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.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.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.IORT could be an appropriate therapeutic alternative in selected patients although it remains investigational; longer follow-up to confirm these results is required