Local Cancer Center Is the First in Northwest Arkansas to Treat Brain Cancer Patients with Fast and Precise Image-Guided Radiation Therapy Technology Fayetteville, AR - August 17, 2015 - (Newswire.com)
Highlands Oncology Group treated their first patient using ExacTrac® X-Ray, patient positioning and monitoring technology for radiation therapy treatment by Brainlab. Highlands Oncology Group is the only cancer center in Northwest Arkansas that can now pinpoint tumors with submillimeter accuracy with the acquisition of this advanced image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system. This patient had breast cancer with metastases that had spread to the brain and was treated using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with ExacTrac X-Ray.
Clinicians are now able to use ExacTrac X-Ray technology for patient setup as well as patient monitoring throughout treatment delivery. ExacTrac X-Ray is unique because it allows the continuous verification of the patient’s position—at any point during treatment—based on internal anatomy and regardless of technique or treatment couch position.
“ExacTrac technology will allow the ability to provide radiosurgery without the need for Halo placement. It will increase the patient comfort and decreases the time at the facility from six hours to two hours on the day of treatment” said Arnold Smith, radiation oncologist at Highlands Oncology Group. “Frameless stereotactic radiosurgery is a treatment method used to target tumors with a high dose of radiation while limiting radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissue,” said Scott Jones, director of medical physics and dosimetry at HOG.
The high level of accuracy and versatility afforded by ExacTrac X-Ray means that radiation oncologists can now treat a wide range of indications, including prostate, lung, liver, spine and cranial. This high level of accuracy helps to reduce treatment complications and provides patients with the best possible care.
Highlands Oncology Group is planning to install and offer Automatic Brain Metastases Planning software by Brainlab to be used in combination with ExacTrac X-Ray for the treatment of brain metastases patients. This stereotactic radiation treatment combination offers an alternative to whole brain radiation for patients who qualify. This new software allows clinicians to create radiosurgery plans rapidly and consistently for the treatment of brain metastases.
According to an article, by Ron Winslow, titled “New Study Questions Use of Whole-Brain Radiation to Treat Cancer,” brain metastases affect 400,000-600,000 cancer patients in the U.S. annually. It is estimated that 200,000 of these patients receive whole brain radiation as treatment. Whole brain radiation is more likely to cause “memory loss and cognitive deficits” than using a more pinpointed form of radiation, like stereotactic radiosurgery with image guided radiation therapy.
As the leading cancer treatment and research facility in Northwest Arkansas, Highlands Oncology Group is dedicated to the advancement of cancer treatment and to providing patients with the best possible care and results.
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About Highlands Oncology Group
Highlands Oncology Group is a state-of-the-art facility, with a world-class team of specialists, is committed to providing premier cancer treatment and to enhancing the quality of life of patients and their loved ones. Highlands Oncology group provides this in a friendly, comfortable environment conveniently located in Northwest Arkansas. Highlands offers the latest technology of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapies, on-site labs, a pharmacy and an infusion center. They also offer access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary clinics and support groups. Highlands Oncology Group is helping patients win the battle against cancer every day.
For more information visit HighlandsOncologyGroup.com.
About Brainlab
Brainlab develops, manufactures and markets software-driven medical technology, enabling access to advanced, less invasive patient treatments.
Brainlab technology powers treatments in radiosurgery as well as numerous surgical fields including neurosurgery, orthopedic, ENT, CMF, spine and trauma. Founded in Munich in 1989, Brainlab has over 8,900 systems installed in about 100 countries.
For more information, visit Brainlab.com.
Contact Info:The Artist Evolution
203 1753 N College Ave.
Fayetteville
AR 72703
United States
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Original Source: Highlands Oncology Group Begins Treating Patients Using ExacTrac® X-Ray by Brainlab
