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Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Radiosurgery
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Since early 1998, Willis Knighton has been a pioneer in the development of
intensity modulation. IMRT is a novel means of delivering highly precise and
conformal radiotherapy and radiosurgery. Willis-Knighton is proud to offer IMRT
to the patients of the Ark-La-Tex. This form of therapy is currently available
at only about 100 facilities in the world and IMRT will allow us to safely
deliver additional radiotherapy to sites previously treated to high doses.
Fractionated and single fraction Radiosurgery (similar to Linac Knife and Gamma
Knife) are available for treatment in the brain and body. The treatment uses a
series of intensity modulated microcollimators and arc rotations to deliver a
shaped radiation field allowing the Oncologist to deliver maximal dose with
minimal side-effects. IMRT will be utilized for cancers of the central nervous
system, head and neck, GI and GU systems and any site requiring ultra-precise
therapy. Willis Knighton was one of the first centers in the world to utilize
IMRT. The original system was the Peacock with the department now using both
stepand shoot Varian's "SmartBeam" techniques and Tomotherapy.
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(3-D) Conformal Radiotherapy
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Previously available at major Cancer Centers exclusively, this technology
allows for a computerized 3-D reconstruction of a patients tumor and healthy
structures. The computer allows the physician a "Beams eye view" of the tumor
with digitally reconstructed radiographs. This allows for tighter radiation
fields exposing less healthy tissue and allowing a higher given radiation dose.
3-D therapy allows for the accurate calculation of doses to all treated
structures. Computer generated individually created blocks will block healthy
structures from the radiotherapy beam. "Higher doses with less side-effects".
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Traditional external radiotherapy
This time-proven treatment style is similar to conformal therapy and utilizes
the same equipment but does not offer "Beams eye views" and 3-D dose
calculation. This treatment is still utilized for most cancer patients and in
areas not suitable for conformal therapy. Individually created blocks are
utilized to protect healthy structures.
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Intracavity Implants
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This style of radiation employs the placement of a radioactive source such as
cesium rods within the cavities of the body. Usually used in the vagina and
uterus this treatment has been utilized for more than 70 years. The procedure
requires the expertise of the referring Gynecologic Oncologist and the
Radiation Oncologist. Both low dose rate and high dose rate techniques are
utilized.
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Interstitial Implants (Prostate seed implants)
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We are proud to offer RADIOACTIVE PROSTATE SEEDS for the treatment of prostate
cancer. This new style of treatment has gained in popularity throughout the
world. The procedure utilizes ultrasound guidance to place radioactive Iodine
125 or Palladium 103 seeds directly in the prostate. The treatment may be used
as a sole treatment or with external radiotherapy as a "boost". Prostate
implants allow for the delivery of a higher dose of radiation to the prostate
and decreased doses to healthy tissue. As a result lowered rates of side
effects including incontinence and impotence are reported. The procedure
requires only one day in the hospital. Another advantage of this procedure is
that it combines the expertise of the referring Urologist and the Radiation
Oncologist.
Other available interstitial (in the tissue) implants include the head and neck
and the lung with Iridium radioactive wires often utilized. These procedures
are usually performed with the referring surgeon.
A high dose rate (HDR) unit (Click here
for picture) is available for the convenient and safe outpatient
delivery of radiation to cancers of the lung, esophagus, prostate, uterus
cervix and bladder. This state of the art radiation unit allows the delivery of
cancer gamma-rays over a period of minutes usually without general anesthesia.
In the past, brachytherapy would require up to 40 hours in a specially shielded
hospital room.
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Superficial Radiotherapy
Low penetration x-rays ideal for the treatment of skin malignancies are
offered. Custom lead shielding is utilized to protect healthy structures.
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Vascular Brachytherapy
The use of Beta and Gamma Radiation sources to prevent restenosis (narrowing)
inside a blood vessel. The most common use of this technology is the prevention
of vessel collapse after a heart balloon angioplasty. Willis-Knighton is one of
the first 50 facilities in the United States to offer this treatment which can
reduce the need for repeat angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery. Future uses
include renal dialysis grafts and peripheral vascular grafts.
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Breast Brachytherapy
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Selected patients may benefit from a 5 day course of intracavitary radiation
reducing standard treatment time from 7 weeks to 1 week. A specialized breast
catheter known as mammosite is placed by a appropriately trained surgeon
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Radiolabeled Antibodies
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The utilization of radiolabelled specialized proteins delivers radiation
therapy directly to a tumor site without exposure to uninvolved issues. This
new form of gene therapy utilizes "Smart Bomb" technology and is available at
only a few sites in the US.
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