State of the Art

The Radiation Oncology department has made significant improvements to provide better cancer treatment in the Northland. Currently the department features a number of radiation energies of various strengths to allow for more accurate care and flexibility in scheduling patients. Each accelerator allows for more accurate radiation therapy and the ability to deliver Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). A dedicated oncology CT scanner, AcQsim, is essential in planning complex 3D treatments and IMRT treatments. A technical team consisting of a full-time physicist and a full-time dosimetrist is dedicated to providing the safest and most successful treatment.

This qualified team treats head and neck cancer IMRT protocols and Prostate cancer IMRT protocols through the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. We offer "accelerated partial breast irradiation" to carefully selected patients using the MammoSite® radiation therapy system. MammoSite® makes it easier for women to choose breast conservation therapy because it reduces radiation treatment from seven weeks to a mere five days.

The Radiation Oncology department also has advanced image guided RT equipment.  This IGRT (image guided radiation therapy) equipment allows images, created via x-ray, to be acquired immediately before a patient receives treatment to confirm that the beam is going to hit the intended target. Because organs and tumors can move with breathing or as a result of normal internal organ action, image guided motion management can target and verify tumor location daily. The hospital's other radiation services include teletherapy, brachytherapy, and radioisotope therapy. Lungs, breasts, brains and bones are the most commonly treated sites.

OUTPATIENT CANCER CARE CENTER

The Outpatient Cancer Care Center is located in the Medical Plaza North Building. The Center is open five days a week, Monday through Friday, including holidays, and staff is available for a limited time on the weekends for urgent situations. Services in the center include: bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, chemotherapy treatments, blood product transfusions, central line care and maintenance, IV therapy, injections, dressing changes, urinary device application with instruction and bladder scanning.  

Many of our physicians regularly schedule patients to the IV Therapy area, including oncologists, internists, and family practitioners. Medical Oncologists and Pathologists perform procedures in the department with the assistance of laboratory personnel. The physicians can see outpatients for follow up visits, and perform bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures and paracentesis procedures. The nursing staff is conscious-sedation trained and ONS chemotherapy certified. One-to-one monitoring is provided for complex tests and drug administration.