This technique refers to radiation treatments focused on just the cavity
where a lumpectomy was performed as opposed to the whole breast. Most
recurrences in the breast occur around the site of the original lumpectomy
cavity or tumor. By limiting the radiation to just the area around the
cancer was removed, the treatment can be completed in a shorter period
of time and surrounding normal tissues like the skin, heart, and lungs
have less exposure to the radiation.
External beam radiation
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
This advanced treatment technology spares healthy tissues while simultaneously
delivering larger, more targeted levels of radiation to the breast cancer
area. During IMRT, the computer-controlled linear accelerator uses advanced
software to direct precise doses of radiation where a tumor was removed.
Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)
For left breast radiation therapy, a potential concern is the risk for
heart disease from the radiation treatment because the left breast is
closer to the heart and in the radiation field. To protect the heart during
left-breast radiation therapy, our radiation therapists use a technique
called deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH). The radiation dose is only
delivered when the patient holds their breath. This moves the heart away
from the field of radiation.
Rapid radiation therapy
Thanks to hypofractionated therapy, for some cancers, accelerating radiation
therapy courses can help patients get on the road to recovery sooner.
This technique is simply larger doses of radiation given over a shorter
period. This approach is possible because of our advanced radiotherapy
technology where the radiation beam can precisely target the tumor site
and deliver the radiation to an exact spot, sparing damage on nearby organs.
Having fewer radiotherapy sessions can improve quality of life—fewer
treatment sessions may mean fewer unpleasant side effects, such as skin
irritation, loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue. It also means fewer
treatment trips.
Internal seed radiation
East Jefferson has extensive experience in minimally invasive brachytherapy
for breast cancer like interstitial tube site treatments. These procedures
require a highly skilled radiation oncologist.
Mammosite
Mammosite uses a single-entry point and a one channel balloon applicator
for the radiation source to travel through to the exact site of the tumor.
An extremely versatile technique, Mammosite conforms the dose to a single
target area and minimizes radiation to normal tissues.
SAVI
SAVI (strut-adjusted volume implant) uses a multiple-channel applicator
at the end of a tiny catheter for larger areas of treatment in the breast.
The SAVI applicator is inserted into the tumor cavity through a small
incision and expanded to conform to the shape of the cavity. The end of
the catheter is connected to a computerized delivery system that painlessly
delivers a tiny radioactive seed into each applicator tube.
