Deaths from other causes were significantly lower (45 vs 74 events) with TARGIT-IORT compared with EBRT. The major risk factors for such deaths (age and body mass index) were well matched between the groups.
The researchers point to some study limitations, such as possible overdiagnosis of non-invasive local recurrence affecting the results, and not collecting all the background risk factors for deaths from non breast cancer causes. However strengths included the randomised design, a large sample size with a long duration and high level of complete follow up, suggesting that the results are reliable and robust.
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As such, the researchers say that for the large proportion of early breast cancer patients "risk adapted immediate single-dose TARGIT-IORT during lumpectomy is an effective alternative to EBRT, with comparable long-term efficacy for cancer control, and lower non-breast-cancer mortality."
Single-dose TARGIT-IORT during lumpectomy "should be accessible to healthcare providers and discussed with patients when surgery for breast cancer is being planned," they conclude.
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