radiation therapy technique

7/27/2019 radiation therapy technique

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WashingtonHospital Cen

MedStar Health

WHCenter.org/ca

TrilogyLineAccelerato

TH E A RE AS MOST ADVAN CE D

RADIATION THERAPY

TECHNOLOGYWashington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center


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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, theres one thing you know forsure you want the best treatment available.

The best treatment combines expert care and advanced technology. At the WashingtoCancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center, you will receive quality medical carefrom an experienced staff of medical professionals using the latest equipment. Thatswhy Washington Hospital Center is the first hospital in D.C. to add the worlds most

sophisticated radiation treatment device to its cancer treatment services.

The Trilogy linear accelerator can treat cancer anywhere in the body. Quite simply, ittargets tumors more precisely, delivers a higher dose of radiation and requires fewertreatment sessions.

The Trilogy increases our arsenal of cancer fighting tools. With this new technolog

we can deliver higher radiation doses with fewer side effects; hopefully this will

translate into higher cure rates. Were excited to offer this new treatment to area

residents who are facing the fight against cancer.

Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD, Radiation Oncolog

Currently, there are

just 32 Trilogy linear

accelerators in the

world. Only 15 are

situated in the U.S.

Washington Hospital

Center is thefirst

in D.C. to add this

exciting and new

treatment innovation.


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How cancer is treatedThere are three main components to cancer treatment, which are used alone or in

combination, depending on the tumor size, type and location.

Surgery removes many kinds of tumors.

Chemotherapy medications, taken orally or intravenously, travel through the body

to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy uses targeted radiation beams delivered from outside the body tothe tumor site to kill cancer cells. For almost 60% of cancer patients, treatment

includes radiation therapy.

What radiation therapy doesRadiation is pure energy delivered in beams. It works by damaging the DNA ofcancer cells so they can no longer reproduce. Because cancer is characterized by rapid

reproduction, this stops cancer from growing and spreading.

A radiation oncologist is a physician who is trained to use radiation for cancer treatment.

This specialist determines the correct amount, or dose, of radiation, and the right method

for administering it to achieve the best results. A medical physicist helps calculate

the dosage to make sure your tumor gets the proper amount of radiation. Using

state-of-the-art computers, they develop a variety of treatment plans that most effectively

destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue. Also, the treatment team uses imagingtests CT scans, PET scans and MRIs to plan where to aim the radiation.

For more informati

about Trilogy or otcancer treatment o

call DOCtorsLine at

(202)877-DO

or visit our Websiteat WHCenter.org/ca


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Why technology is important

A linear accelerator is the machine most often used to deliver external beam radiationStereotactic radiation therapy is the most precise method of external radiation. For

some years now, stereotactic therapy has been used to treat vascular abnormalities an

brain tumors. Recent advances in imaging, patient positioning and targeting now ma

this approach useful for other cancers, too.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy

(IGRT) are also important cancer treating technologies. IMRT is a three-dimensional

radiation therapy treatment that allows radiation oncologists to optimize the planning an


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delivery of high doses of radiation to targeted areas, while minimizing radiation to healthy

tissue. IGRT enhances the accuracy of IMRT by using detailed images to target diseases.

Precise targeting What makes stereotactic therapy different is that it delivers beams

from many different angles to target the tumor more exactly. This precise targeting can

destroy tumors very effectively. It even allows treatment of some tumors that surgeons

cant reach. For some patients, radiation therapy can serve as an alternative to surgery

and sometimes chemotherapy.

Higher doses Because of this precise targeting, radiation oncologists can deliver

higher doses of radiation. The radiation goes only to the cancer cells, sparing the

healthy cells surrounding the tumor site.

Fewer treatment sessions Youve probably heard that radiation treatments are

scheduled multiple times each week, sometimes for many weeks. Because the stereotactic

approach uses higher and more targeted doses of radiation, fewer sessions are necessary.

Radiosurgery Neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists also use stereotactic

equipment to target brain and spine abnormalities. It provides a noninvasive alternative

to surgery, allowing treatment of tumors that otherwise may be inoperable.

Radiosurgery can be performed in a single session.

So deeply moved

your thoughtfuln

Thank you for th

care and concern

You made my day

go quickly. Keep u

the good work.


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What makes the Trilogy linear accelerator specialEven in the highly specialized world of radiation, the Trilogy linear accelerator stands o

It offers an enhanced cancer treatment option.

Flexibility The team of experienced medical professionals can customize treatme

to target many different types of cancers, in many different locations.

