Accelerated Partial Breast Radiation Therapy Using High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy in Treating Patients With Early Stage Breast Cancer After Surgery

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the toxicity rate with shorter courses of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivered with a breast brachytherapy applicator. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the 3-year actuarial local control rate with abbreviated accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). II. To assess the rate of excellent or good cosmesis at 2-years after shorter courses of APBI and to identify co-variants associated with and predictive of poor cosmetic outcome in women treated with an overnight treatment course of APBI. OUTLINE: Within 1-5 days after balloon placement, patients undergo accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy over 15-60 minutes for 2-3 days. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 2-8 weeks and then at least annually for 2 years.