Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology involves the use of ionizing radiation to treat benign and malignant tumors. Radiation therapy has been shown to be very effective in destroying cancer cells, but the real challenge in radiation oncology is how to spare the surrounding critical structures, such as tissue and vital organs, while giving an adequate dose to the tumor. With the recent technological advancements in radiation oncology, it is now possible to combat this challenge. However, these advanced radiation modalities are typically only available in large urban university settings due to the considerable financial and human resource requirement to correctly utilize and deliver modern radiation treatment.
The goal of Cancer Treatment Services Arizona (CTSA) is to provide university-level care in a community setting. For example, CTSA provides the Trilogy™ Stereotactic System to its patients, a state-of-the-art linear accelerator that allows for the maximum number of treatment options. The dedication and commitment that CTSA has made to the local community will ensure that patients will feel at ease and comfortable while receiving cancer care in Casa Grande.
Two primary forms of radiation therapy are offered at CTSA:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy
- Brachytherapy
External Beam Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy uses a linear accelerator to emit high energy radiation beams precisely to the target site in order to cease or slow the growth of cancerous tissue. This equipment permits the radiation beam to accurately penetrate the skin and strike the tumor accurately without any physical contact with the machine or its components. Consequently, this is a non-invasive painless procedure for the patient. The precision of this treatment method helps to spare healthy surrounding tissue therefore reducing any side effects. Therapy is typically provided 5 days a week for a prescribed timeframe determined by the radiation oncology team.
Prior to giving radiation therapy, the radiation oncology team creates a unique treatment plan for each patient through the use of a highly developed treatment planning system. Based on diagnostic information, this plan is tailored based on size, location and other parameters specific to the patient. The team uses this plan to position and create the size and shape of the radiation beam.
CTSA's linear accelerator is called the Trilogy Stereotactic System manufactured by Varian Medical System. This technology has the ability to perform multiple advanced radiation modalities that include:
