A new sensor device allowing doctors to receive data on the precise amount of radiation being delivered to tumors and surrounding tissue is now being offered at Maury regional Medical Cancer Center. Maury Regional Medical Center is the first in Tennessee to use the technology called DVS® (Dose Verification System) for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.

John P. W. Brown, M.D., surgeon, inserts a device that is as small as the length of a dime and can be inserted inside the patient's tumor bed in less than 15 minutes. After each radiation treatment, the DVS® provides the radiation oncologists (Dr. Michael Sattasiri and Dr. Joel Kochanski) with a measurement of the actual amount of radiation hitting the target where the malignant tumor was removed. This allows Dr. Sattasiri and Dr. Kochanski to make any necessary adjustments to the prescribed dose during the radiation therapy treatment course, making it more precise. The DVS® sensor wirelessly transmits data to the physician immediately following each radiation treatment.

Increasing cancer cure rates and decreasing complications associated with radiation therapy are the goals physicians strive for when treating their patients. DVS® is the first wireless, implantable radiation sensor available in the United States to assist physicians in obtaining these goals. The sensor provides data on the precise amount of radiation being delivered to the tumor and surrounding normal tissue.

"Patients with breast cancer are well educated and often spend considerable amounts of time researching new treatment options to help them in their battle with cancer. They also place tremendous value on being treated with the most up to date technologies. We are excited to be the first facility in Tennessee to offer this technology to patients with breast cancer," says John Brown, M.D., breast surgeon at Maury Regional Medical Center. "Traditional radiation therapies rely on knowing the exact location of the tumor, but provide no guidance on quantifying the actual dose being delivered to the tumor. DVS® provides an unprecedented level of precision to physicians and added reassurance to breast and prostate cancer patients," he adds.

Developed by Sicel Technologies, Inc., the DVS® sensors are implanted during a minimally invasive procedure and gather data on the amount of radiation being delivered to the tumor and normal tissue. Wireless technology transmits the radiation dose information to a hand-held monitor during each of the daily treatments, enabling doctors to verify that the patient is receiving the prescribed dose. If a dose deviation is detected, the treatment plan can be modified and corrected for each individual patient. Accurate delivery of the appropriate dose of radiation is critical for tumor control and cure.

"Maury Regional Medical Center is committed to bringing patients innovative new technologies that can have a positive effect on their end results. We provide many options to our patients and are now screening breast cancer patients to receive this breakthrough technology," says Dr. Brown, who inserted the first DVS® sensor at Maury Regional Medical Center.