The Arizona School of Breast Brachytherapy is an intense 2.5-day training course for an entire team, one institution at a time. The lead breast cancer radiation oncologist, medical physicist, dosimetrist and nurse are eligible to attend, with the breast surgeon, radiologist, and/or administrator optional. Multiple techniques for breast brachytherapy will be taught with at least one, hopefully two, live cases from which to learn if schedule and patient acceptance permits. This course will cover all aspects of setting up a breast brachytherapy program, including patient selection, clinical trial participation, pre-planning and cavity evaluation, implant procedural techniques, necessary tools/instruments, post-implant dosimetry, physics, and patient follow-up. The course is designed to facilitate a "turn key" operation for the participating team upon its return home, starting or upgrading their program.

In addition to didactic sessions, the course will include hands-on training with the participants inserting catheters into a phantom. Real case(s) will be observed, usually an interstitial multicatheter image-guided insertion and a single entry device. Participants will learn our approach to IGRT template-based interstitial, US-guided freehand interstitial, SAVI, Contura, and MammoSite-ml placement. We will also share patient selection, tips, pitfalls, practical dosimetry information, and insights gained from performing over 1600 cases over the last 18 years!

With the largest and arguably most important ongoing breast irradiation trial in North American history (NSABP B39/RTOG 0413), learning the options in accelerated partial breast irradiation will be a key to your success. One size does not fit all. We strongly believe that knowing more than one APBI technique is advantageous!

After completion of the training program, the participant knows:

• Patient selection criteria for partial breast irradiation
• Four different techniques for breast brachytherapy
• Process of 3D brachytherapy treatment planning
• Dwell position selection, dose calculation and isodose curve generation
• Treatment Delivery and patient care for APBI
• Nursing essentials for dressings, infection-prevention, flow and scheduling, and patient care
• What to look for during follow-up at specific time intervals

Courses are held at the Scottsdale office near the intersection of Via de Ventura and the 101 interstate beltline. There are many hotels, health clubs, restaurants, and nightspots within 5 miles of the office. We usually have a wine reception in our home on arrival with a brief introductory talk. Many of our previous guests have enjoyed the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch (3 miles), an incredible experience in itself!

Wednesday evening - 7:00pm to 8:30pm - Reception and introductory lecture

Live case observation 8:00am - 11:30am

• Usually an interstitial and single entry device (SAVI, Contura, or MammoSite-ml)
• CT room is converted into an OR, participants observing

Lectures over lunch 12:00pm - 1:30pm

• Overview of Breast Brachytherapy
• Patient Selection
• Clinical Data and the current phase III trial
• Defining Target Volume
• Introduction Ir-192 HDR Brachytherapy Physics
• Current Techniques, IGRT interstitial, single entry devices
• Complications, nursing, and management

Possible 2nd live case 2:00pm - 4:00pm, or phantom lab with participant catheter insertion

Physics and dosimetry: calculating the dose, choosing dwell positions, planning

• Planning of the live cases and review of other techniques
• Practical session for physicist and dosimetrist to plan their own case
• Post-operative care demonstrated on live cases and principles discussed
• Possible 2nd or 3rd live case, schedule permitting
• Fundamentals of a Breast Brachytherapy program
• Equipment, needles, catheters, template, staffing, and reimbursement

The fee for this school, including one Radiation Oncologist, Physicist, Dosimetrist and Nurse, is $10,000. The registration fee includes a detailed manual, which will facilitate setting up a new program. Income from this program supports our non-profit research and educational mission. References from previous attendees are available as a testimonial of the value of this program.

Please contact Kristina (480) 278-8262 to determine availability

• Your registration is reserved the day tuition is received
• Make check payable to Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists

• Must be in writing at least 4 weeks prior to the course to qualify for a refund
• All cancellations require a $250 administrative fee