The University Health System last Monday began using a new $2.7 million cancer treatment system.
The innovative TomoTherapy Hi-Art System will allow greater precision in eradicating tumors, while lessening the side effects of radiation treatment on healthy tissue, according to a Health System press release.
The Health System is the 16th center in the country to use the therapy, which was developed at the University of Wisconsin. According to Radiation Oncology Prof. Paul Read, the University decided to apply the system for the next generation of radiation treatment.
"We are extremely excited to have this cutting-edge technology, which further solidifies U.Va.'s reputation as a national leader in cancer care and treatment," said Maria Kelly, chair of the University's department of radiation oncology, in the press release. "This technology allows us to deliver precision radiation therapy and will have a tremendous positive impact for our patients."
TomoTherapy is a revolution in cancer radiation treatment because radiation is targeted precisely at tumors, while limiting damage to surrounding tissue.
"Three-D CT [computerized tomography] scans are taken of patients initially to tell the computer what area, organs and tissues you want less radiation on," Read said. "A set of 32 computers in parallel then provide optimal individual treatment plans for each patient."
This 3-D imaging increases the accuracy of the radiation beam in targeting tumors. Before treatment, another 3-D CT scan is taken to specify the location of the tumor and adjust the therapy complex exactly for the individual, the press release said.
Patients are treated by a radiation source that rotates 360 degrees around them. The radiation beam is concentrated on the tumor and barred from unaffected tissue by a sophisticated set of metal blocks.
"This allows precise treatment at multiple angles," Read said.
In contrast to conventional radiation therapy involving a wide radiation beam from a few directions, TomoTherapy allows much greater precision in targeting tumors and decreases toxic exposure.
"The machine probably is five to 10 times more sophisticated than the standard system," Read said.
Another benefit of the procedure is its time efficiency.
"The full treatment is 10 minutes, every day Monday through Friday, for five to seven weeks," Read said.
He also said the new cancer treatment system is potentially available to all cancer patients.
In addition to the TomoTherapy System, the department of oncology is planning to begin Extracranial Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Radiotherapy to enhance radiation oncology treatment available at the University Medical Center.
--Compiled by Erin Kim
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