News

Breast Brachytherapy May Result in More Complications

Posted Date: March 12, 2013

Brachytherapy is linked to more wound and skin complications than the standard radiation technique, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Breast brachytherapy is a potential alternative to traditional external beam radiation therapy for some women who choose breast-conserving surgery, but randomized trials comparing the two treatments are still pending.  Many physicians only offer this approach as part of a clinical trial, others have used it more routinely. Information, however, about the safety and efficacy of breast brachytherapy is still somewhat limited. The present study found that after one year, wound and skin complications in the patients studied were significantly higher among women receiving brachytherapy compared with those receiving whole breast external beam radiation.

The Susan Komen for the Cure website has more information about this recent study.