Cyberknife research may transform care for rural breast cancer patients
In theory, rural women with early stage breast cancer have the same treatment options as their urban counterparts.
In reality, a higher portion of rural women to choose a mastectomy, even though they could choose less invasive surgery that, combined with radiation treatments, will preserve much of her breast. Studies have uncovered two reasons – distance and time.
Conventional radiation is administered every day for four to six weeks. Combine that with long commutes of two to four hours, and it is no surprise that a woman would choose a mastectomy, return home and get on with her life.
Dr. Kenneth Dornfeld, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist at Essentia Health’s Cancer Center in Duluth, wants to change that. With support from the Essentia Institute of Rural Health (EIRH), Dr. Dornfeld is conducting a research study that could help overcome the prolonged long-distance travel obstacle. The radiation treatment he is studying is focused, delivers more radiation per dose and involves just 10 treatments over five days.
“My hope is that this research puts lumpectomy and breast conservation as a viable option for rural patients with early stage breast cancer,” says Dr. Dornfeld, who has enrolled 10 women since the study opened in June 2010. He hopes to enroll another 10 women who will be treated and followed for tumor recurrence over four to five years.
Dr. Dornfeld’s tool in this research is Cyberknife, a robotic radiosurgery system capable of focusing on the lumpectomy cavity with pinpoint accuracy. In addition to limiting the size of the irradiated area, it is possible this treatment option will result in better cosmetic outcomes. Dr. Dornfeld is monitoring that possibility as well.
If the study shows this treatment option works, it will ultimately bridge the distance between a woman’s treatment options and what she can reasonably fit into her daily life. That’s exactly the kind of difference the Essentia Institute of Rural Health wants to make in the health and healthcare delivery for rural patients in our region and, eventually, rural patients everywhere.
”Dr. Dornfeld’s research is a perfect example of how EIRH-sponsored research is fulfilling its mission to improve health care in rural communities,” says EIRH Executive Director Tom Elliott, M.D. “This project will aid not only our patients, but rural patients across the U.S.”