ClearPath Breast Brachytherapy

Early stage breast cancer is effectively treated by a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. For ClearPath breast brachytherapy, the technique of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is used. First, the tumor is removed in a procedure called a lumpectomy. Then, radiation is administered to kill stray cancer cells that may remain. Instead of irradiating the whole breast, ClearPath brachytherapy limits the radiation exposure to the narrow margin of tissue around the tumor site where the cancer is most likely to recur.

Treatment benefits

• Patient comfort
• Accelerated five-day treatment
• Reduced side effects

Clinical benefits

[Updated information to be provided]

How it works

If your doctor concludes that you are an excellent candidate for ClearPath brachytherapy, this is how it works.

Preparation. Following your lumpectomy, the ClearPath applicator will be inserted into the space where the tumor was removed. The applicator has multiple catheters that expand to the shape of the tumor site. With the applicator in place you will be able to sleep comfortably and participate in most normal activities.

Treatment plan. Your doctor will prescribe the radiation dose required to treat your cancer. Then the radiation oncology team will generate a plan for delivering the prescribed dose based on the volume, shape, and location of the tumor site.

Treatment delivery. At the time of treatment, a radioactive source will be threaded into the catheters of the ClearPath applicator. The treatment plan determines how long the seed remains in each catheter. You will most likely receive two treatments a day for five days. Then the ClearPath applicator will be removed.

You are bound to have questions. At any point, feel free to talk to your physician.

View the ClearPath brochure.