Tumor bed delineation for external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation: A systematic review Journal Article


Authors: Yang, T. J.; Tao, R.; Elkhuizen, P. H. M.; van Vliet-Vroegindeweij, C.; Li, G.; Powell, S. N.
Article Title: Tumor bed delineation for external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation: A systematic review
Abstract: In recent years, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has been considered an alternative to whole breast irradiation for patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy. APBI delivers higher doses of radiation in fewer fractions to the post-lumpectomy tumor bed with a 1-2 cm margin, targeting the area at the highest risk of local recurrence while sparing normal breast tissue. However, there are inherent challenges in defining accurate target volumes for APBI. Studies have shown that significant interobserver variation exists among radiation oncologists defining the lumpectomy cavity, which raises the question of how to improve the accuracy and consistency in the delineation of tumor bed volumes. The combination of standardized guidelines and surgical clips significantly improves an observer's ability in delineation, and it is the standard in multiple ongoing external-beam APBI trials. However, questions about the accuracy of the clips to mark the lumpectomy cavity remain, as clips only define a few points at the margin of the cavity. This paper reviews the techniques that have been developed so far to improve target delineation in APBI delivered by conformal external beam radiation therapy, including the use of standardized guidelines, surgical clips or fiducial markers, pre-operative computed tomography imaging, and additional imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Alternatives to post-operative APBI, future directions, and clinical recommendations were also discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: external beam radiotherapy; accelerated partial breast irradiation; tumor delineation
Journal Title: Radiotherapy and Oncology
Volume: 108
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0167-8140
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2013-08-01
Start Page: 181
End Page: 189
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2013.05.028
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 23806188
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 1 November 2013" - "CODEN: RAOND" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Simon Nicholas Powell
    331 Powell
  2. Guang Li
    98 Li
  3. Jonathan T Yang
    166 Yang