USA's Dr. Laura Witherspoon Advocates Xoft System for Breast Cancer Patients

  The Xoft Brachytherapy system is breaking new ground in the treatment of breast, gynecological and skin cancers for those patients meeting the necessary requirements. Using this new technology, a mini x-ray tube is utilized as the source of radiation, allowing treatments to be delivered directly to the cancer affected area.

"Many of our breast cancer patients live outside Hamilton County - some traveling 50 miles or more for treatment," said Dr. Witherspoon, breast surgeon for University Surgical Associates. "Traveling for six weeks of radiation treatment can be very tiring and difficult for patients, and the Xoft system helps to eliminate this hassle."

  Some women diagnosed with breast cancer are required to undergo a lumpectomy as well as sentinel lymph node staging, which is the surgical removal of cancerous tumors from both the breast and the lymph nodes.  For these women, the Xoft system can be used to administer radiation treatment during the same operative procedure.  Once the lump and lymph nodes are removed, a pathologist examines the tissue to determine if the surgeons were able to successfully remove all of the cancer.  After verifying the cancer has been completely removed, the radiation oncology team is able to proceed with the Xoft treatment in the operating room, removing the need for the patient to undergo a separate procedure.

  So, how does the Xoft system work? The surgeon places a soft catheter with a balloon on the tip into the space left after removing the cancer. The balloon is filled with liquid, and the radiation oncology team delivers radiation through the balloon-tipped catheter.  After treatment is complete, the balloon is deflated and removed from the patient. The incision is then closed, and the patient is able to return home the same day.

  Because of high levels of radiation with traditional radiation therapy techniques, physicians and staff are unable to remain in the same room as the patient. Using the Xoft system with its small x-ray tubes eliminates this problem, as the heavy shielding normally required is not necessary. This allows the staff to remain in the room for the actual treatment, as well as allowing the patient to be treated while still in the operating room under anesthesia.

  While traditional radiation therapy takes weeks, Xoft therapy can be completed in a single day and patients experience less side effects common with radiation, such as skin reactions and fatigue. For additional information regarding the Xoft System, please contact Medline at (800) 242-5662.