AccuBoost® Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment
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.
Choices with AccuBoost®
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.
The benefits of AccuBoost®
…For Boost
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Non-Invasive- Non-invasive radiation delivery in a simple outpatient procedure
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Accuracy - Accurate dose targeting due to daily real-time imaging
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Skin Sparing - Lower skin dose and skin complications
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Toxicity - Less toxicity and better cosmetic results
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Healthy Tissue Sparing - Radiation is delivered parallel to the chest wall sparing unintentional
exposure to the heart and lungs
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Conformal - Conformal radiation field matches the target size, shape, and location
…For APBI
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Comfort – Unlike other APBI techniques, with AccuBoost there are NO CATHETERS and
all the inconveniences and discomfort associated with them!
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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
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No Catheter Complications – With no catheters, there is no risk of catheter related infection,
displacement or mechanical problems
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No Catheter Care - No Additional care “changing your dressing” at home during
the length of your treatment
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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
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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.
Learn more about AccuBoost® on their website.