4-D scans help in fight against breast cancer

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Developing new technology in the fight against breast cancer; researchers have made a lot of advancement in breast cancer technology in recent years effecting screening, treatment and survivorship. And expect more of it at a rapid pace.

Now the talk is about a 4-D CT scan: the key to 4-D image guided accelerated partial breast irradiation.

"What this trial is looking at is a technique to do radiation to just a portion of the breast other than the whole breast for a very selective group of women with early cancer," said Dr. Suzanne Evans.

Women with stage zero to one breast cancer.

Breast Radiation Oncologist Dr. Suzanne Evans co-developed the technique at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven .

"We have women breathe from several different cycles and what that lets us do is, it lets us know how the tumor bed is really moving during treatment," said Dr. Evans.

The tumor bed, where the cancer was removed during surgery, is measured to determine the precise area to apply the radiation.

"We are able to safely give larger doses of radiation twice a day six hours a part, a minimum of six hours a part, and consolidate what would normally be a seven week treatment into one week," said Dr. Evans.

Equally as important is less radiation exposure to neighboring organs, the heart and lungs.

"What is so exciting right now is how quickly technology is emerging," said Dr. Anees Chagpar.

Dr. Chagpar is the Director of the Breast Center at Smilow.

"We're being able to crack genetic and genomic codes faster than ever before and more cheaply," said Dr. Chagpar.

3-D mammography is already part of the breast cancer screening arsenal offered there.

The intra-operative MRI, the only one in the state, is currently used for neurosurgery, but there could be other applications.

"To see whether we can actually use that imaging right in the operating room to help us in breast cancer surgery," said Dr. Chagpar.

The emerging technology is all aimed at delivering the specialized care for women with breast cancer.

Twenty-five women are currently taking part in the The 4-D image guided accelerated partial breast radiation trial at Smilow.

For more information call 203-785-2368.