ATLANTA, April 6, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlanta Oncology Associates (AOA), one of the largest radiation therapy groups in the Southeast, started patient treatments after it installed their second AccuBoost breast cancer radiotherapy system in Metro Atlanta at their newly opened facility in Hillandale (2745 Dekalb Medical Parkway Ste. 100 Lithonia, GA 30058)
The AccuBoost system is an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) technique that combines mammography platform with high-dose radiation (HDR) brachytherapy to deliver a focused dose to the lumpectomy site.
"We believe AccuBoost will greatly benefit our patients and are proud to expand our network and be the first group to have two AccuBoost systems available to benefit our patients," said Dr. Dale McCord, President and CEO of AOA. "The initial boost phase of a breast cancer patient's treatment is critical, and while we have a very highly trained staff, having a system that ensures accuracy and consistency will eliminate potential miscues."
Following a lumpectomy, most women undergo whole breast irradiation (WBI), which includes a very important "boost" phase. According to Dr. Tonya Echols Cole who today treated the first two patients in the new facility, "This new treatment allows me to more accurately identify the lumpectomy cavity, positioning the treatment in real time. The patient can see the cavity as well and that is a big relief to them."
The patient's breast is immobilized and then imaged in real time to locate the lumpectomy cavity and determine the size and position of the applicator to be used for delivering the radiation.
Bruce Taylor, AccuBoost Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, believes AOA is the perfect fit for the AccuBoost system. "We like to work with progressive cancer centers and physicians that want to offer the latest and best to their patients. AOA is a group that prides itself on being cutting edge."
AOA patients at all offices will have access to the procedure at the Hillandale or the Macon facility where AccuBoost treatments are ongoing for several months.
Atlanta Oncology Associates (AOA), is one of the largest radiation therapy groups in the Southeast and is dedicated to the highest quality of care in radiation and medical oncology. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, experienced physicians, and a compassionate staff, AOA provides cancer treatments and/or management strategies customized according to each patient's needs and concerns. APA has 16 physicians and 12 offices throughout Metro Atlanta, North and Central Georgia, and North Florida. Atlanta Oncology Associates can be found on the web at www.atlantaoncology.com.
Additional information available at www.AccuBoost.com
Interviews available upon request.
About AccuBoost / ART
ART is a women's health company dedicated to the advancement of partial breast irradiation with the goal of reducing the cancer recurrence rate and minimizing radiation related complications. ART's AccuBoost system combines real-time, image-guidance with non-invasive, high-dose rate brachytherapy to deliver a focused dose to the lumpectomy site. The AccuBoost technology is based on the premise that the best method to immobilize, image and target breast tissue is via mammography. As such, AccuBoost gives the clinicians the comfort and confidence to "see what you treat and treat what you see" and significantly reduces the unintentional exposure to the patient's heart and lungs. For more information, visit http://www.accuboost.com/
The AccuBoost(tm) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3939