One-dose radiation

Luah

Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere (I couldn't see it)... pretty exciting news from a clinical trial going on showing that a single shot of radiation into the lumpectomy cavity at time of surgery is as effective as 6 weeks of external beam radiation in preventing recurrence.

If results hold up, this will be a huge leap forward both for patients' health and convenience, and for the health care system that will save bucketloads of money. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/191024.php

leta17

Thanks for posting this, I saw this as well and I am going inquire about this!

realitychick

I saw this also and just wish it was already approved. I am trying to get them to let me do the twice a day for 5 days Rads because I have to drive so far. Getting it the one time during surgery and being done would be awesome!

helenap

sounds a lot like mammosite which is twice a week for 5 days. you must have a small tumor (grade is not relevant) clean margins with enough tissue around the area to be targeted so that the radiation does not burn through the tissue to the outside of the breast. they told me they are recommending this for older women over 40... I am 60. i am opting for this because I fear radiation over my left breast affecting my heart

Resting

Luah,

   Just now reading this. Your BC dx is very close to mine - even the timing. I was diagnosed in Nov 2009, surgery in Dec, chemo began Feb 3rd and I'm now half way thru 2nd round - Taxol. First round being AC. Anyway, I will have Rads sometime in August and I'm wondering about this single shot. Guess we missed it as we've already had surgery. Do you know anymore about this?

TerriJo

I took part in a clinical trial where I received the one dose radiation at the time I had my lumpectomy done in November 2009.  It was totally painless.  The only SEs from it that I had were my breast had a dimple look to it, breast felt hard in that spot and also turned a tan colored (like it had a suntan).  All of these SEs have since gone away.  It eliminated the need to have 6 weeks of radiation therapy, which safed time, expense and made me very happy.  I would do it again if needed.

Luah

ECT: Sorry just saw your post. No, I don't have any more information. My guess is that it is extremely new and only a handful of doctors may be doing it - perhaps even still in a clinical study setting, It's worth asking your rad onc about though.

Good luck with the taxol and your rads.  I am 7 days away from the end of my treatmenet - hair is coming back pretty thickly, I finally have eyebrows and eyelashes again, and the rads have not been too fatiguing.  It gets better!