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Stanford Health Care

Accelerated Partial Breast Radiation Therapy

Our Approach to Accelerated Partial Breast Radiation Therapy

Many women choose accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) therapy for breast cancer radiation treatment. APBI involves a shorter course of treatment and a smaller area of the breast than other types of radiation therapy. APBI is especially effective when we provide it after breast surgery.

Stanford offers one of the most advanced APBI programs in the nation. Using minimally invasive techniques, we deliver precise radiation treatment in less time so you can get back to living life. Our doctors customize APBI treatment to suit your busy schedule, whether working, taking care of family, or traveling for cancer care.

FEATURED

A Gentle Touch Proves Its Power in New Breast Cancer Treatments

WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR APBI

  • An expert radiation team that focuses only on breast cancer, offering you an unparalleled depth of skill and knowledge specific to your diagnosis.
  • Access to the most advanced technology, including 3-D imaging that sculpts radiation doses to the exact shape of the tumor.
  • One of the nation’s first and most experienced intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) programs, pioneering same-day surgery and radiation treatment.
  • Breast-saving radiation techniques that provide the most effective results while preserving your natural appearance.
  • Shortened treatment courses, accessible locations, and compassionate care tailored to your lifestyle and schedule.
  • Comprehensive support services, including our leading breast reconstruction program, our on-site lymphedema clinic, and your personal wellness team. 

INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE SECOND OPINION?

The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. It’s all done remotely, and you don’t have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You don’t even need to leave home!

Visit our online second opinion page to learn more.

Make An Appointment

To make an appointment with a breast cancer specialist, call 650-498-6004.

What Is APBI?

About Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) uses precise radiation beams to kill cancerous cells in a smaller area of the breast (partial breast) versus the whole breast or chest area. Our doctors deliver the radiation in a shorter (accelerated) course of treatment over a few days instead of several weeks.

The benefits of APBI over other forms of radiation therapy may include:

  • Shorter treatment time
  • Minimized radiation exposure
  • Less invasive procedures
  • Greater success in saving healthy breast tissue

Our breast cancer radiation specialists often perform APBI after a lumpectomy to prevent cancer from returning to the breast. Our doctors may also provide APBI treatment after a mastectomy to prevent cancer from returning to the chest area or lymph nodes. APBI can also improve outcomes for women with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, especially when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

We offer some of the most advanced methods of APBI treatment in the nation, including:

  • 3-D conformal radiation therapy
  • Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT)
     

Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

Stanford radiation oncologist Kathleen Horst, MD, and surgical oncologist Fred Dirbas, MD, discuss the latest advances in radiation and surgery.

Our Clinics

Breast Cancer Program

Our leading radiation experts provide you with the highest level of care. Find world-renowned diagnosis and treatment services in a compassionate, calm environment specially designed for women with breast cancer. Learn more about the Stanford Breast Cancer Program.

View All Locations

RELATED CLINICS

900 Blake Wilbur Drive
 1st Floor
 Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-498-6000