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Technology

 

Our state-of-the-art technologies and therapies enable our talented and caring oncologists, physicists, radiation therapists, surgeons, oncology nurses and staff members to provide you with the individualized cancer care needed to target and treat your cancer.

 

Some of the sophisticated technologies available to diagnose and treat cancer here at the Center for Cancer Treatment & Prevention include:

 

Three-Dimensional Treatment Planning and Conformal Radiation Therapy (3-D CRT)

At the Regional Cancer Center, we have the ability to use digital diagnostic images to obtain a detailed three-dimensional description of your internal anatomy. This information is used in conjunction with our specialized treatment planning software to create three-dimensional models of the volume of your tumor and any organs or structures that need to be protected from the radiation beam. Together, this information is used to create an individualized plan for your treatment and to deliver the necessary amount of radiation to your tumor while reducing the amount of radiation given to the healthy tissues and organs that surround it.

 

Linear Accelerator

A linear accelerator uses electricity in the form of a beam of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. At the Regional Cancer Center our computer-driven linear accelerator can be adjusted for your particular situation using state-of-the-art multileaf collimator technology. Multileaf collimation is a set of 120 tungsten fingers, or leaves, that can be aimed independently enabling the beams of the linear accelerator to be manipulated into whatever shape is needed to best treat your tumor.

 

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

The IMRT is the most accurate form of radiation therapy available. It uses three-dimensional planning software, computerized dose calculations and computer controlled mutileaf collimation to create a combination of complex radiation beams. When combined, these beams can precisely and safely target a high dose of radiation to a tumor while sparing healthy tissues—offering greater cancer cell destruction with fewer negative side effects and complications. Advanced technology like the IMRT allows us to treat tumors previously considered untreatable. 

 

Brachytherapy

Radiation therapy delivered by our linear accelerator and IMRT use external beam radiation to destroy cancer cells. At the Regional Cancer Center we all offer internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients in the form of radioactive prostate seeds. This method of treating prostate cancer allows the delivery of high doses of radiation to the prostate gland, while minimizing the amount of radiation to surrounding tissues. The surgery need to implant the seeds is minimally invasive, allowing most patients to resume normal activities within 48 hours. The procedure also carries little risk of long-term side effects paving the way for patients to carry on the same quality of life they previously enjoyed.

 

da Vinci® Surgical Robot

The da Vinci robot represents a dramatic advancement in minimally invasive prostate surgeries. It provides highly magnified three-dimensional views of the target anatomy in brilliant color with natural depth of field. It allows our surgeons to perform complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision. And means significantly shorter hospital stays, less pain, less scarring and a faster return to normal daily activities for our patients.

 

Full-Field Digital Mammography

We are pleased to be able to offer women digital mammography—the most advanced form of mammography. Digital mammography:

  • allows for faster and more accurate images
  • shortens exam times and significantly improves comfort and convenience
  • gives our physicians the ability to manipulate images for more accurate detection of breast cancer
  • improves the contrast between dense and non-dense breast tissue
  • is most effective and recommended for women younger than 50, those with dense breasts and those who are pre-/peri-menopausal
  • permits images to be transmitted over the phone lines or a network for remote consultation with other physicians

Clinical Research

Clinical trials bring the latest in treatment options to you and provide access to innovative new treatments before they are available elsewhere. They can improve the quality of your life, while leading to discoveries that improve the lives of future generations.

 

The medical oncologists of Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center offer access to clinical trials through the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. Having access to the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation makes it possible for patients at the Sacred Heart Regional Cancer Center to participate in clinical research while staying close to home.