Breast cancer treatment has evolved rapidly over the years, with technological advancements playing a critical role in improving patient outcomes. A groundbreaking study recently presented at the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting highlights a significant development in radiation management for patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
The study, conducted by Inova Health System, focuses on the use of the VeraForm marker for cavity delineation and Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) combined with Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) to achieve remarkable radiation reduction. The results, showcasing over 80 percent reduction in radiation Planning Target Volume (PTV), are poised to transform the way breast cancer treatments are administered.
VeraForm Marker: Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Treatment
The VeraForm marker, developed by Videra Surgical, is a 3D, radiopaque tool designed to accurately define the tumor bed cavity in patients undergoing lumpectomy. Its introduction into breast cancer treatment protocols has revolutionized the way radiation therapy is delivered, ensuring precision and minimizing exposure to healthy breast tissue.
By enhancing target delineation, the VeraForm marker enables oncologists to establish more accurate radiation volumes, directly impacting the patient’s radiation exposure. This precision, combined with advanced techniques such as APBI and DIBH, represents a significant leap forward in breast cancer treatment.
Study Details: A Collaborative Effort
Participants and Methodology
The study involved 76 patients from the Inova Health System in Virginia who had undergone breast-conserving surgery. After lumpectomy, the patients were treated using a 5-fraction external beam Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) technique. To further manage radiation exposure, the Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) method was employed, helping reduce the movement of the chest during treatment and minimizing the dose received by the heart and lungs.
The VeraForm marker was used to delineate the tumor bed cavity accurately, which is essential for targeting the area that needs radiation while sparing healthy tissue. The study followed patients for two years post-treatment to assess long-term outcomes.
Radiation Reduction and Results
One of the key outcomes of this study was a substantial reduction in the radiation Planning Target Volume (PTV), with an average reduction of over 80 percent. This result is groundbreaking because it demonstrates that breast cancer patients can receive effective treatment while significantly lowering radiation exposure to healthy breast tissue. Despite the reduced radiation volume, there was no compromise in local control, meaning the cancer treatment remained effective.
The combination of VeraForm for accurate cavity delineation and APBI with DIBH for motion management proved to be a highly effective strategy for reducing radiation exposure without affecting the overall efficacy of the treatment.
The Role of APBI and DIBH in Radiation Management
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) and Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) are two advanced techniques that, when combined with the VeraForm marker, offer tremendous benefits in breast cancer treatment.
– APBI: This technique delivers focused radiation to the area of the breast where the tumor was removed, reducing the need to irradiate the entire breast. APBI can be delivered over a shorter time frame and minimizes exposure to healthy tissues.
– DIBH: This technique involves the patient taking a deep breath and holding it during radiation therapy. By doing so, the chest expands, and the distance between the heart and the radiation field increases. This reduces the amount of radiation that reaches the heart and lungs, providing additional safety during treatment.
Insights from Oncology Experts
Dr. Ashish Chawla’s Perspective
Dr. Ashish Chawla, Department Chair of Radiation Oncology at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, emphasized the importance of precise target delineation in reducing radiation exposure. “This study showed that applying the benefits of APBI using advanced target delineation with VeraForm and motion management allows us to treat less normal breast tissue, which reduces the overall radiation exposure for our patients,” Dr. Chawla stated.
He further elaborated on how the VeraForm marker enhances accuracy during treatment: “With VeraForm, we are more confident with the delineation of our tumor bed cavity. Our target radiation volumes are established by defining the cavity accurately.” This precision has been key in achieving the substantial radiation reduction demonstrated in the study.
Dr. Shawna Willey’s Perspective
Dr. Shawna Willey, Petersen Chair and Director of Breast Surgical Oncology at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, echoed similar sentiments, focusing on the patient-centric benefits of reducing radiation exposure.
“Any time we can effectively reduce the amount of radiation a patient gets, that’s to the patient’s advantage,” Dr. Willey noted. “With excessive radiation, there are unfortunately side effects.” The study’s results, she explained, highlight the importance of precision in treatment: “Providing sound cancer treatment and getting the right amount of radiation to the right place while sparing healthy tissue is the goal.”
Conclusion
The study’s findings offer promising advancements in the field of breast cancer treatment. The use of the VeraForm marker, coupled with APBI and DIBH, demonstrates a substantial reduction in radiation exposure for lumpectomy patients without sacrificing the effectiveness of the treatment. These innovations pave the way for more precise, safer radiation therapy, ultimately improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients.
As technology continues to advance, treatments like these will play a vital role in reducing the side effects associated with cancer therapy while maintaining its efficacy.
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FAQs
Q1: What is the VeraForm marker?
A. The VeraForm marker is a 3D, radiopaque tool used to delineate the tumor bed cavity in breast cancer patients undergoing lumpectomy. It enhances accuracy during radiation therapy.
Q2: What is APBI in breast cancer treatment?
A. APBI (Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation) is a radiation technique that targets only the part of the breast where the tumor was removed, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
Q3: How does DIBH help in reducing radiation exposure?
A. DIBH (Deep Inspiration Breath Hold) involves the patient holding their breath during radiation therapy to increase the distance between the heart and the radiation field, reducing the risk to the heart and lungs.
Q4: What were the key findings of the study involving VeraForm and APBI?
A. The study found that using VeraForm and APBI with DIBH led to an average of over 80 percent reduction in radiation Planning Target Volume (PTV) without compromising treatment efficacy.
