25160734
BACKGROUND	Two randomized intraoperative radiation therapy trials for early-stage breast cancer were recently published .
BACKGROUND	The ELIOT Trial used electrons ( IOERT ) , and the TARGIT-A Trial Update used 50-kV X-rays ( IORT ) .
BACKGROUND	These studies were compared for similarities and differences .
BACKGROUND	The results were analyzed and used to determine which patients might be suitable for single-dose treatment .
METHODS	The primary sources of data were the ELIOT Trial and TARGIT-A Trial , as well as a comprehensive analysis of the peer-reviewed literature of accelerated partial breast irradiation ( APBI ) using 50-kV X-rays or electrons .
METHODS	Studies published or presented prior to March 2014 were analyzed for efficacy , patient restrictions , complications , and outcome .
RESULTS	With a median follow-up of 5.8 years , the 5-year recurrence rates for ELIOT versus external beam radiation therapy ( EBRT ) patients were 4.4 % and 0.4 % , respectively , p = .0001 .
RESULTS	A low-risk ELIOT group was identified with a 5-year recurrence rate of 1.5 % .
RESULTS	With a median follow-up of 29months , the 5-year recurrence rates for the TARGIT-A versus EBRT patients were 3.3 % and 1.3 % , respectively , p = .042 .
CONCLUSIONS	With 5.8 years of median follow-up , IOERT appears to have a subset of low-risk women for whom IOERT is acceptable .
CONCLUSIONS	With 29months of median follow-up the results of IORT with 50-kV devices are promising , but longer follow-up data are required .
CONCLUSIONS	At the current time , single-fraction IOERT or IORT patients should be treated under strict institutional protocols .

