New Radiation Approach Improves Breast Cancer Treatment

iCAD recently announced that more than 3000 patients with early-stage breast cancer received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) using the Xoft Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy System. The system was showcased during the Physicians’ Education Resource’s 34^th annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference, according to a press release.

“The growing adoption and utilization of Xoft IORT further validates that it is a safe and effective treatment option, offering valuable benefits to early-stage breast cancer patients who meet specific selection criteria,” said Ken Ferry, president and chief executive officer of iCAD. “The treatment of more than 3,000 patients with IORT using the Xoft System is a significant milestone and highlights the continued commitment by leading clinicians to make this clinically proven treatment option available to their patients.”

IORT is a procedure that allows for collaboration between oncologists and surgeons to deliver a full radiation treatment in 1 day to certain women with breast cancer, according to iCAD.

Traditional radiation therapy requires daily treatments for 6 to 8 weeks, which can present a significant burden for patients who may have to lose hours at work to receive treatment. This option also presents significant costs for patients from traveling to a treatment center often.

However, the IORT system delivers the full course of treatment directly within the tumor during 1 visit. This approach targets cancer cells and reduces damage to nearby heart, lung, and rib tissues, which can reduce adverse events. An increasing amount of data shows that IORT may benefit certain patients more than traditional treatments.

The FDA has approved the Xoft System to be used to treat any type of cancer, including early-stage breast cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, and gynecological cancers, according to the press release. The device uses a miniaturized x-ray as the radiation source that targets tumors, while leaving healthy tissue unscathed.

The Xoft System also can benefit clinicians since it requires minimal shielding and does not require room construction. Additionally, health care professionals are able to remain in the room with the patient during treatment, which may comfort some patients. The mobility of the system also allow for easy transportation to multiple locations, according to the release.

“IORT with the Xoft System offers patients a number of unique benefits, including shorter treatment times, fewer side effects, reduced costs and added convenience compared to traditional treatment,” said Barbara Schwartzberg, MD, FACS, breast surgeon, Sarah Cannon/HealthONE, Rose Medical Center. “By treating early-stage breast cancer in just one day, eligible patients are often able to return to their daily lives within days and better maintain their quality of life.”