Study Assessing the Potential for Reduced Rates of Implant Failure Using Multi-Beam Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients With Implant Reconstructions

The purpose of this study is to determine if a radiation treatment called "Multi-beam Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy"(IMRT) can reduce side effects related to your implant if they are a candidate for radiation therapy. Currently, the standard method of giving radiation is with "3D radiation", which only uses 2-5 beams of radiation. "Multi-beam" IMRT works by using 8-12 small radiation beams to give a more "tailored" or "customized" radiation dose to the implant, breast, chest wall and lymph nodes. At the same time, multi-beam IMRT may lower the radiation dose to the heart, lung and nearby tissues. The goal of the study is to reduce complications after irradiation to the implants. The study doctors have recently completed a trial using this technique and are now specifically looking at its impact on women with implant reconstructions who are undergoing post-mastectomy radiation therapy. By delivering a more "customized" dose of radiation to the implant, the intent is to reduce side effects of radiation on the implant.