Advanced Breast Care Imaging now offers "boost" dosing for breast cancer patients with the innovative AccuBoost system.
Women with early stage breast cancer often begin their treatment with the removal of cancerous tissue by lumpectomy. Lumpectomy may be followed by daily rounds of radiation therapy to the whole breast for five to seven weeks. The full course of radiation therapy includes a "boost" dose dedicated solely to the breast tissue around the lumpectomy site. This tissue, if left alone, may cause cancer to recur. The "boost" dose is aimed at the site where the lumpectomy occurred, often where the surgical scar is left on the skin. In many cases though, the scar has been found not to be a good reference point for the locating the lumpectomy. With AccuBoost, the "boost" dose can be more specifically targeted at the lumpectomy cavity in a non-invasive manner.
What happens during my AccuBoost Treatment?
- The breast will be imaged from top, bottom and side view, similar to a mammogram, but with less compression.
- The technician and doctor will set up the AccuBoost system to deliver the radiation dosage.
- The patient will remain in a seated position, very still, for a limited amount of time.
- Time of the treatment varies, depending upon the radiation dosage and the patient's breast.
The Benefits of AccuBoost
- Non-invasive radiation delivery in a simple outpatient procedure.
- Accurate targeting of radiation to the lumpectomy site.
- Minimal dose of radiation to healthy tissue, sparing unaffected organs such as the heart, lungs, and the healthy breast.
- Less reddening of the skin and discomfort from the "boost" dose.
- Better cosmetic results for patients.
