CASE News

April 16, 2008
The Rolla Daily News
Chamber members hear about Tour, MammoSite

Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce members were updated on the Tour of Missouri cycling race, the Relay for Life fund-raiser, update from Federal Emergency Management Agency officials and then heard about the latest breast cancer treatment technique during the monthly luncheon Wednesday at Matt's Steakhouse.

Dr. Mary Graham explained the MammoSite breast cancer technology, a multi-specialty treatment that more directly targets treatment to the affected area. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Graham explained the treatment takes five days rather than five to six weeks.

"It's adaptable to treat many kinds of cancers," Graham said. For breast cancer, initially, the cancerous tumor is removed (lumpectomy), a small, soft MammoSite balloon attached to a thin tube (catheter) is placed inside the lumpectomy cavity through a small incision in the breast.

The balloon is "inflated" with saline solution so that it fits snugly into the cavity. It remains inflated during the five-day treatment.

A small portion of the catheter remains outside the breast; this is secured to a cushioned gauze pad to prevent movement of the catheter.

Then, treatment is planned by a radiation oncologist who will take images of the MammoSite balloon catheter in the breast and determine the amount of radiation needed.

During therapy, the portion of the catheter that remains outside the breast is connected to a computer-controlled High Dose Rate (HDR) machine that inserts a radiation "seed" to deliver the therapy.

Once therapy is complete, the seed is removed, the catheter is unplugged, and patients are free to return to their normal daily activities.

No radiation remains inside a breast between treatments. After five days of treatment, the MammoSite balloon catheter is removed, usually on the last day of treatment.

The balloon is gently removed through the same incision made to place it. The MammoSite Radiation Therapy System received FDA clearance in 2002. Since then, more than 32,000 women have been treated.

MammoSite Targeted Radiation Therapy works from the inside, meaning that a higher daily dose can be used for a shorter period of time.

Graham also announced the formation of SAFERolla, an effort to educate Rolla residents about the ill effects of smoking.

SAFERolla, an acronym for Smoke-Free Air for Everyone in Rolla, is the continuation of an effort introduced during a City Council meeting.

Scott Caron, director of The Centre, Rolla's health and fitness facility, took the lead on the initiative on the urging of City Council members and has since moved out of a leadership role.

"With the Tour and everything, we've sort of passed it off," said Caron, who made a brief presentation and showed a Tour of Missouri video at the luncheon. Graham, transitioning well between the MammoSite technology and the ill effects of smoking, offered statistics citing the dangers of second-hand smoke.

"Second-hand smoke is the third leading cause of cancer," Graham told the group of about 80 attending the luncheon. "After only 30 minutes of breathing second-hand smoke, persons can inhale enough smoke to increase heart rates and cause a heart attack."

Chamber members heard from FEMA representative Angel Gonzales, who said the Rolla Recovery Center at The Centre will close at 5 p.m. today. Those still needing assistance but are unable to get to the Centre today, still may apply by telephone at 800 621-3362.

The Small Business Administration also is offering assistance for flood victims. Persons should contact the SBA at 800 659-2955.

Felisha Richards, the sponsorship chairperson for the Relay for Life offered a brief history of the Relay for Life efforts and urged Chamber members to participate or sponsor walkers.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at Lions Club Park.

For more information, contact Richards at 578-5004. Staff Sgt. Kevin Braam, the Chamber’s Service Member of the Month, was unable to attend Wednesday. He will be recognized next month, along with the May honoree. Braam is a basic engineer course instructor.

The RACC honored two local businesses. Villa Enterprises and Foods for Health received certificates as co-Businesses of the Month.