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The Department of Radiation Oncology at Saint Barnabas
Medical Center, where this new technology originates, has the combined
expertise and experience to launch TomoTherapy as one of the most
effective treatments for certain cancers.
TomoTherapy is an advanced cancer treatment system that optimizes
the delivery of radiation for cancer. It also may significantly
reduce side effects, which is very important for our patients who
bravely carry on their busy lives during treatment.
TomoTherapy delivers a very sophisticated form of intensity modulated
radiotherapy (IMRT) with such precision that surrounding, healthy
tissue receives lower doses than delivered by more conventional
radiation therapy. Less damage to surrounding tissue may result
in fewer complications for patients.
TomoTherapy combines precise 3-D imaging from CT scans with highly
targeted radiation beams. The physician decides how much radiation
the tumor should receive, as well as acceptable levels for surrounding
structures. The system then calculates the appropriate pattern,
position, and intensity of the radiation beam to be delivered,
to match the physician's prescription as closely as possible.
The best aspect of the new system is that each patient receives
a plan entirely customized to his
or her tumor. The field of medicine reaches its greatest potential
when a patient is treated as an individual rather than simply a
body with a diagnosis. This new technology helps us to further
this goal of personalized care in a powerful way.
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