Breast brachytherapy: Building a bright future on the foundation of a rich history of advancement in technology, technique, and patient-centered care

For over 20 years, the concept of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has received considerable attention. Initially concentrating on the appropriateness of APBI as an alternative treatment to whole breast radiotherapy, investigation and innovation evolved towards dose delivery and technique appropriateness. The purpose of this article is to review the pertinent literature that supports the role brachytherapy serves in delivering APBI and the recognized brachytherapy techniques for dose delivery. Publications establishing techniques utilizing multicatheter brachytherapy, single-entry brachytherapy applicators, permanent breast seed implantation brachytherapy, noninvasive breast brachytherapy and electronic brachytherapy are described. The use of brachytherapy for repeat breast conservation therapy is additionally reviewed. A historical perspective and potential direction of future investigation and innovation are presented.