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This TV news report from Washington, D.C. tells one breast cancer patient’s successful experience with BioZorb™. Janice Monk, a patient of Dr. David Weintritt at the National Breast Center, had the 3D BioZorb marker placed during lumpectomy surgery. The marker improves cosmetic results and radiation therapy, while also helping to protect healthy tissue from radiation damage.
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Dr. David Weintritt joined Caitlin Francis on WHAG Morning News to talk about a brand new innovative approach to treating breast cancer, it’s a little device called BioZorb™
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Dr. Weintritt is among the first in Virginia to adopt an innovative new device that improves the treatment of breast cancer, by more precisely targeting radiation treatment and providing for better follow-up exams.
He has helped pioneer use of the BioZorb™ marker, which is placed during lumpectomy surgery performed to remove the cancer as part of breast conservation therapy.
The unique three-dimensional BioZorb marker is the first device that identifies in a fixed, 3D manner where the tumor was removed. It helps the radiation oncologist more reliably determine where to aim the radiation.
The marker consists of a spiral made of a bioabsorbable material that holds six titanium clips. The spiral slowly dissolves in the body over the course of a year or more. The tiny marker clips stay in place so the surgical site can be viewed for long-term monitoring.
“One reason this new marker is a great advance is that it allows us to more accurately locate the area where the tumor was removed,” said Dr. Weintritt. “As a breast surgeon, I don’t have to try to describe to the radiation treatment planners where the tumor was located. The marker is sutured right to the site and shows the radiation oncologist exactly where to focus the beam. Put another way, we can precisely target the cells we need to treat, without endangering healthy ones during radiation therapy.”
Breast cancer can be treated by mastectomy (breast removal) or by lumpectomy. With lumpectomy, a small amount of tissue containing the tumor is removed. In addition to the surgery, radiation treatment is typically added to “clean up” any microscopic cancer cells that might remain behind in the breast.
Prior to development of the marker, radiation treatments usually had to be directed […]