Study Says New Radiation Therapy Technology for Breast Cancer Helps Protect Tissue, Adds Options for Patients

SAN DIEGO -- New research conducted at Moores Cancer Center at University of California, San Diego shows that the SAVI™ breast brachytherapy applicator, a new approach for delivering accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), may provide better protection of healthy tissue than other partial breast irradiation methods

The research team, led by Catheryn Yashar, M.D., assistant professor and chief of breast and gynecological services in the UC San Diego Department of Radiation Oncology, presented study results at the recent 2008 World Congress of Brachytherapy.

Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego is one of the first medical facilities in the nation to offer SAVI.

The UC San Diego team reported that the SAVI applicator provided better protection of skin, lung, and chest wall/rib tissue than two earlier methods of radiation treatment. That advantage makes SAVI a viable treatment option for patients whose anatomy or surgical cavity location may prevent them from being treated by the other methods, according to the scientific poster presentation of the study.

source: Cianna Medical