Radiation therapy, a noninvasive procedure that destroys and damages cancer cells to stop them from growing, is one of the most common treatments for cancers. About half of all cancer patients will have radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. The Oklahoma Proton Center is proud to be one of the first treatment centers in Oklahoma to deliver radiation therapy with TomoTherapy® for cancer. This system combines 3D imaging and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) delivery to precisely target cancer.
What is TomoTherapy®?
The TomoTherapy® Hi-Art treatment system is reshaping Radiation therapy by integrating CT imaging with helical intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment for the full range of cancer tumors. TomoTherapy® is the gold standard for complex radiation therapies. One of the most significant benefits to TomoTherapy® is the sparing of healthy tissue while targeting the nucleus of the tumor while reducing the side effects.
How does TomoTherapy® work?
The TomoTherapy® machine delivers helical (continuous 360°) IMRT that uses tens of thousands of narrow beamlets, all targeting the tumor and individually optimized to contribute to the total tumor dose.
It offers, by far, the most beamlets of any form of IMRT, which translates to the most precise conformal radiotherapy available.
The TomoTherapy® machine is an all-in-one solution, incorporating software for treatment planning, quality assurance, patient set-up, and treatment delivery. It facilitates the first fully-integrated process for radiation therapy, reducing the number of technical decisions that need to be made and giving clinicians more time to focus on patients.
- Radiation Therapy – High-level energy rays that attack cancer and other illnesses, causing changes in the cancer cell DNA that stop its ability to multiply resulting in the death of cancer cells.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) & Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) – Radiation system that delivers carefully calculated beams of intense radiation, directed to the nucleus of the tumor itself, allowing healthy tissue around the area to be spared, helping to reduce side effects. Calculations optimize beam shape intensity to match the shape and size of the patient’s tumor.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery – Non-invasive process to treat brain tumors and arteriovenous malformations. Finely collimated radiation beams use arcs to deliver single, high-dose treatments.
The Benefits of TOMOTHERAPY®
TomoTherapy® is optimal for tumors as it provides various benefits that include:
- Unparalleled precision for targeting tumors, sparing surrounding healthy tissues
- Multiple metastases treated simultaneously
- Optimal treatment for recurrences
- Daily CT image guidance
- Treatment plan flexibility
TomoTherapy® Path to Recovery
TomoTherapy® Path to Recovery begins with weekly 3D CT scans taken by a clinician before each cancer treatment. The scans not only confirm cancer’s precise location but also allow healthcare providers to track tumor size or location changes between treatments, which would impact the treatment plan.
When treatment is completed, it’s vital to maintain ongoing follow-up visits to watch for potential TomoTherapy® side effects. Patients must also prioritize self-care for a successful recovery after radiation therapy, including getting adequate rest, eating a healthy balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practicing proper skin care and protection.
