RI surgeon pioneers new breast cancer treatment

DR. DAVID EDMONSON, a surgeon at Women & Infants Hospital, has become among the first in New England to make use of a new device that more accurately targets radiation treatment for breast cancer. / COURTESY WOMEN & INFANTS HOSPITAL
DR. DAVID EDMONSON, a surgeon at Women & Infants Hospital, has become among the first in New England to make use of a new device that more accurately targets radiation treatment for breast cancer. / COURTESY WOMEN & INFANTS HOSPITAL

PROVIDENCE – Dr. David Edmonson, a surgeon with the Breast Health Center at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, has become among the first in New England to make use of a new device that more accurately targets radiation treatment.

The three-dimensional device is a spiral of bioabsorable material with six titanium clips that is placed in the breast during a lumpectomy. The marker permits the oncologist to see where to aim radiation during follow-up treatments.

The spiral later dissolves in the body during a year or more, leaving the tiny marker clips in place so that the surgical site can be monitored long term.

“The marker has also allowed some women who would not previously have been candidates for breast conservation treatment to have a lumpectomy,” said Edmonson. “This device helps us achieve better cosmetic outcomes and improves our communication with the radiation oncologist about the specific area of the breast to target with follow-up radiation.”

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The device has been used at Women & Infants on more than 100 patients.

Breast cancer can be treated surgically by mastectomy 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 deal with any microscopic cancer cells that might remain behind in the breast.

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