A major challenge to radiation oncologists has always been how to deliver high-intensity radiation to organs that move, like the lungs or the prostate, without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
BAT (B-mode Acquisition and Targeting) is an ultrasound-based targeting system used with external beam radiation (IMRT) to precisely localize targets that may move from one treatment day to the next. BAT allows for the delivery of high intensity radiation directly to the tumor, while decreasing the risk of complications.
Any organ that can be visualized by ultrasound is appropriate for BAT. Possible sites include prostate, liver, bladder, kidney, pancreas, uterus and breast.
According to Kenneth Haugen, M.D., Medical Director of Providence Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Department, "This technology will allow us to treat prostate cancer patients with higher doses of radiation, but with less risk of rectal bleeding and other complications that can occur with other forms of radiation therapy."
Providence Cancer Center is the only cancer center in Southern Oregon using this locator technology. The result to the patient can be additional damage reduction to healthy tissue.
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