The James E. Cary Cancer Center is licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide high dose rate radiation (HDR). This allows physicians to provide a new breast cancer treatment option – known as Mammosite® . Mammosite® treatment is an option for women over the age of 45, with early stage breast cancer (small node negative tumors). If a woman is eligible for Mammosite® , radiation treatment can be completed in 1 week. Several surgeons in the area, including Michael Bukstein, M.D., Aphrodite Henderson, M.D. and Patricia Hirner, M.D., have completed the specialized training necessary to evaluate and place catheters needed for the treatment. Radiation therapy, under the direction of Joseph Bean, M.D., Radiation Oncologist, is then completed.
Mammosite® has been approved by the FDA since 2002 and offers women with early stage breast cancer an opportunity to complete radiation in a fraction of the time needed for conventional radiation. Mammosite® treatment involves the placement of a catheter in the surgical area which allows for direct radiation from inside the breast cavity. There are multiple benefits to Mammosite® treatment including significantly shorter treatment time and excellent cosmetic results. Traditional external beam radiation for breast cancer takes daily treatments over 6 weeks. According to studies by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, 95% of all women treated with Mammosite® had good to excellent cosmetic results. Women report a 98% satisfaction rating with Mammosite® treatment.
Mammosite® is covered by Medicare and private insurers. Because radiation is delivered internally, there are fewer skin reactions. It is important to understand that not all women with breast cancer are candidates forMammosite® treatment. Only qualified physicians are able to determine if Mammosite® is an appropriate mode of treatment.
The provision of Mammosite® at the James E. Cary Cancer Center relies on significant physician coordination and the involvement of a highly trained physicist and dosimetrist. For more information on Mammosite® , contact the James E. Cary Cancer Center at 573-406-5800.