to deliver iodine or palladium radiation to the tumor site. The tubes may stop at multiple depths and for varying times in the catheter to deliver a highly targeted dose of radiation in less than 10 minutes. The tubes are then removed and you are free to go on your way. The treatment is repeated six hours later. No radiation remains in your body after Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation treatment.