IMRT:

Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. uses new technology to fight cancer Vista, California — Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. is using the latest technological advancement to fight the battle against cancer. The new technique, called Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT, allows doctors to more precisely tailor the treatment dose to match the target tumor, while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. IMRT requires technologically sophisticated, computerized treatment planning and treatment delivery systems. Conventional cancer treatment planning is accomplished by manually adjusting simulated radiation beams to achieve a clinically acceptable dose distribution in an accurate computer model of the patient. With IMRT, the physician prescribes the desired dose distribution first. A complex computer program then determines the radiation beam intensities to meet the treatment objectives. The IMRT beams are shaped by a multileaf collimator, a computer-controlled device located in the head of the treatment machine, the linear accelerator. IMRT treatments are ideally suited for cancer sites where the critical normal structures are very close to the target tumors. For head and neck cancers, very high doses can be delivered to the target areas while limiting doses to salivary glands, spinal cord and other critical tissues. For prostate cancers, lower doses can be given to the bladder and rectum when compared to conventional treatment techniques. “IMRT is a noninvasive procedure that allows for pinpoint radiation therapy, resulting in better tumor control with less toxicity,” stated Kenneth T. Shimizu, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. uses the IMRT planning system produced by ADAC Laboratories, a Philips Medical Systems Company, based in Milpitas, California. "Our computer systems provide leading-edge clinical solutions for evolving cancer management. The clinical use of our IMRT software is quickly being adopted by radiation oncology facilities around the world,” stated David Robinson, IMRT Product Manager at Philips Medical Systems. “We look forward to working with all of them as they make IMRT treatments available to their patients,” he added. Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. is a free-standing radiation oncology facility located 40 miles north of San Diego.

3-DIMENSIONAL CONFORMAL THERAPY:

Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. has the capacity to perform 3-dimensional conformal therapy utilizing an ADAC treatment planning computer and external beam therapy with state of the art Varian 2100C Linear Acceleartor, with Multileaf collimation. 3-dimensional conformal therapy allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to a small target volume while protecting the critical structures nearby.

EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION:

External beam services are available at Oncology Therapies of Vista, Inc. State of the art equipment includes two Varian C-series Linear accelerators, ADAC treatment planning computer with 3-D capability, ROCS treatment planning computer, and the newly added Varian SonArray.