MammoSite®
High Dose Radiation (HDR) Breast Brachytherapy
Today, women with early-stage breast cancer are able to treat their cancer effectively and preserve their breasts through an option called breast conservation therapy (BCT). BCT begins with a lumpectomy, the surgical removal of the cancerous tumor. The lumpectomy is generally followed by 6 to 7 weeks of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), during which radiation is directed at the whole breast. This traditional combination of surgery and radiation works well to fight breast cancer. However, some women aren't comfortable with the idea of radiation going through healthy breast tissue in order to treat the affected area. Now, there is an internal treatment option, high dose radiation breast brachytherapy— MammoSite® Radiation Therapy System (RTS) and it only takes up to 5 days to complete. HDR breast brachytherapy is a new method of radiation therapy (minimally invasive method) of delivering internal radiation therapy following a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Therapy is given on an outpatient basis-there is no need to stay in the hospital-and can be completed in 5 days.
What is HDR Breast Brachytherapy?
High dose radiation (HDR) breast brachytherapy delivers radiation from inside the lumpectomy cavity (the space that is left after the tumor is removed) directly to the tissue surrounding the cavity where cancer is most likely to recur. HDR breast brachytherapy can be completed in 5 days, allowing you to get back to your life.
Benefits of HDR breast brachytherapy - MammoSite® Radiation Therapy System (RTS):
• Radiation is delivered to the area of the breast where it is needed most
• Radiation to healthy tissue is minimized, reducing the potential for side effects
• Placement of the balloon is simple
• The treatment is given on an outpatient basis, so no hospital stay is required
• Radiation can be delivered in 5 days versus 6-7 weeks
Talk to your doctor to see if you fit the criteria for this treatment option.
