Mammosite

Some women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer may be candidates for MammoSite®. A quick and accurate radiation treatment after lumpectomy, this balloon catheter technique allows qualified patients to complete radiation therapy in one week compared to the typical course of six to seven weeks.

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The MammoSite treatment process requires careful planning that begins well before surgery. Breast surgeons make the treatment decision working closely with the patient and the radiation oncologist, who examines each candidate prior to surgery.

Selection criteria include:

• Patients must be candidates for breast conservation. Many patients require or choose mastectomy over other options.
• Tumor pathology must be either ductal carcinoma in-situ or invasive ductal carcinoma.
• Location of the tumor and breast size must be able to accommodate the procedure.
• Tumors must be less than or equal to 2cm.
• Lymph nodes must be negative for metastasis.
• Patients must be at least 45 years old.
• Margins of the surgery specimen must be free of cancer.

Other Alternatives

Patients who which to retain their breast but are not candidates for MammoSite may qualify for multicatheter HDR. In this therapy, the cancer origin can be closer to the skin or chest wall, and the technique is more flexible.

Mammosite FDA Approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved MammoSite in May 2002.

Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers are accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). This rare distinction is given to cancer programs that uphold the highest standard of care for patients. When you choose Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers for your cancer treatment, you can rest assured you will receive the best possible care delivered by a compassionate team of caregivers in a calm, healing environment.