Mammosite Breast Brachytherapy

Last year, North Shore Radiation Therapy continued it's groundbreaking treatments for breast cancer. In 2007, more women underwent targeted partial breast radiation therapy, called MammoSite, at North Shore Radiation Therapy, than anywhere else in the region.

MammoSite was approved by the FDA in 2002. Since then, more than 35,000 women have been treated with this remarkable procedure which is the most widely utilized and accepted method of accelerated partial breast irradiation. MammoSite therapy delivers radiation internally, directly to the site of the tumor, where the likelihood of recurrence is greatest.

North Shore Radiation Therapy is proud to play a role in "success stories" for women who have battled breast cancer. Many of the community's surgeons from Suffolk County and surrounding areas have participated in TCC's MammoSite program, contributing to this great achievement. This New Year, the physicians and staff of North Shore Radiation Therapy look forward to spreading the word on this innovative treatment and helping more and more women get back to their normal lives.

This is how MammoSite 5-Day Targeted Radiation Therapy simplifies breast cancer treatment…

1. Placement

After the breast cancer tumor is removed (lumpectomy), a small, soft MammoSite balloon attached to a thin tube (catheter) is placed inside the lumpectomy cavity through a small incision in the breast.

• The balloon is “inflated” with saline solution so that it fits snugly into the cavity. It remains inflated during the 5-day treatment.
• A small portion of the catheter remains outside the breast; this is secured to a cushioned gauze pad to prevent movement of the catheter.

2. Treatment

• Treatment is planned by a radiation oncologist who will take images of the MammoSite balloon catheter in the breast and determine the amount of radiation needed.
• During therapy, the portion of the catheter that remains outside your breast is connected to a computer-controlled High Dose Rate (HDR) machine that inserts a radiation “seed” to deliver the therapy.
• Once therapy is complete, the seed is removed, the catheter is unplugged, and you will be free to return to your normal daily activities.
• No radiation remains inside your breast in between treatments.

3. Removal

• After 5 days of treatment, your MammoSite balloon catheter will be removed, usually on the last day of treatment.
• The balloon is gently removed through the same incision made to place it.

For more information, call North Shore Radiation Therapy at

(631) 864-5600 or visit their website at www.licancer.com