Cochise Oncology

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How Is TomoTherapy® Done?

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, radiation therapy may be part of your treatment plan. Advanced TomoTherapy® technology lets us target tumors with more accuracy. As a result, you achieve better results with fewer side effects.

What is TomoTherapy®?

TomoTherapy® is a type of radiation therapy that precisely treats tumors using 3D imaging and CT scanning to ensure more energy impacts the tumor and not surrounding tissues. Your Cochise Oncology team offers TomoTherapy® to give you the best possible results. Radiation therapy forms an important part of many treatment plans, and TomoTherapy® can be used on tumors that cannot be treated well with standard radiation therapy.

How is TomoTherapy® Done?

TomoTherapy® begins with 3D scans to give your team a precise image of the tumor. They will use this information to calculate the exact area to target with radiation. You will lay still while your body moves through a round scanner. This scan is used to aim the radiation. The treatment is delivered from all angles as you pass through the scanner a second time. By using TomoTherapy®, your team maximizes the radiation that enters the tumor and minimizes the amount that affects your healthy tissues.

What are the Advantages of TomoTherapy®?

TomoTherapy® makes radiation therapy safer and more effective by helping the treatment target only cancer cells. The TomoTherapy® system rotates around the patient to deliver radiation from all angles. CT scanning allows the system to track your tumor in real time during treatment.

TomoTherapy® is a type of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This advanced form of radiation therapy uses hundreds of tiny beams instead of a few large ones. It controls the intensity and shape of each beam throughout the treatment so that the energy stays focused on the tumor. The control is so exact that it can target specific sections of the tumor at different levels of energy. It limits the amount of energy that affects surrounding tissues, decreasing the frequency and severity of side effects.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

Am I a Good Candidate for TomoTherapy®?

Your Cochise oncology team will determine whether TomoTherapy® should be part of your treatment plan. Some cancers respond better to radiation therapy than others, including many brain, prostate, and lung tumors. TomoTherapy® is often combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Is There Any Downtime After TomoTherapy®?

You will not feel anything during or immediately after treatment. Side effects of TomoTherapy® include fatigue and skin irritation, and you may lose your hair in the treated area. Your doctor will let you know what to expect based on your treatment plan.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.