Better technology is minimizing the side effects of radiation

Better technology is minimizing the side effects of radiation

Precision is vital in any field.

In accounting, for example, precision helps balance the budget. In engineering, precise calculations ensure safety and efficiency. In culinary arts, precisely following a recipe guarantees quality control and consistent taste.

In radiation oncology, technological advancements focused on precision are redefining expectations for cancer patients while improving outcomes.

Radiation therapy uses targeted doses of radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging the genetic material inside cells. The latest generation of cancer-fighting machines can focus beams in increments of less than a millimeter, a level of precision that spares nearby healthy cells and protects vital organs. This helps minimize side effects that for generations have temporarily sidelined many cancer patients, like fatigue, nausea, skin irritation and inflammation. Better precision also can decrease long-term side effects often associated with radiation, including fibrosis, scarring and organ dysfunction. Minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue and organs also reduces the risk of developing secondary cancers down the road.

An additional benefit to precision in delivering radiation treatments is a reduction in treatments. A generation ago, it was common for radiation treatments to stretch several months. That’s because doctors wanted to keep radiation exposure in check, using lower doses each treatment. Now, oncologists can deliver higher doses directed only at the tumor, meaning some treatments can be complete within a matter of weeks.

Although every cancer patient has a different experience while undergoing radiation therapy, the precision of today’s technology is especially encouraging. With less fatigue and nausea, cancer patients are enjoying a better quality of life during treatments. Many patients can still go to work, take long walks with their dogs and go about their daily routines.

Recognizing the impact that precision has on patient care and comfort, Advocate Radiation Oncology invested in patient focused technology that reflects the latest innovations, including these three multimillion-dollar devices manufactured by Varian:

PEZZI

¦ Halcyon: Using Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), the Halcyon’s intelligent automation provides faster treatment times. Its quiet, smooth motions and soft, ambient lighting keep patients relaxed and comfortable during their treatments.

¦ TrueBeam: Using Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), the linear accelerator targets and destroys tumor cells in the body using external beam radiation.

¦ Identify: Using Surface-guided Radiation Therapy (SRGT), Identify uses patient biometrics at every stage of the treatment process to ensure safe and accurate care. Identify is integrated across all machinery and devices within a practice, streamlining communication between the radiation therapists, machines and patients.

Over the last 50 or so years, cancer survival rates have continued to increase because of research discoveries and improved technology. Now, thanks to technological innovations that are precisely targeting cancer cells, cancer patients can experience fewer side effects during their treatments and have an overall better outlook once their treatments are complete.

About the author

Dr. Todd Pezzi is a board-certified radiation oncologist with Advocate Radiation Oncology and sees patients at the practice’s Bonita Springs and Naples cancer treatment centers. Visit AdvocateRO. com for more information. ¦

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