Geisinger introduces radiotherapy and radiosurgery program

New technology helps doctors treat cancer and neurological conditions quickly and with unprecedented precision 
 
May 15, DANVILLE - A new advanced technology using image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and radiosurgery (IGRS) to treat patients with cancer and neurological conditions was recently introduced at Geisinger Medical Center.  This combination linear accelerator and imaging system from Varian Medical Systems, delivers a wide range of ultra-precise treatments with great speed providing patients with better results. Geisinger Medical Center is among the first in the nation to deploy this new technology.

Geisinger radiosurgeon Thomas J. Gergel, MD is leading the program that uses this new technology to treat patients with a variety of different types of tumors including those in the brain and the lung.

“The sophistication of this combined radiotherapy and imaging system allows us to customize treatments according to the specifics of each patient’s case,” explained Dr. Gergel. "This translates into better outcomes along with greater patient comfort, since the patient spends less time on the treatment table.”

What differentiates this technology, according to Dr. Gergel, is its ability to rotate around the patient to deliver high-powered radiation treatments from nearly any angle.  In addition, he says, a high-precision system focuses the radiation beam to match the three-dimensional shape of the tumor, and an On-Board Imager™ device delivers fast, accurate, real-time tumor tracking and automated patient positioning.

Featuring the Trilogy® imaging system this technology also helps doctors deal with tumor motion during treatment.  A set of optical guidance cameras monitor and correct for any patient movement, while an infrared monitoring device turns the radiation beam on and off during treatment to compensate for respiratory motion.

“This system provides Geisinger with one high-powered tool to deliver the precise amount of treatment to the precise location of a tumor," noted Omar Yumen, MD, director of radiation oncology.   “We’re extremely proud to be able to share this advanced technology with our patients in northeastern and central Pennsylvania."