When it comes to the treatment of breast cancer, precision matters. That’s why, in advance of International Women’s Day, Southlake is proud to announce it is now using the MOLLI® 2 system, a made-in-Canada wire-free breast localization technology to deliver leading edge cancer care thanks to the generous support of the Ladies in Philanthropy for Southlake. This innovative medical device will support more precise, less invasive surgical interventions for more than 200 women living with breast cancer each year.
The MOLLI® 2 system is comprised of several components, including the MOLLI® marker, which is roughly the size of a sesame seed. Up to 30 days before surgery, a radiologist implants the marker into a patient’s breast to mark lesions and tumours. Surgeons then use the MOLLI® wand and MOLLI® tablet to locate the lesion prior to removal. This technology is considerably less invasive and more accurate when compared to wire-guided localization, which requires a guide wire inserted into a patient’s tissue on the day of surgery. The result is a better patient experience and improved cosmetic outcomes for women in the community.
“As a clinician caring for women with breast cancer in our community, I’m proud that Southlake is working with MOLLI Surgical to advance women’s health and improve patient outcomes and experiences,” said Dr. Sara Temple, surgical oncologist and chief of surgery at Southlake. “This innovative technology will help us deliver pinpoint accuracy, preserving more healthy tissue and reducing the amount of change to women’s bodies. This is important when treating women in a holistic way that considers their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Women who visit Southlake can be confident that they are receiving leading edge care, close to home when they need it most.”
Temple performed the first procedure using this technology at Southlake this week. The introduction of MOLLI® 2 is a cross-collaborative effort between Southlake’s surgery and diagnostic imaging departments to improve care and increase capacity to meet growing patient demands.
It is also a testament to the power of community, and in this case, a community of women, for women in York Region and southern Simcoe County. In October 2023, the Ladies in Philanthropy for Southlake, a dedicated group of women philanthropists, voted to direct their collective annual donations to provide the initial funding for MOLLI® 2 at the hospital.
“There are few people who don’t know a friend, a loved one, or a co-worker who hasn’t been affected in some way by breast cancer,” said Diana Chan, chief marketing officer for MOLLI Surgical. “That is why our company is so proud and pleased to work with Southlake to support their life-changing and life-saving work.”
“This International Women’s Day, it’s inspiring to see what Southlake’s donors, particularly the Ladies in Philanthropy for Southlake, have made possible,” said Puneet Sandhu, director of surgery and maternal child programs at Southlake. “This community of women have supported my colleagues and I in ensuring other women across our region and beyond have access to this game-changing surgical cancer treatment. Together, we’re improving clinical efficiency, program capacity and patient experience, and that’s something everyone who has been part of making MOLLI® 2 a reality at Southlake can be proud of.”
“It’s milestones like this that demonstrate this community’s commitment to supporting leading edge care at Southlake,” said Jennifer Ritter, president and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “The passion and dedication of Ladies in Philanthropy for Southlake to affect positive change for women undergoing life-changing breast cancer treatment is amazing, and we’re so grateful for their support.”
Southlake continues to fundraise for their HERE is Where Cancer Meets It’s Match Campaign, supporting the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre. For more information or to make a donation, visit: southlake.ca/HERE.
