After a lumpectomy to remove cancer, many patients undergo radiation for 5 to 7 weeks to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Thousands of women have been able to reduce that time from weeks.. to days with a special kind of therapy.
The process involves small radioactive seeds that are inserted into the breast through a balloon.
But women with small breasts or little remaining tissue weren't candidates for that.
But now-- they have a new option: the Contura Balloon.
Doctors at jupiter medical center are conducting a clinical trial on a new, FDA approved radiation device called the Contura Multilumen Catheter.
Dr. Gene Shieh, M.D. radiation oncologist says: "The Contura Balloon takes the mammosite balloon and makes some improvements.
The main improvement is that instead of one channel for the radioactive source we have five channels.
And using all five channels we’re able to better shape our radiation so that women with smaller breasts who might not necessarily be candidates for partial breast irradiation with the mammosite balloon are now candidates with the contura balloon."
Dr. John Rimmer, the breast surgeon who inserts the Contura Balloon, demonstrates the difference.
Dr. Rimmer , breast surgeon says: "This is the mammosite catheter that has the balloon inflated…and one channel for radiation…this is the contura multilumen balloon which is similar to the mammosite but instead of having one channel it has five lumens on the inside of the balloon.
Contura gives women with smaller breasts some choices.
Dr. Rimmer says "We feel this offers them an option to preserve their breast and have a much shorter duration and we’re looking for patients to join our trial."
For more information ..contact the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Helpline: 1-800 I’m-Aware
Local Komen Affiliate: 841-0041
