Apparatus and method for conformal radiation brachytherapy for breast and other tumors

A system providing conformal x-ray brachytherapy for treatment of a tumor by irradiation of a target volume of tissue in a patient after excision of the tumor, said system comprising:

• an inflatable, compliant balloon disposed within the cavity created by excision of the tumor, said balloon including a hollow shaft defining a passage therein and a compliant skin;
• an x-ray probe including an x-ray emitter, said probe configured to be received within said passage;
• an imaging probe configured to image the target volume;
• a translation stage mounting said x-ray probe for translational motion;
• a rotation stage mounting said x-ray probe for rotational motion;
• and
• a computer operatively connected to said x-ray and imaging probes and said rotation and translation stages, said computer directing translational and rotational motion of said x-ray probe.