IORT allows radiation oncologists and breast cancer surgeons to work together to deliver a full, concentrated dose of radiation in one day at the time of lumpectomy, targeting cancer cells and sparing healthy tissue, such as the heart, lungs, and ribs. This compares to traditional breast cancer treatment, which involves daily radiation five days per week, for six to eight weeks.
“With IORT, radiation is delivered from inside the breast rather than externally, as is done during external beam radiation therapy (EBRT),” according to Dr. Daniel Howard, Mercy General Surgery. “Two major studies have shown IORT is effective, but with fewer side effects than traditional radiation, making it a viable treatment option for appropriate patients.”
Lourdes is equipped with the Xoft® Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy (eBx®) System®, which is FDA cleared, CE marked and licensed in a growing number of countries for the treatment of cancer anywhere in the body, including early-stage breast cancer, gynecological cancers, and nonmelanoma skin cancer.
The Xoft System uses a proprietary miniaturized x-ray source, which is inserted into a flexible balloon-shaped applicator, then temporarily placed inside the lumpectomy cavity. A full course of radiation is then administered in a single dose which directly targets cancer cells.
“Some women, such as those who live in more rural areas, women who are in the workforce, and women who are caretakers for their families, may find it difficult to finish a course of treatment that requires multiple visits,” added John Montville, Lourdes Executive Director, Oncology Services. “As IORT requires only one dose of radiation, typically patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within days rather than weeks, as compared to traditional radiation treatment.”
The Xoft System uses a proprietary miniaturized x-ray source, which is inserted into a flexible balloon-shaped applicator, then temporarily placed inside the lumpectomy cavity. A full course of radiation is then administered in a single dose which directly targets cancer cells.
“Some women, such as those who live in more rural areas, women who are in the workforce, and women who are caretakers for their families, may find it difficult to finish a course of treatment that requires multiple visits,” added John Montville, Lourdes Executive Director, Oncology Services. “As IORT requires only one dose of radiation, typically patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within days rather than weeks, as compared to traditional radiation treatment.”
A growing body of favorable clinical data supports the use of IORT in candidates meeting specific selection criteria. iCAD is currently conducting one of the largest IORT clinical studies to date using the Xoft System, which compares Xoft IORT to traditional external beam radiation therapy.
To date, more than 3,000 patients have been treated with Xoft IORT. For more information about IORT, the Xoft System and where to find this treatment near you, visit www.xoftinc.com.
