TomoTherapy®

Overview. The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s is one of only a few hospitals in the world offering this latest development in Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). TomoTherapy combines the technologies of the CT scan with a radiation therapy unit that creates high-energy radiation with extremely accurate patient positioning. This means that radiation can be programmed to treat tumors with a great deal of precision, while nearly avoiding surrounding healthy tissue altogether.

Conventional Radiotherapy vs. TomoTherapy. In conventional radiotherapy, beams of radiation are typically only available from several directions. With TomoTherapy, the beams are precisely delivered to the tumor from every possible angle. The result is a radiation cloud that is concentrated on the tumor, with much less radiation in surrounding healthy tissue. In some cancers, this allows even higher doses of radiation than were even delivered a few years ago.

What is a TomoTherapy Center of Excellence? TomoTherapy Incorporated, the manufacturer of TomoTherapy technology, has deemed only 20 centers around the world Centers of Excellence. These facilities are responsible for establishing treatment protocols for all clinical sites—current or future—that utilize the TomoTherapy technology. As a TomoTherapy Center of Excellence, The Lacks Cancer Center joins the ranks of other notable centers such as MD Anderson, The Thompson Cancer Survival Center and The London Regional Cancer Center.

To learn more about this progressive technology and how it can help you call (616) 752-6756 or 1-800-639-6266.