Does interstitial HDR brachytherapy for breast cancer increase soft tissue fibrosis?

Abstract

Aim

To analyze the physical parameters of interstitial HDR brachytherapy and their influence on the risk of soft tissue fibrosis.

Materials/Methods

A retrospective analysis of 54 breast cancer patients treated between 1994–1999 in the Brachytherapy Department of the Oncological Centre in Bydgoszcz was performed. Minimum follow up period was 41 months and the maximum was 89 months. The mean follow up period was 65 months. Owing to statiscally significant differences between the groups, when compared to a normal distribution, the U Mann-Whitney non-parametrical test was used as the method for comparison.

Results

Out of the nine parameters analysed, three were found to be associated with increased risk of fibrosis occurrence. Reference volumes V100, V150 and V200 showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05).

Conclusions

In breast conserving therapy a number of parameters influence the results of treatment. Our own studies have shown that among the risk factors responsible for fibrosis are: reference volume V100 (the volume of tissue surrounded by 100% isodose), V150 (volume of tissue surrounded by 150% isodose) and V200 (volume of tissue surrounded by 200% isodose).