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Becky Jacoby, Reporter | December 03, 2008
"The data suggest that BSGI allows for the diagnosis of more and earlier breast cancers," Dr. Brem said.
Special Therapies
A study also released at RSNA introduced a new cancer therapy for women who have had breast augmentation. It involves a partial-breast radiation treatment called brachytherapy, and it is reported to provide improved cosmetic outcomes.
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The most common treatment for patients with cancer and breast implants is mastectomy and implant exchange. While whole-breast radiation therapy after a lumpectomy is an option, it presents a risk of scar tissue wrapping around the implant, causing it to become rock-hard, visually-distorting and extremely painful.
"We are seeing an increasing number of breast cancer patients with augmentation," said Robert R. Kuske Jr., M.D., clinical professor at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and radiation oncologist at Arizona Oncology Services in Scottsdale, Ariz. "By nature, these women are concerned about their appearance and we need to have options for them."
Breast brachytherapy involves radioactive "seeds" which are guided into place through catheters, with the aid of imaging and a computer. The seeds emit high doses of radiation in short bursts. Recovery time is significantly reduced as well.
For the study, 65 women who were diagnosed with small, early stage malignant tumors were treated with brachytherapy after a lumpectomy. The women received two doses per day, at intervals for five days. None of the patients experienced tumor recurrence during the follow-up period. Cosmetic outcome was determined to be good to excellent in 100 percent of patients with 95 percent judged excellent. Implant hardening was not observed in any of the patients.
"Compared to traditional treatments, brachytherapy offers an excellent alternative for these women," Dr. Kuske said. "It offers very high rates of tumor control with fewer side effects and is easier on their lifestyle."
For more information on these technologies and treatments, see the links below.
http://www.rsna.org/media/pressreleases/pr_target.cfm?ID=382
http://www.rsna.org/media/pressreleases/pr_target.cfm?ID=391
http://www.rsna.org/media/pressreleases/pr_target.cfm?ID=390
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