Mammosite ®: A Treatment Option for Early Stage Breast Cancer
Women diagnosed with breast cancer have a lot to consider regarding treatment options. Treatment plans vary based on the stage of cancer, the size of the tumor, your age, your current health condition and other considerations. If you have been diagnosed with an early-stage breast cancer (Stage 0, 1 or 2), with limited or no lymph node involvement, and a tumor size smaller than 3 cm (about the size of a walnut), you may be eligible to receive a newer treatment option called Mammosite®.
What is Mammosite?
Mammosite is a targeted radiation therapy treatment in which a small, soft balloon attached to a thin tube (catheter) is placed inside the lumpectomy cavity through a small incision in the breast. During therapy, the portion of the catheter that remains outside of your breast is connected to a computer-controlled high dose rate (HDR) machine that inserts a radiation “seed,” to deliver the therapy to the area where cancer is most likely to recur. Once therapy is complete, the seed is removed and the catheter is unplugged.
Mammosite Offers Patients Several Advantages Including:
- Shorter treatment period (five days) than traditional radiation therapy
- Fewer or milder side effects
- Outpatient therapy
Why is radiation therapy needed?
“After a breast cancer tumor is removed (via lumpectomy), radiation therapy is used to help keep the cancer from coming back in your breast (termed local recurrence). The goal is to kill any cancer cells that remain, so that these cells cannot reproduce,” states Jeffery Rosenstock, MD, a radiation oncologist with the department of radiation oncology.
There are many options for treating breast cancer. Make sure that you understand all of your options so that you can make the decision that is right for you. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for Mammosite.
Penn’s department of radiation oncology offers Mammosite at Pennsylvania Hospital’s Integrated Breast Center. For more information, or to make an appointment with a Penn cancer specialist, call 800-789-PENN (7366).
Understanding Your Cancer Treatment Plan |
The amount of information a cancer patient receives related to your diagnosis, therapy, nutrition, support groups, etc. can be overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to help you keep track of all of your health information:
- Keep a notebook to record information/ instructions from your doctor. You can look back at your notes when you need to make decisions related to your condition.
- Take a friend or family member with you to key appointments. Two people listening to what doctors are saying will help you sort through all of the information you will receive from your health care providers.
- Talk to other cancer survivors about their experiences with treatment. This will help you sort out your feelings and decide on the treatment path that’s right for you.
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