Radiation therapy can still be used as a treatment for cancer, whether it is combined with surgery or chemotherapy. Today’s radiation techniques are more effective in treating cancers than any of their predecessors.
Radiation oncologists have to target cancer cells and avoid as much healthy tissue possible. The latest technologies enable doctors to focus radiation on specific areas while minimising damage to others. Radiation treatments are more effective in fighting cancer and have fewer side effects.
“At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our integrated care model is designed to customize treatment plans for each individual patient so that they can maintain strength and their quality of life throughout treatment,”Pablo Lavagnini MD radiation oncologist “That individualized approach, along with a wide array of new technology, is making a difference in the lives of patients.”
Varian Trilogy is a brand new linear accelerator that offers precise, flexible and efficient treatment for different types of cancer patients.
Radiation oncologists can use RapidArc radiotherapy to conform radiation to the exact dimensions and shapes of tumors. RapidArc employs 2D and 3D imaging to provide more precise treatment at higher doses. The tumor receives a high dose of radiation while the surrounding healthy cells get less. This means that patients will experience shorter treatment times and less side effects.
Trilogy also allows respiratory gating. In this technique, radiation is delivered at a single location in the body’s breathing cycle. A breast cancer patient’s tumor moves when she breathes. Radiation that is not adapted to her breathing rhythm could cause damage to healthy tissue. Respiratory gating makes sure that radiation only targets one point.
Mycosis Fungoides is a rare form of lymphoma. A procedure called Total Skin Electron Therapy, (TSET) uses electrons to treat the lymphoma. It does not penetrate deeply into the body and has minimal side effects.
“New technologies allow us to tailor the treatment to the individual patient and individual tumor. One of the clear patient benefits we are seeing with the advanced radiation therapies of today is the speed of treatment,”Lavagnini. “For patients who may be experiencing pain or discomfort, this is a huge quality-of-life benefit.”
CTCA has advanced treatment options. For more information, please visit www.cancercenter.com.
