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.
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| A small device is used to place a balloon-like instrument into the cavity that is connected to a catheter. During radiation therapy, the portion of the catheter that remains outside the breast will be connected to a computer-controlled machine. A tiny radioactive seed will travel from the machine, through the catheter and into the inflated balloon. The seed will remain in the balloon and deliver the prescribed radiation dose for about 10 minutes. When completed, the machine and catheter are disconnected leaving no radiation remaining in the lumpectomy cavity between treatments or after your final treatment. |
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Calypso 4D Localization System ("GPS for the Body"®) The Calypso® 4D Localization System™ provides real-time tracking of the prostate during radiation treatment setup and delivery. It allows the clinician to leverage visual and audio cues to ensure accurate targeting of the treatment area so that adjustments can be made to offset any organ movement. Data is collected via implanted Beacon® electromagnetic transponders, which relay coordinates to the main display. Clinicians use the motion data to guide radiation therapy with sub-millimeter accuracy.
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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. |
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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.
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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 necessary depending on the size, location and stage of the cancer.
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Low-Dose Rate (LDR) 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. |
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Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) 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.
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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.
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Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is a revolutionary method capable of efficiently delivering a conformal dose distribution to a target area. As the gantry rotates around the patient, the radiation field is dynamically shaped and modulated in real time to target the tumor bed; treatments may be completed with just one rotation of the gantry, which translates into faster and more precise radiation delivery in less than 2 minutes in most cases.
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