Press Releases
Texas Oncology–Odessa West Texas Cancer Center to Offer Advanced Radiation Technology
Technology Proven To Increase Treatment Precision and Possibilities
10/19/2009
Texas Oncology–Odessa West Texas Cancer Center announced today that they are now treating patients with advanced technology for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). The Dynamic Targeting® IGRT system from Varian Medical Systems enables physicians to pinpoint cancerous tumors with greater precision and speed.
Dynamic Targeting IGRT incorporates a robotic On-Board Imager® kV imaging system capable of real-time tumor tracking and automated patient positioning. The system enables the delivery of concentrated radiation doses while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. This precision enables oncologists to treat a wider range of cancers, including prostate, lung, liver, spine, and brain.
“Our goal is to provide our patients with the most advanced cancer treatments and tools,” said Dr. Joseph Kaczor, radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology–Odessa West Texas Cancer Center. “With the IGRT technology, our cancer specialists are now able to zero in and deliver radiation doses with incredible accuracy, thereby reducing risks to the patient.”
This new system also includes technology that helps doctors manage tumor motion during treatment. Traditionally, small shifts in patient movement can result in damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. The IGRT system includes an optical camera which monitors each patient’s respiratory motion and turns the radiation beam on and off as the tumor moves in and out of range. This enables clinicians to compensate for a patient’s respiratory motion, which offers even greater accuracy. With this improved precision, doctors are able to significantly reduce the risk to neighboring healthy tissue and improve long-term clinical results.
The Dynamic Targeting IGRT system offers patients faster treatments, greater comfort, and the potential for improved treatment outcomes. Treating patients with leading edge radiotherapy techniques provides Texas Oncology–Odessa West Texas Cancer Center physicians with unprecedented versatility and the ability to precisely customize patient treatments.