Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Unit

The mission is to offer patients undergoing conservative surgery or mastectomy high therapeutic index radiation treatments using both 3D conformal techniques and advanced technology (VMAT, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy; Partial Breast Irradiation, Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Technique).

Personalized treatments and re-treatments are also offered to patients with loco-regional recurrence and/or metastatic disease.

The waiting times for the activation of post-operative radiotherapy are based on the weight of the local recurrence risk factors.

The indications and technical procedures for treatments, shared within the PDTA of the Breast Unit of the Foundation, are consistent with national protocols and guidelines from the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO).

The therapeutic strategy is discussed collegially on a weekly basis during the Tumor Board meetings of the Breast Unit.

The radiation oncologists affiliated with this facility actively participate in the multidisciplinary clinics of the Breast Unit for planning post-surgical therapies and for the therapeutic programming of tumors requiring primary chemotherapy; a multidisciplinary clinic is dedicated to patients with metastatic disease.

The SS manages the Ambra clinic daily for follow-ups of patients who have undergone radiotherapy and for initial visits of patients operated in other facilities and referred to the Foundation.

Special attention is given to elderly patients or those with specific logistical difficulties, with appropriate application of hypofractionation dose regimens.

The care pathway is illustrated to patients through orientation and information materials and tools, also useful for their companions, and translated into many languages for non-Italian-speaking users.

The doctors dedicated to breast cancer radiotherapy are also involved in clinical activities related to the Amaranta clinic, with pathways dedicated to patients requiring palliative radiation treatments, carried out promptly and effectively integrated with Medical Oncology, Pain Therapy, and Rehabilitation structures.

Numerous national and international clinical studies are active.

Approximately 500 patients per year receive personalized radiotherapy treatment using 3D conformal techniques or intensity-modulated techniques with arc therapy (VMAT), performed with hypofractionation regimens.

Carefully selected patients with low-risk tumors for local recurrence receive partial breast irradiation (30 Gy in 5 consecutive sessions) using special techniques.

These treatment regimens are well tolerated and highly accepted by patients due to their logistical advantages.

Weekly medical visits during treatment monitor possible side effects and allow for prompt correction, enabling patients to complete the radiotherapy program with minimal discomfort.

Active collaboration with the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department allows patients eligible for breast reconstruction after mastectomy with tissue expanders or implants to undergo radiotherapy at optimal times for the best integration of care.