Intrabeam Therapy
Intrabeam – new opportunities in breast cancer treatment
The innovative Intrabeam system is a new word in the treatment of malignant breast tumors. A miniature X-ray source allows for intraoperative local radiation therapy immediately after removal of a tumor in the mammary gland. It has been proven that one session on the Intrabeam device, lasting about 30 minutes, is equal in effectiveness to daily radiation therapy carried out over five to six weeks!
Intrabeam: How does it work?
The automated Intrabeam system delivers low-energy X-rays directly to the bed of the removed tumor. According to physical characteristics, low-energy X-rays are highly effective and at the same time have low penetrating power. Accordingly, specialists are able to maximally affect the area of the tumor location, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Intrabeam: who is the therapy indicated for?
Intraoperative radiotherapy is used in combination with minimally invasive organ-preserving surgeries, which is a new individualized approach in breast oncosurgery. Radiotherapy using the Intrabeam device is indicated for patients with small tumors (up to 3 cm), 1-2 clinical stages without lymph node involvement.
Intrabeam: how is the procedure performed?
Radiation therapy with the Intrabeam device is performed immediately after tumor removal. A spherical applicator is inserted into the tumor bed, which allows for maximum close contact with the breast tissues of interest. Radiation is delivered for 30 minutes, after which the applicator is removed and the wound is sutured.
Intrabeam: Pros and Cons
Breast cancer specialists are unanimous in their opinion:
- The intraoperative Intrabeam radiation therapy technique allows achieving similar efficiency in comparison with traditional radiation therapy performed after surgery.
- The radiation characteristics allow avoiding radiation injury to healthy tissues. In most cases, there is no need for further long (5-6 weeks) courses of radiation therapy, which saves patients from frequent trips to the clinic. In addition, according to specialists, therapy with the Intrabeam device is accompanied by better cosmetic results.
- Unfortunately, this technique is not indicated in all cases of breast cancer.
Therapy with the Intrabeam device is approved by the FDA, the leading US organization for sanitary supervision of food and medicine quality. The method is certified and recognized in European countries. Today, Intrabeam therapy is used in 35 countries around the world.
For all questions regarding treatment with the Intrabeam device, please contact the specialists at MedicalExpert.
