Effect of intraoperative radiotherapy for patients with low-risk early-stage breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), a type of whole breast radiation therapy, has been widely used in patients with early-stage breast cancer, however it is associated with longer treatment periods and higher toxicity. Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) has emerged as an alternative, reducing treatment times, however, there is uncertainty about its effectiveness and safety. Objective: To assess the effects of IORT on low-risk early-stage breast cancer in comparison to EBRT. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, a database of systematic reviews, to identify the available evidence evaluating the benefi t of IORT on these patients. We extracted data of primary studies from relevant systematic reviews. Data were reanalyzed and a meta-analysis, using evidence of randomized trials, was conducted. Results are reported trough a summary of fi ndings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identifi ed eight systematic reviews including seven primary studies overall, of which two were randomized trials. We concluded that IORT slightly reduces adverse events and probably increases the local recurrence rate in comparison with EBRT. Review Article Effect of intraoperative radiotherapy for patients with low-risk early-stage breast cancer Diego Carreño1*, Camila Quirland1, Pedro Ferrer2, Luz María González3 and Badir Chahuán4 1Health Technology Assessment Unit, Department of Cancer Research, Arturo López Pérez Foundation, Santiago, Chile 2Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile 3Oncological Institute, Arturo López Pérez Foundation, Santiago, Chile 4Reconstructive and Oncological Breast Surgery Unit, Oncological Institute, Arturo López Pérez Foundation, Santiago, Chile Received: 15 January, 2021 Accepted: 04 February, 2021 Published: 05 February, 2021 *Corresponding author: Diego Carreño, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Department of Cancer Research, Arturo López Pérez Foundation, Santiago, Chile, E-mail: