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Aims: Radiotherapy forms an integral part of breast-conserving treatment in early-stage breast cancer. Subcutaneous fibrosis of the treated breast is an important late effect in whole-breast irradiation. The aim of this study was to compare the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for radiation-induced fibrosis in treated breast using accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) vs conventional treatment. Materials and Methods: Ten postoperative early-stage breast cancer patients (T1N0M0) were included in this dosimetric analysis. APBI treatment was planned using conformal radiotherapy technique and conventional treatment plans included two tangential portals. All the APBI treatment plans were made with five non-coplanar beams with 6 MV photons. The prescription dose was 38 Gy in 10 fractions for the APBI treatments and 50 Gy in 25 fractions, followed by a boost dose of 16 Gy in 8 fractions, for the conventional treatments. We used Lyman's relative-seriality model and the breast fibrosis NTCP model fitting parameters for the study. Results: The equivalent uniform dose (EUD) was 30.09 Gy and 50.79 Gy in APBI and conventional treatment, respectively. The mean NTCP values for ipsilateral breast fibrosis in APBI and conventional treatment were 0.51 and 25.66%, respectively. Using the paired t-test, a statistically significant difference was seen in the breast fibrosis NTCP values for APBI vs conventional treatment (P<0.001). Conclusions: APBI reduces the ipsilateral breast fibrosis compared to conventional whole-breast treatment in early-stage breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the local control of hepatic metastasis with radiofrequency ablation treatment. Materials and Methods: We did a retrospective analysis in 40 patients treated with radiofrequency ablation for hepatic metastasis. The tumors ablated included up to two metastatic liver lesions, with primaries in breast, gastrointestinal tract, cervix, etc. Radiofrequency ablation was performed under general anesthesia in all cases, using ultrasound guidance. Radionics Cool-Tip RF System was used to deliver the treatment. Results: The median age of patients treated was 49 years. There were 13 female and 27 male patients. The median tumor size ablated was 1.5 cm (0.75-4.0 cm). A total of 52 radiofrequency ablation cycles were delivered. Successful ablation was achieved in all patients with hepatic metastasis less than 3 cm in size. Pain was the most common complication seen (75%). One patients developed skin burns. At 2-year follow-up 7.5% of patients had locally recurrent disease. Conclusions: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment modality. It can be useful in a select group of patients with solitary liver metastasis of less than 3 cm size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the use of irradiation with high dose brachytherapy to treat breast cancer in women. Global prevalence of breast cancer; Advantages and disadvantages of breast conservation therapy; Benefits from whole breast radiotherapy; Overview of studies about the use of partial breast brachytherapy.

An interview with doctor G. K. Rath is presented. When asked about the burden of tobacco-related cancers, Rath points to the hazards it may cause to internal and external organs, particularly on the associated risks in breast cancer among postmenopausal women. Rath believes that the most important measure to prevent the abuse of tobacco is through health education. For Rath, the establishment of radiation oncology centers in India can be promoted through Public Private Partnership (PPP).