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Treatment and Technology
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a painless procedure that has been used safely and
effectively to treat cancer and other diseases for more than 50 years.
Radiation treatments are delivered with a linear accelerator--a very
sophisticated machine. This technology uses an invisible beam of energy
to penetrate the tumor and destroy the cancer cells. The beam is guided
and shaped to target the tumor directly protecting the surrounding tissue.
Before treatment begins, the patient participates in a simulation
process that mimics the actual treatment. Careful measurements and
calculations are made to determine precisely where the tumor is and the
best way to provide treatment.
Using the best equipment available, we are proud to offer the latest in
modern technology at Cancer Center at FMC. CT conformal therapy, three dimensional
treatment planning, digital reconstructive radiographs and other high
tech methods are used to make the treatment program as effective as
possible.
State-of-the-art Technology
Varian Clinac 2100 dual photon
linear accelerator with electron capability
Computed Tomography (CT)
Fluoroscopic simulator to precisely reproduce the geometric
relationship of the treatment equipment to the patient's tumor volume
Technologically advanced
treatment planning system to
assist in formulating individualized treatment plans and precise
targeting of the tumor
Availability of investigational
and clinical protocols through Southwest Oncology Group
Participation in the Arizona
Cancer Registry, which is compiled into the Rocky Mountain Database
and the National Cancer Institute, Arizona cancer registry
Brachytherapy
Cancer Center at FMC provides convenient third option for the
treatment of prostate cancer. This advanced treatment is the only one of its kind in
Northern Arizona and provides a technologically advanced, convenient
alternative to the common choices of external radiation therapy or
surgery.
Prostate brachytherapy, otherwise known as prostate seed implant
involves the placement of small, rice-sized radioactive seeds into the
prostate gland. The seeds give off low-dose radiation to the tumor
within the prostate gland over the course of approximately six months.
This procedure allows for the delivery of a very high cumulative dose of
radiation to the prostate gland, while allowing low-dose exposure to
surrounding structures such as the rectum and bladder.
The procedure has minimal side effects and can be performed on an
outpatient basis. The procedure usually lasts one hour and patients
usually go home the same day.
The
prostate brachytherapy team consists of highly trained professionals
including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists,
certified medical dosimetrists and specially trained nurses. Candidates for
this new procedure must be in the earliest stages of prostate cancer and
exhibit a low risk of disease outside the gland to be eligible for this
treatment option.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT was introduced in September of 2003
allowing the Cancer Center at FMC to offer the latest in radiation cancer treatment.
This precise radiation technique is the most advanced new development in
radiation oncology treatments. IMRT's sophisticated computer software is
able to shape the radiation beam to the shape of the tumor and adjust
exposure during the delivery of treatment.
IMRT treatments utilize a Multi-leaf
Collimator, computer-controlled motorized leaves provide increased
conformity and adjustment to target volumes. This increases delivery of
dose while reducing dose to nearby normal tissue.
The ability to utilize IMRT
treatments allows the physician to increase the dosage to the tumor
volume while at the same time minimize side effects. Enhanced treatments
result in less reoccurrence of tumors.
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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
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