New tech promises breast cancer radiation without tattoo markers

It’s a lasting “side effect” in women who have undergone radiation treatment for breast cancer, but new technology is making it a thing of the past.

WOMEN who have gone through breast cancer radiation treatment hold permanent tattooed reminders of their shock diagnosis, but a scientific breakthrough sees the end of the blue dot “zap” accuracy markers.

In a Queensland first, a new technology is available at GenesisCare cancer treatment centre at Chermside, Brisbane.

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AlignRT is a unique radiation therapy system which tracks a patient’s positioning before and during their therapy, to assist with set-up and treatment accuracy.

Before this new technology, breast cancer patients received permanent tattoo marks through traditional radiation therapy to ensure treatment went to a precise location.

Cancer Council Queensland says breast cancer is the most common cancer in Queensland women, with 3510 cases diagnosed every year.

Breast cancer incidence rates in Queensland increased by 0.8 per cent from 2004 to 2016.

For 50 per cent of all cancer patients, radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment pathway.

The new technology uses 3D stereoscopic camera units and surface tracking to detect slight movements, automatically pausing treatment to deliver highly targeted treatment.

“AlignRT is a world-class technology which will ease the imposition and burden of radiation therapy by providing ‘tattoo free’ treatment,” said Nicola Lowrey, a radiation oncologist at GenesisCare who specialises in breast cancer treatment.

“It is the first system of its kind installed in Queensland, providing breast cancer patients with a new option for precision radiation therapy.

“Rather than using tattoos for daily treatment set-up, the optical guidance allows for the use of thousands of reference points, without any increase in radiation dose.”

GenesisCare Oncology Queensland medical director Marie Burke believes the move will eliminate the added emotional impact of having permanent ink marks which can be an unwanted reminded of their cancer diagnosis or treatment.

“Many of the women who come to us for radiation therapy have already undergone surgery and chemotherapy so by the time they reach us they are physically and emotionally exhausted,” Dr Burke said.

“We want to help alleviate any anxiety they may have around permanent tattoos so they can focus entirely on their treatment and getting back to their loved ones.”