Exclusive electron intraoperative radiotherapy in early-stage breast cancer: a monoinstitutional experience.

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) in breast cancer in terms of local control, esthetic results and disease-free survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS From June 2007 to October 2011, 110 patients with early-stage breast cancer were submitted to quadrantectomy and IORT. A total dose of 21 Gy prescribed at 90-100% isodose was delivered in all cases. Patients were evaluated after surgery for early and late complications. RESULTS Median follow-up was 27 (range: 2-54) months. In 10 patients (9.1%), breast ultrasound showed liponecrosis. Six patients (5.5%) developed grade 2 fibrosis. Disease-free survival rates at 2 and 3 years were 96.8% and 92.9 %. Three patients (2.7%) developed local recurrence, two patients (1.8%) distant metastasis. Two patients died. The 2- and 3-year overall survival rates were 100% and 97.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION IORT could be an appropriate therapeutic alternative in selected patients although it remains investigational; longer follow-up to confirm these results is required.