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State-of-the-Art Equipment
Radiation Oncology is a technology-dependent medical specialty that requires sophisticated computers and software, and high-energy linear accelerators to deliver therapeutic doses of radiation. Treatment complications and outcomes can be significantly improved by use of the right instrumentation and technological support.
Hoag’s radiation oncologists and medical physicists use state-of-the-art resources to develop three dimensional treatment plans that deliver precise radiation doses for each patient’s individual course of radiation therapy. Some of the advanced equipment and resources used at Hoag Cancer Center includes:
At Hoag Cancer Center, the latest in innovative treatment options are available to deliver radiation therapy based on each patient’s specific clinical needs. These are facilitated by sophisticated imaging using CT, MRI, and PET scans with the latest computer treatment planning systems. For details about the advanced treatment options available at Hoag, please click here.
Simulator
A patient’s first encounter with radiation therapy equipment may be the x-ray simulator. This specially designed x-ray machine is able to change its configuration to mimic the geometry of the linear accelerator treatment machines. In the simulator room, a patient’s treatment positioning devices (masks, mold, etc) will be constructed and the patient’s skin may be marked as necessary for daily setup or field shapes. The department’s Varian Ximatron simulator will allow the physician to examine internal structures using fluoroscopy, and the radiation therapist will take x-ray pictures of the patient’s treatment fields.
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Dedicated CT Scanner
CT scanners are important because they provide the detailed anatomical information. Using this 3D information the radiation oncologist can identify the area to be treated and allow the medical dosimetrists to create a plan precisely targeting the tumor and protecting the normal, healthy tissue. Hoag Radiation Oncology has its own high-speed spiral CT scanner, specifically designed for radiation oncology patients, located in the department.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
MRI and PET are important tools in the detection and treatment of some cancers. They can detect small differences in the soft tissues of the body which are not seen on CT scans. In Hoag Radiation Oncology, we use these scans in conjunction with the CT scan to more accurately plan patient treatment. This process is referred to as image fusion and allows the physicians and physics staff to identify a patient’s tumor and the normal structures surrounding the tumor with greater precision and sophistication. Hoag’s staff of radiologists are renowned for their work in MRI, PET and MR Spectroscopy and are available for patient consultation with the radiation oncologists as they plan treatment.
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Philips Pinnacle Treatment Planning Computer
The treatment planning computer is central to the design of a patient’s radiation therapy plan. Using information gathered from MRI, PET, CT and x-ray images, the treatment planning computer creates 3D models of a patient’s tumor and anatomy. Decisions about the how to deliver the radiation to the targeted area can be developed in a virtual reality environment.
The medical dosimetrist will prepare treatment plans and calculate the dose to meet the requirements of the physician’s prescription. The radiation oncologists and medical physicists will then review the treatment plans and approve the most appropriate.
The Philips Pinnacle Treatment Planning Computer is among the most sophisticated computers available, with capabilities to create 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) and Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT) plans. Software tools such as image fusion and virtual simulation enable a patient’s treatment plan to be developed with the latest technology and greatest precision.
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IMPAC Radiation Oncology Management System
This system provides the department with an electronic medical record specifically for each patient’s radiation oncology visits. It provides the tools necessary for managing patient scheduling, billing and records. This computerized system also gives the treatment units the additional verification and documentation of all treatment deliveries, providing a greater level of treatment accuracy on a daily basis.
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Linear Accelerators
Linear Accelerators are devices that produce high energy x-rays by using electromagnetic waves to accelerate charged particles. The three computer controlled accelerators at Hoag Cancer Center are equipped with differing energies and devices making them capable of delivering specialized cancer treatments. Each machine has varying capabilities thus allowing the radiation oncologist to choose the best treatment for each patient.
Hoag’s tomotherapy unit is a specialized treatment machine that is a linear accelerator mounted on a CT scanner and is used for Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT), and Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) / Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). For a more detailed description, please visit the Tomotherapy Website.
Our Varian 21EX has a multileaf-collimator that can shape the beam using movable leaves within the head of the machine and also includes an Electronic Portal Imager that may be utilized for image-guided treatments. This type of accelerator is ideally suited for 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) and Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT).
Our Elekta SL-20 also has a multileaf-collimators that can shape the beam using movable leaves within the head of the machine to conform to the field shape. This type of accelerators is ideally suited for 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT).
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Gamma Knife Perfexion
Hoag Hospital maintains the only Gamma Knife in Orange County. This unique tool is specifically designed for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) to treat brain tumors and skull base targets using 201 focused radiation beams to “operate” without opening the skull.
For more information about Gamma Knife technology, please the following Websites: Hoag Gamma Knife Center, Dr. Christopher Duma or Elekta. Or call Hoag Radiation Oncology at 949/764-5528.
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Brachytherapy Equipment for Prostate Seed Implants
Hoag Cancer Center has dedicated ultrasound, CT, computer planning and operating room equipment for the placement of radioactive seeds in the treatment of prostate cancer. This popular treatment modality has rapidly become an important part of the Cancer Center program.
For more information, visit the Seattle Prostate Institute’s Website, or call us at 949/764-5528.
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High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
Hoag Cancer Center provides HDR services for the brachytherapy treatment of cancer. HDR is a radiation treatment allowing a small radioactive source to be temporarily placed inside numerous types of tumors. Under computer control the position and timing of source placement can be precisely controlled, allowing the physician to shape the radiation dose field. Because of the high dose rate characteristics, brachytherapy treatments can often be delivered on an outpatient basis or with minimal hospital stay.
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