There are two methods for delivering radiation therapy. One uses a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver high-energy radiation from outside the body to the affected area. The other, utilizes internal radiation therapy which delivers radiation from inside the body directly to the lumpectomy site. A new alternative for some women who have breast conserving surgery is partial-breast irradiation. It works by delivering radiation from inside the lumpectomy cavity (the space left after the tumor is removed) directly to the tissue surrounding the cavity where the cancer is most likely to recur.
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation or APBI, is a 2-stage process: balloon placement and radiation delivery. After the surgeon performs the lumpectomy, an uninflated balloon connected to a catheter, is placed inside the cavity where the tumor was. A portion of the catheter remains outside of your breast. Once in place, the balloon is inflated with a sterile salt water solution to fit snugly into your lumpectomy cavity. The balloon remains inflated for the entire time you are receiving radiation therapy (usually 5 days). After the balloon is in place, that area of the breast is cleaned and bandaged and you may go home.
APBI is given under the direction of a radiation oncologist who will determine the amount of radiation needed. It is delivered on an outpatient basis twice a day for 5 days. During radiation therapy, the portion of the catheter that remains outside your breast will be connected to a computer-controlled machine. A form of X-ray radiation is delivered to the breast via the catheter. Once completed, the machine is disconnected from the catheter. No radiation will remain in your breast between treatments or after your final treatment. Usually on the same day as your final radiation treatment, the balloon will be deflated and easily removed.
More about the Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy System
The Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy System utilizes a proprietary
miniaturized X-ray source to apply radiation directly to a tumor bed within
the body. Unlike conventional HDR brachytherapy technologies, the Axxent
System does not require radioactive isotopes or heavy shielding. Therefore, the medical clinician can remain in room during treatment, providing
continuous patient monitoring and care. The system is designed to deliver a therapeutic dose directly to the tumor bed while applying less radiation to tissue beyond the target area, potentially reducing treatment time from seven weeks to five days.
The Axxent® Balloon Applicator is a key component of the Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy System, a unique treatment solution for Accelerated Partial
Breast Irradiation (APBI). Axxent Balloon Applicators are available in multiple
sizes and shapes to best fit the contour of the lumpectomy cavity, which
allows the radiation dose to conform to the size and shape of the cavity.
Inserted through a single incision, the balloon catheter provides a channel
for the Axxent HDR X-ray source to deliver high-dose rate, low energy
radiation treatment. |
