A Mobetron, or mobile electron therapy unit, is a device for administering single intraoperative

doses of radiation to a patient undergoing tumor excision.

A mobetron weighs 1/8 the weight of a conventional electron linear accelerator and can be fitted
into any operating theater, requiring no room shielding[1].
After the surgical team has completed excision of all visible positive tissue, the Mobetron's
applicator is placed within the surgical site as close as possible to the suspected microscopic
cancerous tissue to be treated.
Mobetron administered electron beam therapy may be considered to be a form of radical curative
treatment.
Radiation therapy can be delivered by way of 2 different methods:
• External beam radiation: A machine directs very high energy X-rays at the breast.
External radiation is usually delivered while a woman is lying on her back on a treatment
table.
• Internal radiation, implant radiation or brachytherapy: Radioactive material placed
temporarily in a catheter is inserted directly into the breast. This process requires that the
catheter remain in the breast for up to 1 week before it is removed.

Researching Methods to Shorten Treatment

Partial Breast Radiation - Fox Chase is participating in a clinical trial designed for women who
have undergone lumpectomy. Women who enroll in this trial will be split into two groups. The
first will receive conventional radiation to the whole breast with a boost to the lumpectomy site
over 6 - 6 1/2 weeks. The second group will receive a 1-week course of radiation using either the
MammoSite technique or 3-D external beam therapy (2 times per day).
Special Circumstances
(Reconstruction & Larger Breast Sizes)
Radiation of the Reconstructed Breast
After reconstructive surgery, radiation must be performed with expert care. Radiation
oncologists at Fox Chase take special measures to make the radiation as safe as possible for these
women and have extensive experience treating women with either saline implants or muscle
transfer reconstructions.
Radiation used to be associated with high rates of complications to reconstructions. At Fox
Chase, modifications have been made to routine radiation techniques that help make radiation
safer for the reconstructed breast.
Fox Chase physicians have reported some of the best results in the nation with radiation in this
setting, with our women having low risks of serious complications and excellent cosmetic
results. These techniques include specially modified high-energy beams, IMRT and custom-
shaped materials that fit the specific shape of the breast to optimize the radiation delivery.
Radiation for Large Breast Sizes
Women with large breasts require more radiation during treatment because of the larger
treatment area. Historically, these women were denied breast conserving therapy because doctors
worried they could not tolerate the side effects of radiation (for instance, peeling of the skin,
breast pain, fibrosis or skin discoloration).
At Fox Chase, our doctors have special techniques to reduce the side effects of radiation in
women with large or pendulous (severe drooping) breasts. We routinely use 3-D planning,
modified higher energy radiation beams, custom support bras during treatment and the most
advanced IMRT to improve the distribution of radiation throughout a large breast. These
measures all further reduce the side effects in these women.
Side Effects of Radiation for Breast Cancer
The good news is that, apart from some general fatigue, there are few side effects associated with
radiation therapy. IMRT has helped reduce the side effects associated with radiation. However,
some women may develop 1 or more short-term side effects including a sunburn-like reaction on
the areas of their skin that were irradiated, muscle stiffness, mild swelling and tenderness. Others
may have no obvious side effects. Long-term side effects may include firmness, tenderness,
changes in size and skin color of the irradiated breast. In clinical studies that compare radiation
of the breast versus mastectomy, there was no increase of cancer associated with radiation
therapy.