New options for Treatment of Early Stage Breast Cancer
Women with early stage breast cancer increasingly choose to treat the cancer
and save their breast. Breast conservation therapy (BCT) starts with the
surgical removal of cancerous tissue in a procedure known as lumpectomy.
Provided below is information on two of the most popular approaches to
the radiation portion of BCT. The best option for any patient should be
part of her discussion with her radiation oncologist, but both approaches
have shown excellent results.
In BCT, there are typically two different paths that a patient might select.
One approach is External Beam Radiation Therapy (XBRT), also known as
Whole Breast Irradiation (WBI), and the second approach is Accelerated
Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI). AccuBoost technology is able to support
either of these approaches.
Whole Breast Irradiation: In this approach, the lumpectomy is followed
by daily sessions of radiation therapy to the whole breast for four to
six weeks. Whole breast irradiation (WBI) is looked at by many as the
“gold standard” for breast radiotherapy based on over three
decades of experience. The WBI protocol also requires additional localized
radiation, known as the “boost” dose, aimed only at the tissue
surrounding the tumor bed. The combination of surgery and completion of
radiation therapy has been effective in preventing cancer recurrence.
Numerous studies show that women with early stage disease have a clear
option to preserve the breast and fight off the cancer.
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: Developed over the last 15 years,
this approach treats only the tissue immediately around the lumpectomy
cavity, sparing radiation from the balance of the breast. This approach
has gained a great deal of popularity as it is complete in 5 to 10 days
and typically will more easily fit the lifestyles of active women or those
at a great distance from a treatment center. AccuBoost is unique for use
in APBI, as it is the only non-invasive brachytherapy option available.
Typically, with most other techniques a catheter or series of catheters
is left in the breast for 10 to 15 days creating discomfort and potentially
giving rise to infection or other catheter related complications. Treatment
centers that offer AccuBoost also have the option of delivering the radiation
EITHER once per day for 10 days, or twice per day for 5 days. The choice
between these options would be made together between doctor and patient
based on her specific needs.
Choices With Accuboost®
…For Boost
Non-Invasive- Non-invasive radiation delivery in a simple outpatient procedure
Accuracy - Accurate dose targeting due to daily real-time imaging
Skin Sparing - Lower skin dose and skin complications
Toxicity - Less toxicity and better cosmetic results
Healthy Tissue Sparing - Radiation is delivered parallel to the chest wall
sparing unintentional exposure to the heart and lungs
Conformal - Conformal radiation field matches the target size, shape, and location
…For APBI
Comfort – Unlike other APBI techniques, with AccuBoost there are
NO CATHETERS and all the inconveniences and discomfort associated with them!
Schedule Flexibility (5 or 10 days)– Unlike other APBI techniques,
you can receive treatment once a day for two weeks or twice a day for one week
No Catheter Complications – With no catheters, there is no risk of
catheter related infection, displacement or mechanical problems
No Catheter Care - No Additional care “changing your dressing”
at home during the length of your treatment
Non-Invasive – Non-invasive radiation delivery in a simple outpatient procedure
Healthy Tissue Sparing - Radiation is delivered parallel to the chest wall
sparing unintentional exposure to the heart and lungs
Conformal - Conformal radiation field matches the target size, shape, and location
Accuracy- Daily imaging allows your doctor to follow any changes in the
target over the course of your therapy
Accuboost’s Strive for Perfection
AccuBoost® is the latest innovation in breast radiotherapy that enables
your radiation oncologist to achieve the goal of targeting the radiation
dose to the lumpectomy cavity margin – the tissue that is the most
likely site of future recurrence. Treatment enabled by AccuBoost technology
combines a non-invasive method of delivering a well focused beam with
the power of real-time image guidance to target the radiation dose accurately
and reliably to the surgical excision site (target tissue). Additionally,
the AccuBoost process strongly limits unintentional exposure to otherwise
healthy tissue and minimizes radiation related side effects.
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