Therapies and Equipment

NorthMain has three modern high-energy linear accelerators that permit safe and accurate delivery of external beam radiation. We also have a high-dose rate radiation treatment machine that permits us to do brachytherapy procedures for gynecological, skin and breast cancer patients. As of February 2006 we will have a 16 slice wide-bore CT scanner in our office which will permit fast and convenient
treatment simulation. In addition, we have an active intra-operative prostate seed implant program.

Our three Varian linear accelerators are computer-controlled and produce finely focused beams of x-rays that are directed toward the cancer cells. Some advantages of linear accelerators include the ability to produce radiation of various energies, shorter treatment times, larger radiation field sizes if required, and accurate beam edges. All our linear accelerators can deliver 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, and two provide intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as well as image guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

IMRT is an advanced form of conformal radiation that permits your doctor to treat your tumor with the highest degree of accuracy while sparing dose to critical nearby organs. IMRT often permits higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor which has been shown to improve cancer control rates. IMRT also permits lower doses of radiation to normal tissues, thereby decreasing the risks of side effects.  

We are increasingly using gold fiducial markers to perform IGRT. Most men undergoing primary treatment for prostate cancer have permanent gold markers inserted in the prostate by their urologist. We utilize a type of digital photography called electronic portal imaging to locate the gold markers in the prostate. Prior to each treatment, an image is taken to locate the gold markers within the prostate and adjustments are made to pinpoint the radiation. This technique provides unparalleled accuracy in the delivery of the radiation beams.

Since 1998, NorthMain has offered permanent seed implantation to selected patients diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer. Drs. Joyce and Oldenburg have performed over 300 cases and presently offer intraoperative 3-dimensional computer-planned implants at several local hospitals.

NorthMain Radiation Oncology also has a High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation unit which offers brachytherapy outside the hospital setting for gynecological, skin and breast cancer patients. Our HDR unit also allows us to offer partial breast Irradiation using the Mammosite catheter to patients who meet the necessary treatment criteria.

The treatment machines are operated by licensed and certified Radiation Therapists. The equipment used to treat cancer is maintained by our Rhode Island Registered physicists who are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.

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