The Boston Herald reported on March 19, 2013, that MarginProbe, a device used to detect tumor margins, has been installed at the University of California Irvine Medical Center. This is the only installation of the device in the United States. Breast cancer patients now have access to this device during lumpectomy surgery.
The MarginProbe system is new to the United States, although it has been available in Europe since 2008. It received FDA approval in January 2013. MarginProbe emits electromagnetic frequencies, which when read by the system, can guide surgeons to the edge of the tumor. This results in fewer repeat surgeries as the doctors are able to get clear margins the first time.
Having a device that can tell surgeons when they have completely removed a tumor is a major advance in breast cancer surgery. Until MarginProbe came along, the surgeon had to estimate if they got everything and hard-fast definitions of what constitutes clear margins are lacking.
Dune Medical Devices expects to roll out more systems to other hospitals in the United States later this year.
Lynda Altman was diagnosed with breast cancer in Nov. 2011. Keeping up with the latest technology in breast cancer treatment is important to her. She writes a blog called Homeschooling When Mom has Cancer. Get notices when this page is updated by clicking on the subscribe link, by email, or contact Lynda @fusgeyer on Twitter.
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