Hologic showcases new Mammosite at ASTRO 2009

A version of Hologic’s partial breast irradiation device, the MammoSite ML, took center stage this week at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting. The multi-lumen configuration, cleared by the FDA on August 27, allows oncologists to shape the radiation dose. It is the latest enhancement of the basic design, commercially launched some seven years ago. MammoSite delivers targeted radiation therapy directly to the area where cancer is most likely to recur. A full course of radiation can be delivered in just five days. The approach minimizes radiation exposure of healthy tissue surrounding the target site, minimizing side effects such as skin discoloration and scarring, burning, fatigue, and damage to surrounding organs.