Technology

For people diagnosed with cancer, radiation therapy is a common method of treatment. This can be performed in a variety of ways, depending on the nature of the disease. The most commonly used method is called external beam therapy, which directs radiation at a tumor from a machine. The advances in technology and medicine have allowed for improved precision, higher dosages and ultimately, more effective treatment.

As part of Advocate Condell ’s commitment to providing better treatment to the people of Lake County, it provides a system of equipment to scan, plan and treat the patient in a comfortable setting. This system includes the Phillips ACQSim Wide-Bore 3-D Simulator, the ADAC Treatment Planning Computer System, on-line portal imaging and the Elekta Precise Linear Accelerator.

Phillips ACQSim Wide-Bore 3-D Simulator

The radiation therapy process begins as radiation therapists gather detailed patient data using the state-of-the-art Phillips ACQSim Wide-Bore 3-D Simulator. Patients lie inside the simulator, while the machine captures images and precise measurements of the cancerous areas inside their bodies. With this information, the radiation oncologist knows the exact location of the tumor and can determine how the treatment will be delivered.

ADAC Treatment Planning Computer System

This data is then transferred to the ADAC Treatment Planning Computer System, which provides three-dimensional imaging that allows members of the radiation oncology team to outline the area of treatment. With this data, the team can deliver radiation that conforms to the size and shape of the tumor, sparing the normal, healthy tissue. In addition, an on-line portal imaging system is used to verify the accuracy of the treatment area. Once the treatment plan is finalized, the specifications are loaded into the Elekta Precise Linear Accelerator (Linac) computer system, and the patient's course of radiation can begin.

Elekta Precise Linear Accelerator

Advocate Condell 's new Elekta Precise Linear Accelerator (commonly called a Linac) is one of the highest energy radiation therapy equipment devices in Lake County.

In addition to conventional radiation therapy, the Linac is capable of delivering 3-D conformal and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which provides radiation doses that conform to the shape and size of the area needing treatment. This approach allows for delivery of high doses of radiation to the tumor, while effectively sparing healthy organs and tissues in adjacent and surrounding areas. As a result, patients experience fewer side effects and better tolerate treatment.