Our Capabilities

State-of-the-art treatment planning is the foundation of your radiation therapy at Athens Cancer Center. Once our doctors identify the area that needs to be treated, they use multiple diagnostic imaging studies, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to identify the extent of the problem. These tests can also help them determine if radiation therapy is suitable to treat the illness. This decision is also based on a health history and physical examination, pathology results and the role of radiation therapy in a multidisciplinary setting.

 

The “mapping” of the region to be treated is done with CT simulation. Athens Cancer Center has a state-of-the-art CT simulator unit on-site, affording you both convenience and efficiency. CT simulation is the most precise way of “seeing” a tumor as well as the surrounding normal tissue. MRI or PET scans can also be merged with CT simulation to get a more accurate map of the target and therefore to deliver a more precise dose of radiation. Our radiation oncologists at Athens Cancer Center will work directly with a medical physicist throughout the treatment planning process. This collaboration ensures that complex treatments are properly tailored and accurately delivered.

 

Athens Cancer Center is the region’s first radiation oncology practice, meaning you’ll have access to today’s most advanced treatments without having to travel to another city. Our radiation oncologists collaborate with other medical specialists and institutions to provide the highest level of care and the best possible outcomes.

 

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3-D CRT) -This therapy combines digital diagnostic imaging, sophisticated computer technology and specialized software to precisely target a tumor with radiation beams, while minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding tissue. This exact targeting makes it possible to use higher levels of radiation during treatment, which is a more effective way to shrink and eradicate tumors.

 

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) - The latest technology in 3-D CRT, IMRT uses computer-generated images to deliver focused radiation beams to the tumor. With IMRT, a multileaf collimator (MLC) improves radiation dose distribution by automatically forming hundreds of fields in rapid succession. To deliver the highest dose directly to the tumor while surrounding normal tissues receive the smallest dose possible, 120 movable “leaves” vary the shape and intensity of the radiation beam

 

Quadramet® - This FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical is used to relieve pain caused by bone metastases (tumor). Quadramet is given intravenously (by injection into a vein), typically on an outpatient basis. In addition to helping relieve pain, Quadramet may allow reduction or even elimination of other pain medications.