Intrabeam is a miniature radiation source that delivers high dose, yet is a low energy X-ray used for breast cancer therapy, neurosurgery and other radiation therapies developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec.
The Intrabeam System can be used to treat early stage breast cancer. The radiation dose is administrated to the tumor bed in the operating room, following lumpectomy.
As a minimally invasive technique for stereotactic treatment delivery, following biopsy, the X-ray source probe directs the energy to the target, delivering the dose to the center of the tumor thereby minimizing radiation to healthy tissues.
During treatment delivery, an isotropic dose can be applied directly to the tumor bed, sparing healthy tissue and critical structures, which is said to maximize the amount of dose delivered to the target.
With the precision and control of brachytherapy and the flexibility of intraoperative treatment delivery, Intrabeam offers more options. The miniature X-ray source delivers up to 50kV of energy to the target tissue. Steep dose fall-off ensures that most of the dose stays in the target tissue. Spherical dose delivery that is safely and reliably delivered to tumors and tumor beds. Minimal shielding requirements mean safety for the patient and personnel. Typical treatment takes less than thirty minutes.
This high dose, low energy X-ray requires, according to the manufacturer, minimal shielding for personnel in the operating room, and there is no need to stand behind concrete walls or heavy beam-stopping equipment.
