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Continued From Page 12 Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey And Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Nisha Ohri , M . D . Radiation Oncologist
For patients with breast cancer , radiation therapy is often given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence . Traditionally , in preparation for breast radiation therapy , several small but permanent skin tattoo marks are often placed near the sternum and on both sides of the chest . The tattoo marks are used to position the patient correctly for daily radiation treatment .
In recent years , the psychological impact of breast radiation tattoos has been a growing concern . Research has shown that , though only the size of a small pen mark , these permanent tattoos can cause long-term anxiety and body confidence issues for breast cancer survivors . While the markings may slightly fade , for most patients , the remaining ink is a long-lasting reminder of their cancer diagnosis and treatment .
With advancements in surface-guided technologies , many patients may be eligible for a “ tattoo-less ” approach . Instead of relying on permanent tattoo marks for treatment setup , “ tattoo-less ” radiation technology uses non-invasive light emitted from specialized camera units to align a patient ' s skin surface to the planned treatment position . By eliminating the need to mark the body , the permanent visible reminder of a patient ’ s cancer journey can also be eliminated . It ’ s an approach used in treating the ‘ whole ’ patient for breast cancer at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center , an RWJBarnabas Health facility .
RWJ Barnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Bruce Haffty , MD , MS Chair of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey , Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , System Director of Radiation Oncology at RWJBarnabas Health .
More effective treatments for breast cancer are continually evolving through research and clinical trials at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health , to ensure patients with breast cancer have access close to home . As New Jersey ’ s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center , we ’ re able to provide clinical trials not available at other facilities , as well as access to some of the most advanced , targeted treatments and medicines available .
In one such clinical trial , our investigators are exploring preoperative radiation boosts for breast cancer patients . For patients getting a lumpectomy , the standard mode of treatment has been radiation to the whole breast followed by a boost of radiation to the lumpectomy site post-surgery . In this clinical trial , patients are being given the radiation boost before surgery , followed by surgery , then whole breast radiation . A radiation boost targeted at the tumor site is an important component of breast-conserving therapy and has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with early stage breast cancer .
This approach also may allow for more accurate targeting of the high radiation dose at the tumor which may lead to sparing more normal breast tissue . We expect that the use of a pre-operative radiation boost will have an acceptable primary outcome with a similar rate of post-operative wound complications as the current standard of care . We are also evaluating whether the pre-operative radiation dose impacts the immune response of the breast tumor . By year ’ s end , the trial will have accrued more than 100 patients .
Saint Peter ’ s University Hospital Lisa Hopkins , MD
Breast surgeon with Astera Cancer Care , who treats patients at Saint Peter ’ s Breast Center
Saint Peter ’ s University Hospital provides a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care via a team of oncologists , breast surgeons , radiation oncologists , radiologists , pathologists , genetic counselors , physical therapists , and palliative care staff who collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans . Patients also have the opportunity to consider clinical trials when appropriate .
Surgical patients at the Breast Center take a pre-operative class led by a patient navigator who explains what to expect before and immediately after surgery , as well as later in the recovery process . A physical therapist works with patients on exercises to help reduce tightness in the arm and maintain range of motion . Approximately 85 percent of patients are back home in the evening on the same day of their surgeries , including some patients who undergo a mastectomy with reconstruction .
Saint Peter ’ s Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers ( NAPBC ). Receiving NAPBC accreditation is evidence that the Breast Center has achieved standards that meet or exceed national benchmarks , along with internal and external assessments of breast cancer performance based on nationally recognized standards .
State-of-the-art screening mammography and diagnostic mammography services are offered in the Women ’ s Imaging Center at Saint Peter ’ s University Hospital . Digital mammography , such as the Hologic ® Genius ® 3D Mammography™ technology , assists with the early detection of breast cancer , allowing for treatment at the early stages of the disease . Saint Peter ’ s has earned the 2023 Women ’ s Choice Award in Breast Care , Cancer Care and Mammogram Imaging .
In addition , genetic testing through the Department of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine at Saint Peter ’ s University Hospital enables treatments to be targeted specifically to individuals who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer , leading to better outcomes .
Valley Health System Laura Klein , MD Director , Valley Breast Center , Valley Medical Group , and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery , The Icahn School of Medicine , Mount Sinai
The Breast Center team at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care provides a full spectrum of breast health services , from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship . As part of our commitment to improving patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes , we strive to introduce new treatment technologies and clinical offerings .
Valley ’ s Breast Imaging Center has adopted the SmartCurve™ Breast Stabilization System , which is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram . The SmartCurve system features a proprietary curved surface that mirrors the shape of a woman ’ s breast to reduce pinching and allow better distribution of force over the entire breast .
Chemotherapy may be recommended as part of treatment . Our team understands that for some chemotherapy patients , hair loss can be a traumatic side effect . That is why we offer the Paxman Scalp Cooling System , designed to help prevent hair loss , to a subset of patients . Scalp cooling is a simple , noninvasive process in which the temperature of the scalp is reduced to minimize the chemotherapeutic agents ’ effect on the hair follicles .
Once active treatment is completed , patients will receive ongoing surveillance and survivorship support services . Our team launched the Survivorship and Health Interventions in Nutrition and Exercise ( SHINE ) Program to empower patients to live their healthiest lifestyle after treatment . Focusing on nutrition , exercise , and community , the program provides education and referrals to related subspecialists to improve health outcomes and decrease cancer risk .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / t _ kimura
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