Electronic Brachytherapy System New Option for Breast Cancer RT

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 16 No 6
Volume 16
Issue 6

Xoft, Inc.'s Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy System for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) recently had its first clinical use in two lumpectomy patients treated at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

MARIETTA, Georgia—Xoft, Inc.'s Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy System for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) recently had its first clinical use in two lumpectomy patients treated at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Treatment was overseen by Philip Z. Israel, MD, director of The Breast Center in Marietta.

Unlike other APBI delivery systems that use radioactive isotopes, the Axxent system uses ionizing radiation delivered by a portable high-dose-rate x-ray source into a balloon applicator in the lumpectomy cavity. Therapeutic radiation doses are delivered to the tumor bed in 10 fractionated treatments over a 5-day period. A shield is placed over the patient's breast during treatment. Radiation to personnel is minimal, eliminating the need for heavily shielded environments.

"Unlike brachytherapy sources containing radioactive isotopes, the Electronic Brachytherapy x-ray source can be turned on and off at will, enabling it to be delivered in many clinical settings," said Kenneth Haile, MD, medical director of the Radiation Oncology Department at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

The Axxent system received 510(k) clearance from the FDA in December 2005. Said Michael Klein, Xoft CEO and president, "We are proud to work with WellStar Kennestone Hospital to make this breakthrough new treatment available to breast cancer patients. As WellStar and our other clinical sites begin to incorporate the Axxent System into routine practice, we are convinced that electronic brachytherapy represents a paradigm shift in radiation therapy."

Recent Videos
Heather Zinkin, MD, states that reflexology improved pain from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.
Study findings reveal that patients with breast cancer reported overall improvement in their experience when receiving reflexology plus radiotherapy.
Patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer were offered 15-minute nurse-led reflexology sessions to increase energy and reduce stress and pain.
Whole or accelerated partial breast ultra-hypofractionated radiation in older patients with early breast cancer may reduce recurrence with low toxicity.
Ultra-hypofractionated radiation in those 65 years or older with early breast cancer yielded no ipsilateral recurrence after a 10-month follow-up.
The unclear role of hypofractionated radiation in older patients with early breast cancer in prior trials incentivized research for this group.
Patients with HR-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer and high-risk features may derive benefit from ovarian function suppression plus endocrine therapy.
Paolo Tarantino, MD discusses updated breast cancer trial findings presented at ESMO 2024 supporting the use of agents such as T-DXd and ribociclib.
Paolo Tarantino, MD, discusses the potential utility of agents such as datopotamab deruxtecan and enfortumab vedotin in patients with breast cancer.
Paolo Tarantino, MD, highlights strategies related to screening and multidisciplinary collaboration for managing ILD in patients who receive T-DXd.
Related Content