Precision Radiation for Early Stage Breast Cancer

Radiation is an effective treatment for early stage breast cancer, used after a lumpectomy. This can be done externally, with beams aimed through the breast at the former tumor site. Brachytherapy is an internal technique, that uses radioactive "seeds" placed inside the tumor cavity to deliver the radiation which kills remaining cancer cells.
An even more precise technique is now being used at University of California, San Diego Cancer Center, and it is called SAVI™. BioLucent, Inc. developed the device, which conforms to the shape of the tumor cavity, thus giving the radiation dose only to the tissues which need it most. This eliminates additional exposure to radiation, reducing possible damage to skin, nearby healthy tissue, and chest wall muscles.

• UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center First in California To Offer SAVI™ Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment
• Animation of SAVI™ procedure (requires QuickTime plug-in)