Advanced Treatment and Technology

TomoTherapy

TomoTherapy literally means, 'slice therapy,' and gets its name from tomography, or cross-sectional imaging. The TomoTherapy Hi•Art System® delivers a very sophisticated form of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and combines treatment planning, CT image-guided patient positioning, and treatment delivery into one integrated system. Its TomoImage® capabilities allow physicians to verify the position of the tumor before each treatment session, so adjustments can be made on the spot to make sure that radiation is delivered exactly where it should be. This results in radiation treatments that conform to tumors like never before which, in turn, minimizes radiation dose to surrounding normal, healthy tissues. (Back to Top)

The Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment (IMRT)

The Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment (IMRT) system analyzes three-dimensional images of a tumor and chooses from millions of possible radiation beam arrangements to design the best possible treatment plan. This approach allows Aspirus Regional Cancer Center doctors to attack a tumor with multiple small radiation beams that deliver the greatest treatment dose to cancer cells, while decreasing damage to surrounding normal tissues. (Back to Top)

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery

Referred to by many as robotic surgery for prostate cancer, or robotic prostatectomy, da Vinci Prostatectomy is more accurately a robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery that is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for removal of the prostate following early diagnosis of prostate cancer. In fact, studies suggest that da Vinci Prostatectomy might be the most effective, least invasive prostate surgery performed today. The surgery is performed with the assistance of the latest evolution in robotics technology, enabling the surgeon to operate with unmatched precision and control using only a few small incisions. (Back to Top)

Respiratory Gating

Respiratory Gating is a technique for making cancer treatments more accurate and effective by adjusting for tumor movements caused by breathing. This allows the radiation beam to turn on only when the tumor falls within the planned treatment field. This image shows the computer tracking breathing motion. The rectangles note when the treatment beam is on and the wave is the patient’s breathing cycle. (Back to Top)

Ultrasound Verification Positioning System

An ultrasound verification positioning system is used with IMRT in the radiation treatment of prostate cancer.  The ultrasound verification is used daily before treatment to increase the accurate location of the prostate gland. This compensates for prostate movement due to daily distention of the bladder and rectum, decreasing the amount of healthy tissue irradiated. (Back to Top)

Automatic Field Sequencing (AFS)

The Automatic Field Sequencing (AFS) capability on our medical linear accelerators is an advancement in efficient and intelligent radiation therapy, allowing the accelerator to deliver multiple-beam radiation treatments faster then ever before. (Back to Top)
© 2001 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Endobronchial Implants

Endobronchial implants can be used to treat most lung tumors seen in the airways using bronchoscopy.  A thin plastic tube is placed down the nose into the diseased airway passage of the lung. The bronchoscope is removed, but the thin tube stays in place for about two days, while radiation treatment is given through the tube.  Since the tube is lying against the cancer, this in effect treats the cancer from the inside-out. (Back to Top)

Intracavity Gynecologic Radiation Treatment Using GYN Implants

Intracavity gynecologic radiation treatment using GYN implants is often done to prevent local recurrence of endometrial cancer after the uterus has been surgically removed.  An applicator is surgically placed in the patient and small tubes containing radiation are placed in the applicator. Once the prescribed radiation dose has been achieved, usually two to four days, the applicator and tubes are removed. (Back to Top)

Multi-Modality Image Fusion

Multi-modality image fusion is the ability to digitally combine images such as MRI, MRA, CT, PET, and SPECT.  The combined images provide the physician with a clearer picture of the position and extent of the tumor or target area as a patient’s radiation treatment is planned. (Back to Top)

Millennium Multileaf Collimator (for Linear Accelerator)

The Linear Accelerator features a Millennium multileaf collimator, capable of delivering the highest resolution of any treatment possible. It is ideal for small, curved tumor treatment fields. With it, radiation oncologists can more precisely "sculpt" radiation beams to closely represent these curved fields. (Back to Top)
© 2000 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Seed Implant Treatment

In seed implant treatment, tiny radioactive seeds about the size of a grain of rice are placed directly into the prostate using needles guided by medical imaging (usually ultrasound). Rows of seeds are placed uniformly throughout the prostate so the radiation covers the entire gland. The seeds gradually release radiation over 6 to 12 months.  After that time, they lose radioactivity and can safely remain in the prostate for the rest of the patient’s life. (Back to Top)
© 2000 Seattle Prostate Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

3-D Conformal Computer Planning

3-D Conformal Computer Planning is used to accurately determine the position of tumors in relation to healthy tissues and organs. Three-dimensional information about the patient’s anatomy in treatment planning improves both the precision and accuracy in targeting radiation to the cancer.  These images show the 3-D position of a brain tumor. (Back to Top) 

 Stereotactic Radiosurgery (InterFix)

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a new treatment that has the potential to prolong, or save the lives of many patients with brain lesions, or tumors. The procedure combines the technologies of the TomoTherapy Hi•Art System® and the Radionics InterFix Radiosurgery Kit. The InterFix equipment immobilizes a patient, while doctors use TomoTherapy to deliver radiation that conforms to the tumor(s) unlike any other form of radiation therapy. (Back to Top).

Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy System (Xoft)

The Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy System from Xoft is a state-of-the-art technology that is used by Aspirus to treat early-stage breast cancer and select forms of gynecologic cancer. The Axxent