Treatment > Radiation Oncology > Radiation Therapy Planning and Treatment

Radiation Therapy Planning and Treatment

The Bendheim Cancer Center at Greenwich Hospital is able to deliver advanced cancer care with the Novalis TX, one of the newest generations of linear accelerators used in radiation therapy.

This state-of-the-art technology enhances the ability to customize radiation treatment for all types of cancer to the specific needs of the patient. The radiation is targeted at a precise location without pain or discomfort, while sparing the surrounding tissue.

The Novalis TX linear accelerator can deliver radiation in many ways, including:

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
Internal organs and tumors can move between and during treatments. IGRT allows the radiation therapy team to see and track the tumor at the time of treatment and to make fine adjustments to the patient’s position. This greatly increases the precision and accuracy of radiation therapy treatment.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
This therapy uses uniform beams with varying intensities to attack a tumor from different directions while limiting the radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissues. IMRT technology allows the radiation oncology team to tackle cancers that are close to, or wrapped around, critical organs. IMRT is effectively used to treat prostate, head and neck, brain, and some tumors of the intestinal tract. A built-in computed tomography (CT) scanner provides three-dimensional images of the targeted area. This helps ensure that the patient is positioned accurately during treatment.

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using Phillips Smart Arc software
This next-generation arc therapy offers single or multiple radiation beams in uninterrupted arcs around the patient, dramatically reducing treatment times compared to similar modalities. It is often used to treat prostate, and head and neck cancers.

Varian Respiratory patient monitoring (RPM)
RPM is an additional tool that enables the radiation to follow a lung lesion even during a patient’s natural breathing cycle. This provides an accurate dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing the surrounding lung tissue.

Stereotactic radiosurgery using BrainLAB
This non-invasive procedure is used to treat certain parts of the brain where standard surgery would be difficult or impossible. It allows the radiation oncology team to deliver a single dose of radiation to a tumor or several tumors (less than four centimeters in size) in the brain, while minimizing the amount of radiation to healthy tissue. When compared to neurosurgery and conventional radiation treatment for tumors of the brain, stereotactic radiosurgery minimizes the risk of side effects.

Stereotactic body radiation
Even the smallest lesions in the lung, liver or spine can be treated. The Novalis TX offers the advantage of a high definition “multileaf collimator.” This device can precisely outline the targeted treatment area that will receive radiation down to 2.5mm.

Soothing environment facilitates care
Providing practical and emotional support to patients is as important as having access to advanced technology. Greenwich Hospital stands by patients and their families every step of the way – from education about the treatment process and managing side effects, to finding transportation, social services, home care, support groups or other community resources.

The treatment suite, too, was designed to help patients feel calm and comfortable. In the reception area, a Zen garden with raked gravel and meditation stones sets a serene tone. This is carried into the radiation treatment room, where cherrywood cabinets conceal much of the medical equipment, and patients lying on the treatment table view a lighted ceiling panel filled with trees and blossoms.

Contact information
For questions about radiation oncology, the Novalis TX linear accelerator or to make an appointment with Radiation Oncology Services please call 203-863-3701.