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A Better Tool in the Fight Against Cancer
Nearly all of us have been affected by cancer. Radiation has been one of the most effective methods of treating cancer tumors, but success often comes at a significant price. Not any longer. New technology offered at Citrus Valley Medical Center improves the results of radiation therapy and reduces the number of side effects that patients experience.
In the past, radiation oncologists used a single, large radiation beam that affected healthy tissue near the tumor. This resulted in such side effects as the exposure of the spinal cord or optic nerve when treating head and neck tumors. With Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), however, higher doses of radiation are possible because they are better targeted, increasing the rate of tumor control. The beam’s amazing accuracy allows for the treatment of tumors that were once considered untreatable with radiation because of their closeness to vital organs and structures. If detected early enough, IMRT is sometimes able to wipe out tumors before the cancer spreads.
IMRT sends particular levels of radiation only to cancerous cells, as a result sparing nearby healthy cells. A computer program customizes a treatment plan based on the tumor’s shape, depth and location in the body, as well as the physician’s dose instructions.
“IMRT allows us to hit a tumor target while sparing surrounding organs with greater precision than ever before,” said Dr. Uri M. Zisblatt, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology for Citrus Valley Health Partners. “In turn, we can deliver higher radiation doses to a tumor with relative safety. The result is the potential for better tumor control while minimizing injury to adjacent tissues and ultimately preserving their natural function.”
Treatments are given in a machine called a linear accelerator. Radiation beams take on the shape of the tumor and are able to attack it from any angle. A typical session lasts about 15 minutes.
Before treatment, colored, semi-permanent ink is frequently used to mark the patient’s skin in order to help align the radiation equipment with the target area. During the treatment, the patient is on a table in the treatment room while the Radiation Therapist is in the control room. The patient is monitored by intercom and closed circuit video. A patient may later experience minor side effects, especially in the area of the body that was treated. They usually can be controlled with medication or diet and tend to go away within several weeks after treatment ends.
IMRT is covered by Medicare and many other insurance providers. Check with your insurer or health-care provider for coverage information.
For more information about IMRT, call Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Radiation Oncology at Citrus Valley Medical Center, at 626/915-6280.
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| Contact Information |
Citrus Valley Medical Center – Inter-Community Campus
210 W. San Bernardino Road
Covina, CA 91723
Phone: (626) 331-7331
Citrus Valley Medical Center – Queen of the Valley Campus
1115 S. Sunset Ave.
West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-4011
Foothill Presbyterian Hospital
250 S. Grand Ave.
Glendora, CA 91741
Phone: (626) 963-8411
Citrus Valley Hospice
820 N. Phillips Ave.
West Covina, CA 91791
Phone: (626) 859-2263
Citrus Valley Home Health
820 N. Phillips Ave.
West Covina, CA 91791
Phone: (626) 859-2263
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