Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation [APBI]: Current Status and Techniques

Partial breast irradiation has evolved to deescalate the radiation treatment volume after a breast-conservative surgery. A number of well-designed trials have established APBI for low-risk early breast cancer as effective as whole breast radiation. Several techniques such as brachytherapy, external beam radiation, and intraoperative radiation have been used with nearly similar results. At present, newer trials are evaluating the feasibility of performing such treatment in one to three fractions which will change the paradigm of management.