Imaging Technology News - January/February 2009 - (Page 8)

Feature RADIATION THERAPY Radiation Therapy continued from page 7 treatment for prostate patients, esophageal patients, pancreatic and in particular head and neck tumor patients, as well as many other types of cancers. “I’ve been working in therapy for a long time, and I know for our patients it’s very uncomfortable to lie still and wear a mask,” said Evans. “When IMRT became our standard, treatments were extended. By doing RapidArc, the radiation is delivered much more quickly and the patient is on the table less. With our prostate patients, the fiducials can actually move due to gas, excess stool and not enough urine in the bladder. So by doing RapidArc, there’s less time for the prostate to move and the treatment becomes more accurate.” While some might be skeptical of the efficacy of a drastically reduced treatment time, studies by Varian indicate RapidArc compares favorably with conventional and helical IMRT treatment. In one example, a multitarget cancer of the nasopharynx, RapidArc plans were found to be equivalent or better at target coverage for all targets, and superior in protecting critical structures, including the spinal cord, brainstem, eyes, optic nerve and chiasm, parotid glands and brain. The Elekta Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is designed to enhance the nature of IMRT treatment through precise customization. Treatment planning can incorporate a single arc, multiple arcs, partial arcs or a combination depending on the physician and patient. The choice of arcs is intended to create precise dose control and to avoid vulnerable organs and structures. Treatment with the VMAT can rival the RapidArc in speed, with total treatment times as short as two minutes. The speed means less discomfort and potential side effects for the patient, while for the physician it allows for potentially improved outcomes and additional patients in the institution. The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is designed to noninvasively treat tumors throughout the body and particularly in delicate areas. The system uses robotic arms and continual image guidance to track, detect and correct for tumor and Elekta Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is a patient movement before and during treat- new IMRT treatment technique that combines a digital linear accelerator, 3D volumetric imaging and advanced ment. Gantry rotations are treatment planning expertise. eliminated, and the robotic mobility allows for automated noncoplanar treatments; together this treatment mechanism is designed to be accurate and customized for the most complex tumors. CyberKnife enables radiation oncologists to precisely treat intracranial and extracranial tumors in the spine, lung, prostate, liver and pancreas. The treatment process utilizes the skeletal structure of the body as a reference, eliminating the need for bone fiducials or head or body frames typically used for stabilization, minimizing discomfort. While other systems have been more widely adopted in radiation oncology, demand for the CyberKnife is growing; in 2007, the 100th system was installed in France, and availability has increased by 50 percent since. Ultimately, radiation oncologists view the tool as another powerful option for inoperable or surgically complex tumors. Through new advances in targeting technology, radiation oncologists are discovering more options for delivering high-intensity, low-risk treatment to complex, moving and irregularly shaped tumors. ITN Robots Among Us While the Hi-Art, RapidArc and VMAT are still considered cutting-edge, they are increasingly familiar to radiation oncologists, and on the wish list of many centers. But is there a different technology along the spectrum of advanced targeting? Subscribe Today! National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. 19TH ANNUAL NATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY BREAST CENTER CONFERENCE March 14 - 18, 2009 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada 7 Exciting Pre & Post Conference Courses! NEW! Breast Health Navigator Certiﬁcation Course NEW! 8 Hour Digital Mammography Course from Imaging Technology News Industry and technology headlines, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Course Clinical Breast Examination Certiﬁcation Course Surgical Management of Breast Disease Course Breast Self Examination Trainer Certiﬁcation Course Grant Writing Course Meet Speakers, Panelists and Track Leaders Who Share Their Expertise in the Field of Breast Health Care conference updates and quick links to editorial features delivered to your desktop—once weekly. Go to ITNonline.net for your complimentary subscription! The conference is sponsored by: REGISTER TODAY! Online registration is now available on the NCBC website! www.breastcare.org V: 574-267-8058 F: 574-267-8268 ncbc@breastcare.org 8 | ITN | Jan/Feb 2009 | ITNonline.net http://www.itnonline.net/imaging/subscribe.php http://www.breastcare.org http://www.breastcare.org http://www.ITNonline.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Imaging Technology News - January/February 2009

Imaging Technology News - January/February 2009 Contents IMRT Imaging RT Solutions for Troublesome Tumors PACS Radiology to Close the Imaging Loop Will Web-Based PACS Take Over? Is CT Dose Under Control? The Best in Digital Mammography Breast Biopsy Systems MX Series Monitors Provide University of Pennsylvania Quality Assurance Reduce Waste to Raise Revenue

Imaging Technology News - January/February 2009

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