ATR Inhibition Is a Promising Radiosensitizing Strategy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by elevated locoregional recurrence risk despite aggressive local therapies. New tumor-specific radiosensitizers are needed. We hypothesized that the ATR inhibitor, VX-970 (now known as M6620), would preferentially radiosensitize TNBC.

Patient-reported outcomes of catheter-based accelerated partial breast brachytherapy and whole breast irradiation, a single institution experience.

Purpose: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and whole breast irradiation (WBI) are treatment options for early-stage breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported-outcomes (PRO) between patients receiving multi-channel intra-cavitary brachytherapy APBI or WBI.

Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, 131 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or early stage invasive breast cancer were treated with adjuvant APBI (64) or WBI (67) and participated in a PRO questionnaire.

Immediate tissue expander or implant-based breast reconstruction does not compromise the oncologic delivery of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT).

Purpose: Increasingly, women are choosing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy. Reports have indicated IBR may compromise post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). We investigated the impact of IBR on timing of PMRT, target coverage, and doses to organs at risk in a modern radiotherapy practice using advanced planning techniques.

Initial clinical experience of postmastectomy intensity modulated proton therapy in patients with breast expanders with metallic ports.

Purpose: The feasibility of proton postmastectomy radiation therapy in patients reconstructed with expanders has not been previously reported, limiting treatment options. We analyzed the dosimetric impact of the metallic port contained within expanders on intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and report our techniques and quality control for treating patients in this setting.

Methods And Materials: Twelve patients with the same expander model underwent 2-field IMPT as part of a prospective registry.

Delineation of Internal Mammary Nodal Target Volumes in Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: The optimal clinical target volume for internal mammary (IM) node irradiation is uncertain in an era of increasingly conformal volume-based treatment planning for breast cancer. We mapped the location of gross internal mammary lymph node (IMN) metastases to identify areas at highest risk of harboring occult disease.

Methods And Materials: Patients with axial imaging of IMN disease were identified from a breast cancer registry.