Investigation of variability in image acquisition and contouring during 3D ultrasound guidance for partial breast irradiation.

Background: Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) at simulation compared to 3DUS at treatment is an image guidance option for partial breast irradiation (PBI). This study assessed if user dependence in acquiring and contouring 3DUS (operator variability) contributed to variation in seroma shifts calculated for breast IGRT.

Methods: Eligible patients met breast criteria for current randomized PBI studies.