The Calgary Health Foundation and Alberta Cancer Foundation are funding a new breast cancer surgery pilot project for $5.7 million.
It is hoped the new surgery technique will reduce the impact of surgeries on women’s breasts by using magnetic localization.
Called The Sentimag Project, contrary to current breast cancer surgery techniques which use hook wires, a magnetic seed called Magseed can be inserted at the tumour site and sit safely in the breast indefinitely without risk of dislodging or pain, allowing for less urgent and complicated.
According to the Calgary Health Foundation press release, a hook wire is usually used to mark the tumour, but it protrudes from the breast, making it "uncomfortable, invasive, and at risk of dislodging."
The Semitag pilot project aims to remove these stressors with the wire being replaced with a seed the size of a grain of rice called Magseed, which can be inserted weeks or months in advance, even at the time of biopsy.
“This project truly aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to transforming cancer treatment and ensuring the best possible care for Albertans facing cancer.” said Barbara Munroe, board vice-chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
“This technology allows us to be efficient with our healthcare resources to improve the patient experience,” said Dr. May Lynn Quan, who is pioneering the surgery in Alberta. “We are very excited about the thought of bringing it to Calgarians and to provide data for the rest of the province so that we can hopefully offer it to women across Alberta.”
