A Practical Technique for the Localization of the Tumor Volume in Definitive Irradiation of the Breast

In patients being treated with breast conserving surgery and primary irradiation for breast cancer, adequate treatment of the primary tumor bed is associated with improved local control rates. This report presents a practical method for defining the tumor bed. At the time of excisional biopsy, radiopaque surgical clips are placed at the margins of the tumor bed. These clips are used to localize the tumor volume for the simulation of the breast tangents and for planning the boost field. This technique will minimize the potential for a geographic miss during definitive irradiation for breast cancer.