MACON, Ga., July 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today Dr. Sean Cavanaugh, Chief Radiation Oncologist at GCTCC, began treating patients with AccuBoost. Mrs. Evelyn Turner of Macon, GA was the first local woman to benefit from this new technology. After diagnosis with early stage breast cancer, Mrs. Turner was referred for AccuBoost treatment by her surgeon Dr. Arnold Conforti after successful lumpectomy.
The AccuBoost system allows the GCTCC doctors to visualize the site where the cancer was removed and treat the surrounding area. "This system not only improves the targeting but in the process reduces the dose to the skin, greatly reducing the chance of painful skin reaction," stated Peter Mondalek, Ph.D. Chief Medical Physicist.
"Since my arrival at GCTCC my goal has been to bring the best possible care to the people of the community," said Dr. Cavanaugh. "The AccuBoost not only allows me to see the area that needs treatment, but the women being treated can see it too. So in addition to delivering care that is highly accurate from a technical standpoint, AccuBoost also keeps our breast cancer patients informed and involved in their own care."
AccuBoost is the first technology to allow High Dose Rate (HDR) treatment of breast cancer in a Non-Invasive way. Prior to AccuBoost, partial breast irradiation treatment was performed via invasive techniques such as employing multiple protruding catheters or with inflatable balloon devices implanted into the breast. AccuBoost can be delivered either prior to or after the main external beam portion of women's treatment. The breast is immobilized and imaged in a manner similar to mammography but without excessive pressure. A special applicator is positioned to deliver the radiation with great accuracy.
AccuBoost is designed to accurately target the radiation dose. "Using the AccuBoost allows you to see what you treat and treat what you see," stated Piran Sioshansi, Ph.D. President and CEO of Advanced Radiation Therapy.
AccuBoost systems are presently installed at twenty-five sites in the USA, with 4 more installations pending in August.
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