Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
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Multicenter Study
Clinical experience with the MammoSite radiation therapy system for brachytherapy of breast cancer: results from an international phase II trial.
In a prospective multi-center phase II trial, we investigated the MammoSite Radiation Therapy System, a new device for delivering intracavitary brachytherapy following breast conserving surgery. The MammoSite is a dual lumen, closed ended catheter with a small, spherical inflatable balloon and a port for connecting a remote afterloader to the central lumen. We analyzed the surgical procedure and placement of the MammoSite, treatment planning and radiation delivery complications and cosmesis, as well the comfort for the patients. ⋯ The MammoSite Radiation Therapy System is a feasible treatment modality for intracavitary brachytherapy of breast cancer after breast conserving surgery. The advantage of the system is only one applicator is necessary for the delivery of a fractionated radiotherapy. In addition, patient tolerance of the procedure is high. Critical issues concern possible overdosages at the skin reflected by a high rate of late skin damage after only 20 months of follow-up time. The method could serve as an alternative to conventional multi-catheter brachytherapy for a selected group of patients.