Breast cancer radiation

Radiation therapy

Partial breast irradiation

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.