SAVI Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy is a `Unique Solution,` Study Finds

Research Indicates SAVI Can Expand Access to Shorter, Easier Therapy
ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
The SAVI 6-1Mini breast brachytherapy applicator is the only brachytherapy
solution for patients with small breasts, hard-to-reach lumpectomy cavities, or
cavities close to the skin surface, according to a new study.

Physicist and lead researcher Serban Morcovescu, MS, DABR, presented these
findings on the 6-1Mini device at the recent annual conference of the American
Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Morcovescu`s scientific poster was one of three such presentations on the SAVI
applicator that were presented at the prestigious national meeting.

"The SAVI 6-1Mini applicator is the only implant solution for small lumpectomy
volumes," said Morcovescu, of Texas Oncology Denton, in Denton, Texas.

He compared the device to two other brachytherapy technologies, including
another multi-lumen balloon device. "SAVI allows us to safely treat patients
whose breast size, cavity size and/or skin distance would not allow the use of
balloon applicators."

According to the study, SAVI allowed proper dose optimization, excellent PTV
coverage and acceptable skin sparing for all patients.

SAVI is implemented as part of breast conservation therapy, encompassing surgery
to remove the breast cancer and follow-up radiation -- in this case, radiation
that is delivered inside the breast by brachytherapy. SAVI treatment is
completed in just five days compared to the six weeks of treatment, five days a
week, that are typically required by traditional, external-beam radiation
treatment.

Morcovescu`s study evaluated seven patients who were ineligible for balloon
brachytherapy due to small breast size, small cavity size or minimal distance
between the cavity and skin surface. Balloon brachytherapy applicators cannot be
used on smaller cavities or those close to the skin surface or other body
structures.

The SAVI 6-1Mini was specifically designed to deliver radiation to small or
hard-to-treat lumpectomy cavities. The device is not limited by restrictions on
skin spacing or cavity volume, because its multi-catheter design enables
physicians to carefully direct and modulate the radiation dose.

The two other posters presented at the conference were APBI Brachytherapy Device
Stability and the Importance of Pre-faction Device QA, authored by Daniel
Scanderbeg, Ph.D. and Catheryn Yashar, M.D., of Moores Cancer Center at
University of California, San Diego; and Dosimetric Effects of Non-Symmetric
Openings of Multi-Catheter Breast Brachytherapy Applicators, authored by Jay
Reiff, Ph.D., of Hahnemann University Hospital.

The 51st annual ASTRO meeting was held Nov. 1-5, 2009, in Chicago. The SAVI
applicator is made by Cianna Medical, Inc.

About Cianna Medical, Inc.

Cianna Medical, Inc. is focused on women's health and dedicated to the
innovative treatment of early-stage breast cancer. The company manufactures and
markets the SAVI breast brachytherapy applicator, for the delivery of breast
cancer radiation after lumpectomy surgery. The SAVI applicator allows contouring
of the radiation dose, and is designed to make the benefits of accelerated
partial breast irradiation available to a greater number of women. For more
information about the company, call (toll-free) 866-920-9444 or visit
www.CiannaMedical.com.

Dowling & Dennis Public Relations
Liz Dowling, (760) 942-2544
Liz@DowlingDennis.net

Copyright Business Wire 2009