Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Phase I Feasibility Study

This study delivers radiation therapy to any residual breast tissue and the chest wall plus lymph node areas around the breast. These lymph node areas are under the arm, around the collar bone, and under the sternum (breastbone).

IMRT treatment uses a computer-controlled x-ray (CT) to deliver radiation beams at several different angles and strengths to deliver precise doses to the regions at risk for recurrence of breast cancer while reducing or sparing the dose to critical structures (heart, lungs) and nearby normal tissue.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female gender
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Invasive primary female breast cancer
• Pathologically proven regional nodal metastasis
• Status post mastectomy or partial mastectomy with an assessment of axillary nodes via sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or axillary lymph node dissection.
• Signed study specific consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Distant metastasis
• Currently Pregnant
• Psychiatric or addictive disorders that preclude informed consent
• Time from initial diagnosis to the start of radiation therapy > one year
• Estimated life expectancy judged to be < one year
• Prior radiation to the ipsilateral breast or chest wall
• Primary breast cancer is lymphoma or sarcoma
• Patients being treated with concurrent chemotherapy.