Accuracy Radiation beams match the three-dimensional shape of the tumor with

high degree of accuracy. It also can treat smaller lesions, which allows for treatment a

earlier stages when cancer is most curable.

Precision IGRT and On-board Imager (OBI) help medical professionals synchroni

treatment with the patients breathing cycles. This helps to target tumors more precise

while sparing healthy tissue.

Speed The Trilogy delivers radiation at a rate that is 60% faster than traditional

linear accelerators, which enhances the patients comfort.

Power The highest dose rates can be delivered, so treatments take less time and

fewer treatment sessions are needed.

Fewer side effects Because of the precision of the radiation, healthy tissue is spare

which results in fewer side effects.

For more information

about Trilogy or other

cancer treatment options,

call DOCtorsLine at

(202)877-DOCS,or visit our Website

at WHCenter.org/cancer.


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What to expect during treatmentMost often, radiation therapy is an outpatient procedure. The first visit takes about an

hour, because there is a lot of preparation involved. Each subsequent visit takes just 15

to 30 minutes. Patients return home after the treatment and resume normal activities.

The team of experienced medical professionals designs unique treatment plans for each

patient. That plan may include treatment with the Trilogy technology or with other

advanced radiation therapy equipment better suited for that tumor type, size or location.

Initial visit The patient meets with a radiation oncologist to discuss treatment options.

Positioning Accurate, reproducible positioning and rigid fixation are important

factors for precise dose delivery. The radiation therapist fits the patient with an


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immobilization device thermoplastic mask, which softens in warm water and forms a

rigid yet comfortable cast of the patients anatomical contours as it cools and harden

(about 4-5 minutes).

Imaging The patient lies on a CT scan couch and undergoes an imaging procedur

to create a treatment plan and ensure correct positioning.

Treatment planning Using a sophisticated computer program, the team designs a

customized treatment plan, based on information gathered during positioning and imagi

Treatment delivery The patient lies on a treatment couch while the machine mov

around the bed and painlessly delivers invisible radiation. Sometimes the couch move

too. The patient is alone in the room but the radiation therapist is right outside, availa

to observe and talk with the patient during treatment.

Follow-up The treatment team monitors the patients progress with imaging tests

X-rays and blood tests. They work closely with the patients referring physician to

manage care.

You all showed a lot

of respect, kindness

and integrity towards

me. You all were

very professional in

your attitude

and I appreciate

your care for me.


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H O W T O C H O O S E A C A N C E R C E N T E R

After a diagnosis of cancer, your doctor will tell youif radiation therapy is a recommended treatment for

your cancer. Understanding your treatment options

and how to choose a cancer center will help you

make well-informed health care decisions.


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Look for a cancer center that meets these criteria:

Experts You want experienced, compassionate professionals to manage your care.The Washington Cancer Institutes radiation oncology team includes four of the most

experienced, respected radiation oncologists in the area, five radiation physicists and a

caring, highly skilled group of radiation therapists and nurses.

Facility A comfortable, well-equipped facility can ease your treatment. Our radiatio

oncology suite is located on the ground floor of the Cancer Institute at Washington

Hospital Center. The suite is designed to provide quality cancer care in a patient-first

and comfortable, healing environment. A parking garage with free parking for radiati

therapy patients is right next door. Valet parking also is available.

Technology The most advanced treatment technology can improve outcomes.

The Washington Cancer Institute houses three state-of-the-art linear accelerators,

plus a sophisticated three-dimensional CT simulator, treatment planning system and

verification system.

Patient focus You deserve comprehensive and compassionate care to help you figh

your cancer. In addition to effective treatment options, the Cancer Institute offers the

services of a nutritionist, social worker and pastoral counselor, along with patient

education resources and support programs.

For more information

about Trilogy or other

cancer treatment options,

call DOCtorsLine at

(202)877-DOCS,or visit our Website

at WHCenter.org/cancer.


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Consumers rank the Washington Cancer Instituteat Washington Hospital Center #1 for cancer care.

Find out why. Call (202)877-DOCS for additional information or to

schedule an appointment. Or, visit our Website at WHCenter.org/cancer.


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WashingtonHospital Cent

MedStar Health

WHCenter.org/can

The Washington Cancer Inst

Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW

Washington, DC 20010

(202)877-DOCS

Every year, more than 1,000 patients

choose the Washington Cancer Institute at Washington

Hospital Center for radiation treatment. Thats more

than any other cancer center in the area. Our patients

consistently give us very high patient satisfaction scores,

praising our ability to deliver exceptional patient care.

Enter WHCoff First

Street,NW

radiation therapy technique

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