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New Treatment Replaces Electron Boost in Treating Breast Cancer

Vilasini M. Shanbahg, M.D. F.A.C.R., Radiation Oncologist at Radiation Oncology Group (ROG) located at 626 Frankhauser Road Williamsville, NY 14221, along with her partners John H. Lee, M.D. F.A.C.R.O. and Alvin M. Panahon, M.D. and assisted by John I. Pearce, M.Sc. Medical Physicist, began treating patients with AccuBoost. The first two women were treated today and will continue daily for 5 to 8 days.

The AccuBoost system allows the ROG doctors to visualize the site where the cancer was removed from and treat the surrounding area. "We were the first freestanding radiation oncology center in the area, first to get an HDR brachytherapy unit, and now the first to bring AccuBoost to the area," stated Dr. Shanbhag. "Making new technologies available for our patients is a priority for ROG," she continued.

"A unique tool for treating breast cancer, AccuBoost provides immobilization, imaging and treatment all on the same platform," stated Bruce Taylor, NREMT-P and Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for AccuBoost.

The AccuBoost procedure lets the physician see the tissue that needs treatment in real time, selecting the area for radiation just prior to delivery. This ensures only the tissue needing treatment receives dose. The women being treated can see it too, so in addition to delivering care that is highly accurate from a technical standpoint, AccuBoost also provides peace of mind for the patient.

AccuBoost is the first technology to allow High Dose Rate (HDR) treatment of breast cancer in a Non-Invasive way. Prior to AccuBoost, partial breast irradiation treatment was performed via invasive techniques such as employing multiple protruding catheters or with inflatable balloon devices implanted into the breast. AccuBoost can be delivered either prior to or after the main external beam portion of women's treatment. The breast is immobilized and imaged in a manner similar to mammography but without excessive pressure. A special applicator is positioned to deliver the radiation with great accuracy, and virtually eliminating unwanted exposure to heart, lungs and chest wall.

AccuBoost is designed to accurately target the radiation dose. "Using the AccuBoost allows you to see what you treat and treat what you see," stated Piran Sioshansi, Ph.D. President and CEO of Advanced Radiation Therapy.

AccuBoost systems are presently installed at 31 sites in the USA, with 3 more installations pending in May.

Source: Advanced Radiation Therapy

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