AOA Northlake Office in Tucker Home to Eighth System in U.S.
Breakthrough Technology Precisely Delivers Crucial 'Boost' Phase of
Therapy
ATLANTA, April 3, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Atlanta Oncology Associates (AOA), one of the largest radiation therapy groups in the Southeast, recently installed the first AccuBoost breast cancer radiotherapy system in Metro Atlanta -- only the eighth in the United States -- at their Northlake office in Tucker (1475 Montreal Road; 770-270-5085). The first patient was treated March 31.
The AccuBoost system is an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) technique that uses high-dose radiation (HDR) brachytherapy to deliver a focused dose to the lumpectomy site.
"We believe AccuBoost will greatly benefit our patients and are honored to offer the only system in Atlanta," 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. Erich Randolph, Medical Director at the AOA Northlake Cancer Treatment Center, "The boost dose is an important ingredient of the full course of radiation therapy and is delivered to the tissue adjacent to the surgical excision site, a region from which most recurrences originate. The added boost dose to the surgical margin has been shown to provide additional protection against recurrence."
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 Atlanta's only AccuBoost system.
"During the initial phase of our rollout, we sought only the best oncology practices in which to place our groundbreaking system. Atlanta Oncology Associates was at the top of that list for Metro Atlanta," he said.
AOA patients at all offices will have access to the procedure at the Northlake office.
Atlanta Oncology Associates (AOA), a member of American Professional Associates (APA), 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
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