Intraoperative Radiation for Breast Cancer

Intraoperative Radiation for Breast Cancer PRESS RELEASE (47.95 KB)

May Eliminate 6 Weeks of Standard Radiation Treatments

Lafayette, Indiana; March 21, 2008 ---Today, the Unity Surgical Center announced the availability of a clinical trial for breast cancer patients comparing the difference between conventional radiotherapy and a new radiation treatment that could eliminate six weeks of radiation treatments. The study is designed to determine which group (conventional radiotherapy or IntraBeam® Radiation) will have a better outcome. This advanced technology, known as IntraBeam® Single- Treatment Radiation, gives the entire radiation treatment during the patient's surgery. While conventional radiation has been proven to be safe and effective, a single Intraoperative dose may eliminate or reduce some of the potential side effects associated with conventional radiation treatments which can include:

• Redness and soreness of the skin
• Possible permanent change in skin color
• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Potential fibrosis of breast tissue
• Delayed wound healing
• Inconvenience to commit 6 weeks to therapy time

Unity Surgical Center is committed to continue the progress of advancing medical care for cancer patients by participating in this important trial. Dr. Paul DesRosiers, Radiation Oncologist at Faith Hope and Love Cancer Center states: "This study has the potential to significantly change the current standard of radiotherapy care for early stage breast cancer patients. In the past two decades the medical community has made great strides in developing new diagnostic and treatment options thanks in part to the research that has been conducted."

Dr. DesRosiers continues: "The early results of previous IntraBeam® Radiation studies are encouraging and have indicated the possible elimination or reduction of the side effects associated with conventional radiotherapy or, the possible elimination of the need for conventional radiotherapy. It's a great hope for breast cancer patients."

Dr. Thomas Summer, Director of Breast Services describes the treatment: "Intraoperative Radiation is given in the operating room while under anesthesia. It is a relatively simple process. First, the surgeon identifies the location of the tumor. Then the tumor is surgically removed in a procedure called a lumpectomy. The radiation probe is then placed into the breast into the site where the tumor was located. Radiation is delivered to the tumor bed for approximately 20-30 minutes. The probe is then removed and the incision is closed."