Advanced Radiation Therapy Technology
Varian Edge Linear Accelerator
The Varian Edge system offers the highest level of precision available in radiation therapy, allowing our team to target tumors with sub-millimeter accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Key Features
- Advanced image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
- Real-time tumor tracking for moving targets
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
- High-dose treatments delivered with exceptional precision
- RapidArc® technology for shorter treatment times
- Ability to treat tumors in the brain, spine, lung, liver, and other sites
- Frameless radiosurgery for increased patient comfort
Patient Benefits
- Non-invasive treatment option
- Minimal disruption to normal activities
- Precise targeting of tumors near critical structures
- Reduced treatment times
- Outpatient procedures with no hospital stay required
Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator
The Varian TrueBeam platform provides versatile radiation treatment capabilities for a wide range of cancer diagnoses. Using advanced imaging and treatment technologies, TrueBeam delivers highly accurate radiation therapy tailored to each patient’s needs.
Key Features
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
- HyperSight cutting-edge imaging technology
- Respiratory motion management for moving tumors
- Surface-guided treatment capabilities (SGRT)
- Efficient treatment delivery with enhanced patient comfort
Patient Benefits
- Personalized treatment plans for many cancer types
- Increased treatment accuracy
- Enhanced protection of healthy tissues and organs
- Comfortable treatment experience
- Advanced technology available close to home
Specialized Radiation Therapy Procedures
Our radiation oncology team offers advanced treatment techniques that allow precise, effective cancer care tailored to each patient’s diagnosis.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery is not surgery. SRS delivers highly focused, high-dose radiation to tumors within the brain and central nervous system without an incision.
Common Uses
- Brain metastases
- Benign brain tumors
Benefits
- Non-invasive treatment
- Exceptional precision
- Often completed in one to five treatments
- Minimal recovery time
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
SBRT uses advanced imaging and precision targeting technologies to deliver high doses of radiation to tumors located outside the brain.
Common Uses
- Early-stage lung cancer
- Liver tumors
- Spine tumors
- Prostate cancer
Benefits
- Fewer treatment sessions than conventional radiation therapy
- Precise tumor targeting
- Reduced exposure to surrounding healthy tissues
- Convenient outpatient treatment
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy delivers radiation from inside or directly adjacent to the treatment area. This allows a highly concentrated radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy organs and tissues.
Common Uses
- Gynecologic cancers
Benefits
- Highly targeted internal radiation treatment
- Short treatment sessions
- Effective dose delivery
- Reduced radiation exposure to healthy tissues
- Outpatient treatment for many patients
Your Treatment Journey
The Edge radiosurgery treatment consists of several key steps: tumor visualization, treatment planning, treatment delivery, real-time imaging, and follow-up care.
Tumor Visualization
In this stage, 3D images of the tumor are created, allowing your doctor to determine its exact size, shape, and location. This information is essential for tailoring the precise dose of radiation needed for your treatment.
Treatment Planning
Once the tumor specifics are mapped out, a customized treatment plan is developed. Highly trained specialists use sophisticated software to build a 3D model of the tumor, determining the exact radiation dosage and angles from which the radiosurgery beam will be delivered.
Treatment Delivery
In the treatment room, a therapist will position you on the treatment table. Prior to starting, imaging will verify the tumor’s location. As treatment begins, the Edge’s head rotates 360 degrees around you, ensuring precise radiation delivery from all angles. You’ll remain in constant contact with the therapist during the procedure. The first session may take slightly longer due to initial setup, but subsequent treatments will be quicker.
Imaging During Treatment
Throughout the procedure, real-time imaging allows your doctor to monitor the tumor from every angle. This ensures that the high-dose radiation is delivered with pinpoint accuracy, maximizing treatment effectiveness.
Follow-up Care
After treatment, you’ll receive ongoing follow-up care to track your progress and recovery. This is a great time to ask any questions, address concerns, and discuss your health status with your doctor.
Your Healthcare Providers
Matthew Cousins, M.D., Ph.D.
Board Certified Radiation Oncologist
Undergraduate: Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
Graduate (Master’s): Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
Graduate (PhD): Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, M.D.
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Radiation Oncology Residency: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, M.I.
E. Clint Wood, M.D.
Board Certified Radiation Oncologist
Undergraduate: Morehead State University, Morehead, K.Y.
Graduate: University of Wisconsin, Madison, W.I.
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, K.Y.
Radiation Oncology Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, W.I.
Rebecca Whittington, FNP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, Radiation Oncology
Undergraduate: University of Illinois
Graduate: Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.