November 2, 2009 - Hologic Inc. is featuring the MammoSite ML radiation therapy system at ASTRO 2009, and will present data showing treatment with MammoSite ML resulted in acceptable ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and axillary recurrence rates that are comparable with standard whole breast radiation therapy.
Hologic's MammoSite therapy system, first cleared by the FDA in 2002, is the most widely utilized and accepted method of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in the United States. With its multi-lumen design, the new MammoSite ML device gives radiation oncologists the ability to shape the radiation dose for typical cases and treat patients who are otherwise not appropriate candidates for traditional brachytherapy.
“The five-year American Society of Breast Surgeons MammoSite Breast Brachytherapy Registry results are also being presented at this meeting,” Harding noted. “The data from the study is expected to show once again that treatment with the MammoSite system resulted in acceptable ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and axillary recurrence rates that are comparable with standard whole breast radiation therapy. We also expect the registry data to show excellent breast cancer-specific survival. ”
In October Hologic began a limited market launch of MammoSite ML to train physicians and scale up for national distribution. The Company expects a full commercial launch by year end.
By employing the MammoSite system, the radiation oncologist can deliver targeted radiation therapy directly to the area where cancer is most likely to recur, allowing a full course of radiation to be delivered in just five days. Additionally, targeted therapy of the breast limits radiation exposure to normal, healthy tissue. This targeting helps minimize side effects such as skin discoloration and scarring, burning, fatigue, and damage to surrounding organs.
David Harding, senior vice president of Hologic's interventional breast solutions business, stated, “MammoSite ML is designed to provide radiation oncologists a lot more flexibility. And, we believe the parallel lumen design offers increased patient comfort and enables efficient treatment planning. With MammoSite ML, radiation oncologists should be able to easily satisfy the current clinical recommendation that the dose to the skin and ribs be maintained to less than 125 percent of the prescription dose.”
“ASTRO is the perfect venue to feature MammoSite ML,” Mr. Harding added. “The radiation oncology community will see firsthand our commitment to expanding the adoption of accelerated partial breast irradiation.”
For more information: www.hologic.com and www.mammosite.com
