Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in American women and the second leading cause of cancer death (following lung cancer). This year, the American Cancer Society estimates 182,460 cases of invasive female breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. About 40,480 women will die from it.

There are several treatment options for breast cancer. When possible, doctors try to surgically remove the cancer. In a lumpectomy, only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed. A partial mastectomy is the removal of the tumor, a small margin of surrounding tissue and the underlying section of the chest muscle lining. A total mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast and some of the lymph nodes. In a modified radical mastectomy, surgeons remove the breast, many of the lymph nodes, the lining over the chest muscles and sometimes, part of the muscles in the chest wall.

Breast cancer treatment may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy (treatment with anti-cancer drugs) and/or hormone therapy. Radiation therapy may be given in one of two ways: externally or internally. In external radiation therapy, high energy beams are aimed at the breast to kill remaining cancer cells or stop them from growing. Traditionally, external radiation therapy is given once a day, five days a week for six weeks.

Internal radiation therapy (also known as brachytherapy) provides treatment from inside the breast. The treatment is typically given after a tumor has been removed. Tiny seeds of radiation pellets are placed in a needle, catheter or balloon, then inserted into the area previously occupied by the tumor. The treatment provides a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer site, killing any nearby remaining cancer cells. Since the radiation doesn't have to travel from outside the breast there is less damage to healthy tissue.

SAVI™ for Breast Cancer

Researchers are studying a new device for internal breast radiation, called SAVI™ (Strut-Adjusted Volume Implant). SAVI is a long, thin tube with several flexible catheters (6, 8 or 10 catheters). After the tumor is removed, the SAVI device is inserted into the site, using ultrasound for guidance. Once in place, the individual catheters are released, spreading them out like a wire whisk and conforming to the shape inside the cavity. Then, a CT scan is taken of the breast. The information from the CT scan helps doctors determine the dose and length of radiation exposure at various spots inside the breast. Thus, higher doses can be used in some areas and lower doses can be used in areas close to the skin, heart and lungs.

Once SAVI is placed, the individual catheters are connected to a machine that delivers the radiation seed. The seed is placed into one of the catheters. A computer controls the dose of radiation and length of time the seed needs to be activated. The seed is withdrawn and placed in another catheter. The cycle continues until the seed has been inserted into each catheter. Finally, the seed is withdrawn from the body.

SAVI treatment is given twice a day for five days. The patient wears a special bra to protect the end of the catheter and provide comfort until the treatment is complete. After the last treatment, the expanded catheters are collapsed into a single unit and the SAVI tube is removed.

Catheryn Yashar, M.D., a Radiation Oncologist with the University of California, San Diego Medical Center, says SAVI provides all the benefits of partial radiation with brachytherapy. Instead of having six weeks of external radiation, a woman only needs five days of radiation therapy. In between each session, the patient can go to work or carry on with normal daily activities.

SAVI was approved by the FDA in 2006. Yashar says the treatment can be used by anyone. However, it's especially ideal for women with small breasts or tumors close to skin, who may not be eligible for partial breast radiation.

For information on SAVI™ brachytherapy:

Cinanna Medical

For general information on breast cancer or breast cancer treatment:

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute