How does MammoSite 5-day Targeted Radiation Therapy work?
MammoSite 5-day Targeted Radiation Therapy uses a small, soft balloon attached to a thin catheter (tube). This balloon is placed inside the lumpectomy cavity. To deliver the required therapy, a tiny source of radiation, called a 'seed,' is placed within the MammoSite balloon by a computer-controlled machine.
During 10 treatments over 5 days, this 'seed' is placed in the balloon and therapeutic radiation is delivered to the area surrounding the lumpectomy cavity. After each treatment, the 'seed' is removed, but the balloon catheter remains for the next treatment.
After 5 days of treatment, the balloon catheter is removed, and the area is closed with a small bandage. Most women say that they feel little or no discomfort either during the treatment or when the device is removed.
What about side effects?
Clinical trials for MammoSite 5-day Targeted Radiation Therapy have shown it to be well tolerated, with mild side effects for a short period of time. Side effects that occurred most frequently include redness, bruising and breast pain. These did not occur in all patients. These are all common side effects of breast surgery and/or radiation therapy and usually go away after a short time. Occasionally, there is also drainage that occurs from the catheter insertion site, which is normal; this will also go away after a short time.
What to expect with MammoSite after your lumpectomy: 1) Placement:
• An uninflated MammoSite balloon catheter is gently placed inside the lumpectomy cavity through a small incision in your breast.
• The balloon is 'inflated' with saline solution so that it fits snugly into the cavity. It remains inflated during your 5-day treatment.
• A small portion of the catheter remains outside the breast; this is secured to a cushioned gauze pad to prevent movement of the catheter. 2) Treatment:
• Your treatment is planned by a radiation oncologist who will take images of the
MammoSite balloon catheter in your breast and determine the amount of radiation needed.
• During therapy, you will visit the radiation oncologist twice a day for 5 days. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes.
• During treatment, the portion of the catheter that remains outside your breast is connected to a computer-controlled machine that inserts the radiation 'seed' to deliver the therapy. Once therapy is complete, the seed is removed, the catheter is unplugged, and you will be free to return to your normal daily activities.
• No radiation remains in your breast in between treatments. 3) Removal:
• After 5 days of treatment, your MammoSite balloon catheter will be removed, usually on the last day of treatment.
• The balloon is gently removed through the same incision made to place it. The incision is then closed with a small bandage.
• Most women feel little or no discomfort either during insertion or during removal.
Department of Radiation Oncology
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
600 Moye Blvd.
Greenville, NC 27834
Phone (252) 744-2900 / Fax (252) 744-2812
