Intraoperative radiotherapy for early breast cancer and age: clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Background: Eligibility criteria for intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for breast cancer are being established. Impact of age, one criterion, on short-term complications/outcomes was evaluated.

Methods: Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery and IORT from January 2011 to June 2013 were reviewed. Data collected were demographics, comorbidities, histopathology, intraoperative data, adjuvant treatment, and outcomes. Local recurrence (LR), re-excision rates, and complications were evaluated by age group using descriptive statistics.

Results: The total number of patients was 100 (43 patients <70, 57 patients ≥70). No significant differences existed between groups in tumor size, operative time, estrogen receptor status, nodal status, tumor grade, or margin excision. Wound infection rates were low for both groups (P = .21). Two LR occurred (both patients ≥70). Median follow-up time was 24 months.

Conclusion: IORT with its low rate of LR and wound complications may be a reasonable alternative to whole breast irradiation for early-stage breast cancer, regardless of age.