Abstract
The MammoSite (Cytyc Corporation, Marlborough, MA) breast brachytherapy applicator was designed to overcome the logistic problems created by external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and the technical difficulties associated with multicatheter-based interstitial brachytherapy. The MammoSite catheter has been shown to treat a volume of tissue equivalent to that treated by multicatheter-based brachytherapy. Using ultrasound guidance, the MammoSite applicator can be placed using an open technique at the time of lumpectomy or post-lumpectomy. Initial results have shown favorable cosmesis and few significant side effects. NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413 randomizes patients between EBRT and partial-breast irradiation (PBI). The PBI arm consists of interstitial brachytherapy, MammoSite brachytherapy, or 3D conformal EBRT. This trial has the potential to provide a definitive answer regarding the benefits of PBI for certain subgroups of patients, and hence lead to more women undergoing breast conservation therapy.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.