Lake/University Ireland Cancer Center Uses Image-Guided Radiation Therapy to Zero in on Cancer

New advanced technology allows us to more accurately target cancer while sparing healthy tissue.

Radiation oncologists at Lake/University Ireland Cancer Center (L/UICC) have begun treating cancer patients with an advanced image-guided radiation therapy treatment system that enables radiation beams to be focused on tumor targets with more precision than ever before possible.

"We're always seeking ways to improve the quality of care that we provide patients. This highly advanced technology allows us to more accurately target cancer while sparing healthy tissue, thereby ensuring our patients receive even more effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects," explains Louis Novak, MD, a radiation oncologist on staff at Lake Hospital System.

Radiation is pure energy delivered in beams. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer reproduce. Because cancer is characterized by rapid reproduction, this stops cancer from growing and spreading. In the past, radiation beams could only be delivered in straight lines, making it difficult to limit radiation exposure to just the tumor.

"The advantage of the Elekta Synergy image-guided radiation therapy is that we are able to shape the radiation beam to match the dimensions of a tumor, and thereby deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor without harming surrounding normal tissue. This enhances radiotherapy's effectiveness in treating cancer, particularly in the prostate, head and neck," adds Dr. Novak.

Unlike previous technology, image-guided radiation therapy relies on images of anatomy to guide radiation delivery precisely to the tumor. This is critical because both patients and their organs move, which means the tumor is also moving. This motion can result in the radiation beam missing its target.

Image-guided radiation therapy allows L/UICC radiation oncologists to obtain CT images daily just prior to treatment, while the patient is in precise position. This not only reduces variability in tumor targeting and patient positioning, but also allows an increase in dose to the tumor because they can accurately pinpoint the tumors location on any given day. The goal is to improve patient tolerance and tumor control with less long-term toxicity. With this technology, most patients experience little or no side effects.

Accurately locating the position of a tumor is especially critical in prostate radiation therapy. The prostate can move significantly due to variable filling and emptying of the bowel and bladder, which can push the prostate out of its normal zone.

"Because we can acquire an image of the prostate just before treatment, we can make the treatment margins around the prostate very tight," Dr. Novak adds. "The result is effective eradication of cancer cells without the pain or side effects of other treatment options."