Breast Cancer

Treatment Area

A portion of the breast = Tumor site with about 1 cm margin only

Tumor site with margins only

Entire breast

Number of Treatments

10 treatments in 1 or 2 weeks

10 treatments in one week

35-37 treatments over 6-7 weeks

Convenience

More convenient, for those with busy schedule or long commute to the clinic

More convenient for those with busy work schedules, or long commutes

Greater time commitment required

Radiation to Adjacent Organs

Less radiation to the lung, heart, ribs, and lymphatic system

Less radiation to lung, heart, ribs, and lymphatics

Acceptable radiation to lung, heart, ribs and lymphatics

Invasive

Required insertion of tiny metallic markers for tracking

Yes, requires surgical placement of catheters

No, external x-rays only

Skin Care

Minimal skin care

Requires bandaging and care of catheter sites

Daily application of creams

Cure Rates

Expected to be the same; under IRB-approved clinical study

Promising results, 5 year follow-up

Proven track record for > 20 years

Appearance

Expected to be the same or better.

Favorable, minimal scarring

Favorable in most instances