WVCI to Offer Breakthrough Tumor Targeting System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2009
Contacts: Edward Robinson, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center,
(541) 681-4929, Edward.robinson@usoncology.com
Monica Shovlin, The Ulum Group, (541) 434-7028, mshovlin@ulum.com
WVCI to Offer Breakthrough Tumor Targeting System
Cancer patients will benefit with significantly reduced treatment time, fewer side effects and potentially better outcomes.
Eugene/Springfield, Ore. -- A breakthrough technology for delivering image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) will soon be available at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI), offering new hope for those battling cancer. The new IGRT technology from Varian Medical Systems delivers ultra-precise treatment for cancers of the spinal cord, head, neck, prostate, breast and gastrointestinal system. The IGRT technology is expected to be installed and operational by June 18, 2009.
WVCI's new IGRT system will provide the Lane County area with the most advanced tumor targeting technology available. By using daily CT scans, variations in patient positioning are eliminated. This allows the tumor to be precisely targeted and radiation dose levels to be increased. Higher doses have been shown to enhance treatment effectiveness, and better targeting reduces the possible side effects of radiation therapy.
The new system adds an extra tool to WVCI's arsenal of cancer fighting techniques. WVCI, in partnership with PeaceHealth and local neurosurgeons, has offered Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery at Sacred Heart University District for nearly three years. While the Gamma Knife technology is specially designed for treating tumors in the head and brain, the new Dynamic Targeting IGRT technology from Varian will allow radiation oncologists at WVCI to perform radiosurgery on other parts of the body as well. For some specific tumor types, a course of radiation can be reduced from as many as 42 treatments to as few as one to five.
"This state-of-the-art technology will enable us to continue to treat our patients with the most advanced radiation therapy techniques," said Dr. David Fryefield, medical director at WVCI. "It provides us with tremendous accuracy and will allow us to customize treatments according to the specifics of each patient's case."
"We already offer precision radiation therapy techniques such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)," said Dr. Merideth Wendland, radiation oncologist at WVCI. "Using Dynamic Targeting IGRT from Varian, we can improve the delivery of our already sophisticated radiation treatments and also offer body radiosurgery. We are very excited to make this technology available to our patients."
About Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI) is a community partnership of the physicians of Oncology Associates of Oregon in conjunction with PeaceHealth and US Oncology. Comprehensive services available at the center include advanced cancer treatments, such as 3-D conformal radiation therapy, IMRT, radiation implants, chemotherapy, plus laboratory, pharmacy, diagnostic x-ray, nutritional support, counseling, social services and support groups. Clinical trials that investigate promising new cancer treatments, related to both chemotherapy and radiation, are available for those who qualify. WVCI also offers Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery at the Sacred Heart University District campus.
WVCI offers comprehensive, compassionate care at locations in Eugene, Florence and Springfield, Ore. To schedule a consultation, call (541) 683-5001. For more information, visit www.wvcancerinstitute.com.
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