External Beam Radiation Therapy Guided by Cone Beam Imaging
Cone Beam Imaging is an advanced technology computed tomography (CT) unit that is part of the linear accelerator (the radiation therapy machine). This technology helps your radiation oncology team to see a three-dimensional picture of the patient’s anatomy and the area that is being targeted immediately before the radiation treatment is delivered.
- The imaging takes about one minute to do and is non-invasive and causes no discomfort
- It decreases the chances of side effects of treatment
How does Cone Beam Imaging improve treatment?
Studies have shown that certain organs or areas inside the body move in their position internally from day-to-day. The movement may be due to breathing, bowel content, bladder filling, or other normal body functions. Because Cone Beam Imaging allows the treatment team to actually see the organs and target area right before turning the radiation beam on, the team can adjust the treatment field so that it is always aimed directly at the target. The ability to see inside the body with a three-dimensional picture assists the radiation oncologist tohave increased confidence about the radiation field that is going to be delivered. This confidence allows the radiation oncologist to escalate the dose to the tumor area and yet be assured that other critical structures that do not need to receive radiation are out of the beam target.
Who are the best candidates for Cone Beam Imaging?
Cone Beam Imaging for target localization is ideal for prostate, pancreas, lung, gynecological, and head and neck cancers. Your radiation oncologist will talk to you and explain whether or not Cone Beam Imaging is a technology that will be appropriate for you.
Are there any other advantages to Cone Beam Imaging?
The addition of Cone Beam Imaging will also allow theSOMC Cancer Center to utilize Stereotactic BodyRadiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), sometimes referred to asa Photon Knife. The technology is referred to as a knife because the radiation beam can be as precise as a laser and sculpt around the tumor. The great thing is that the actual knife is never used. There is no invasive component to the technique, no pain, and there are no surgical incisions. Essentially SBRT and SRS are techniques that preciselydeliver radiation beams to destroy tumors in asmall number of intense treatments. Patientswho are suitable candidates for SBRT or SRS, the technology holds thepotential to decrease the length of treatmentwhile improving the chance for cure.
How can I be sure that this technology is safe?
The SOMC Cancer Center is the only facility in the region to be ACR, ACoS, and Joint Commission certified. These certifications ensure quality and safe treatment delivery. In addition, the team at the SOMC Cancer Center is board certified and includes a full-time pharmacist on staff to ensure that the radiation beam is always accurate and precise.
Who do you call if you have questions?
Call the SOMC Cancer Center at (740) 356-7490 or toll free 1-888-722-8787, or email us if you have questions.
Who do you call if you have questions?
Call the SOMC Cancer Center at (740) 356-7490 or toll free 1-888-722-8787, or e-mail us if you have questions.
