Radiation Implants for Women: Advanced GYN Brachytherapy / Mammosite Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer

Procedure Description:

Also called “internal radiation,” this treatment uses catheters, seeds, or capsules to place the radiation source directly into a tumor. Advanced GYN brachytherapy includes vaginal templates, Fletcher-Suit tandem and ovoids, and vaginal dome implants. When radiation implants are used, a container or applicator of radioactive material is placed inside the vagina, or cervix or uterus to kill the abnormal cells. The device is left in place for a limited time to give a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor itself.  These implants can be done with low-dose-rate brachytherapy or high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

Some women with breast cancer may be candidates for HDR brachytherapy with the Mammosite balloon catheter.  Treatment is delivered twice per day for 5 days and 10 total treatments.  This treatment is offered in collaboration with breast surgeons trained in this technique and requires evaluation by a radiation oncologist and breast surgeon to determine if Mammosite HDR brachytherapy treatment is an appropriate option for the patient.