3-D Conformal Radiation Therapy

3-Dimensional Conformal Therapy allows us to shape the radiation beam around the tumor therby limiting exposure to normal healthy tissues.  3-D Conformal Therapy involves the use of Computer Tomography (CT) images to construct a 3-D, computer-generated re-creation of the internal organs and the tumor. This allows the radiation oncologist to target the treatment area while minimizing side effects.

RapidArc® Radiotherapy

RapidArc® is a volumetric arc therapy that delivers a precisely sculpted 3-D dose distribution with a single 360-degree gantry rotation. By using an advanced algorithm that simultaneously changes the rotation speed of the gantry, shape of the treatment aperture and the delivery dose rate, treatments are often delivered in less than 2 minutes. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) differs from existing techniques like helical IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) or Intensity-modulated Arc Therapy (IMAT) because it delivers the dose to the entire tumor site, rather than slice by slice. (more info)

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) involves the use of multiple high-energy x-ray beams to target the tumor. The radiation beams are calculated in advance as part of a patient specific treatment plan to deliver precise radiation while minimizing the dose to the normal surrounding tissues. The strength of the beams can be adjusted as neccessary depending on the size, location and stage of the cancer.

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is a radiation treatment supported by enhanced graphic targeting. By targeting the treatment area using 2 and 3-D imagery, we can achieve better patient outcomes with fewer side effects.  This is particularly useful when addressing prostate, breast, lung, spine, head/neck cancers and other sites in the body.  The clinician can retarget the treatment area daily to, not only to overcome any movement of internal organs, but also to adjust for the change in size and shape of the cancer.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a specialized technique for radiation treatment that is effective for select brain tumors. This technique has such a dramatic reducing effect on the tumor that the post treatment results are considered "surgical". The procedure involves treating the tumor with focused beams of radiation using a high degree of precision in one to five treatments.  It also facilitates maximal protection of normal brain and nerve tissue.  For patients, this treatment is usually completed within one week allowing them to return to normal activity more quickly.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a high-dose treatment for select cancers in the body delivered in one to five sessions.  This technique using focused radiation has such a dramatic reducing effect on the tumor, that the post treatment results are considered to be as effective as surgery.  SBRT is an effective alternative to invasive surgery for many cases, especially for tumors located close to vital structures that have been deemed inoperable.  It offers the flexibility to treat more tumors and allows higher doses to be safely delivered.  SBRT also permits re-treatment of cancer recurrence involving previously irradiated tumor sites.

Computer Tomography (CT) Scanning & Simulation

Computer Tomography (CT) Scanning is used to map the organs and structures within the body.  When a treatment plan is developed, a CT Simulation is necessary to acquire measurements and other technical data.  The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table where multiple scans are performed to generate a digital 3-D reconstruction of the tumor area.  The information collected during simulation helps the radiation oncologist and other staff prepare and deliver the radiation.

Respiratory Gating

Treating cancerous tumors, while avoiding exposure to normal healthy tissue, is the goal of radiation therapy. Respiratory Gating is a newer technology that allows the radiation treatment to be synchronized to an individual's breathing pattern, thus targeting the tumor only when it is in the best range for treatment. This is particularly important when treating lung and upper gastrointestinal tumors. By monitoring breathing through the treatment, the radiation oncologist can choose the best moment in a patient's breathing cycle to deliver the treatment.

Accelerated Partial-breast Irradiation (APBI)

Accelerated Partial-breast Irradiation (APBI) is a newer treatment alternative for women with breast cancer. It works by delivering radiation from inside the lumpectomy cavity (the space left after the tumor is removed) directly to the tissue surrounding the cavity where the cancer is most likely to recur. It is delivered on an outpatient basis twice a day for 5 days.

High Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

High Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy is another form of internal treatment that involves stronger doses of radiation through the use of temporary implants that are attached via catheters to an external radiation delivery source. The clinician monitors the delivery process and removes the catheters when the daily treatment is completed.  Like seed implantation, a prescribed dose of radiation is delivered while minimizing side-effects because the radiation does not penetrate to the surrounding normal tissue.  High Dose-Rate Brachytherapy can be effective with beast, prostate and gynecological cancers.

Low Dose-Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy (Seed Implants)

Low Dose-Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy involves the use of tiny radioactive isotopes called "seeds" that are permanently placed in the body. This form of treatment controls the dose and reduces exposure to the normal healthy tissues that surround the tumor. The relative amount of radiation is very low and over a period of time, implanted seeds lose their radioactivity and can remain in the body. In the early stages of prostate cancer, for example, seed implantation is often used as a stand alone treatment.