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Brachytherapy as the sole method of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer after local excision

 
Guidance issued
 
IPG Number: IPG268

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on brachytherapy as the sole method of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer after local excision.

Description

Treatment for breast cancer usually involves surgery to remove part or all of the breast. This is sometimes followed by radiotherapy, particularly if only part of the breast has been removed. Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy in which a radiation source is placed inside the body area to be treated. It typically involves the insertion of radioactive implants into the space in the breast where tissue has been removed. The implants are usually in place for one to five days. The aim of the procedure is to minimise the chance of the cancer recurring.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Research Only
Topic area:
Cancer
Surgical procedures
Therapeutic procedures
Specialty:
Oncology
Radiology
Specialist advice has been sought from:

Association of Cancer Physicians

British Association of Surgical Oncology

Royal College of Radiologists

Society of Radiographers

Date notified to NICE:
20 July 2007
Provisional consultation date:
Summer 2008
Guidance issue date:
23 July 2008

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Technical lead
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
Helen Gallo
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: