What is Adaptive Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is one of the best treatment solutions for patients diagnosed with cancerous tumors. It can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or as a standalone treatment. However, patient anatomy can change during treatment, particularly in the abdomen with the contents of the stomach, bladder, and bowels. Tumors can also change in size. Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) gives the cancer specialists at Cochise Oncology the ability to deliver precise dosages to the exact tumor location and margins on a daily basis, regardless of changes to patient anatomy.

How is Adaptive Radiation Therapy?

Some organs change size and shape daily, some weekly over the course of cancer treatment. Adaptive Radiation Therapy is designed to give your Cochise specialists a way to deliver your treatment through image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Images are taken immediately before and during radiation application so the exact dosage and position of radiation necessary can be delivered. This precision delivery increases patient safety and radiotherapy accuracy for the most aggressive cancer treatment we can offer. Abdominal anatomy is particularly variable, so treatment margins are extremely important so as not to unnecessarily impact healthy tissues nearby. Your Cochise team includes radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, medical physicists, and a supporting team of nurses and other health practitioners whose only goal is to guide you through your ART treatments.

Am I a Good Candidate?

ART is used to treat patients with cancers of the brain, head, neck, eye, thyroid, breast, lung, bladder, prostate, cervix, and skin. For a comprehensive evaluation to see if ART is right for you, schedule a consultation with Cochise Oncology specialists.

What Types of Adaptive Radiation Therapy Are There?

TomoTherapy® delivers cancer treatment using CT-image technology, which allows the radiation beam to be adjusted for exacting size, location, and intensity. At the start of each treatment, 3D imaging software defines the tumor’s margins and other measurements, which are used to calculate the precise radiation levels, positioning, and delivery of the radiation. TomoTherapy® targets prostate cancer, brain, head and neck, and lung tumors. It can also treat secondary cancers, metastases, and recurring cancers.

Varian Trilogy Radiotherapy takes aim at head and neck, thyroid, breast, bladder, prostate, and cervical cancers by damaging the DNA of the cancerous cells. The accuracy of the Varian treatment allows for stronger doses in fewer sessions for faster treatment. Treatment is complete in just a few minutes. The improvement of precision delivery minimizes side effects for a more comfortable treatment.

Xoft® Radiation Therapy is primarily for skin cancers. The tiny X-ray source allows for treatment in anatomically challenging locations like the face, scalp, or ears. Xoft® is a nearly painless, scar-free treatment for skin cancer ideal for patients who cannot have surgery for various reasons. Electronic Brachytherapy (eBx)brings radiation closer to the cancerous target while protecting surrounding tissues with the FlexiShield. This minimally-invasive treatment doesn’t require anesthesia or much, if any downtime. Patients attend a series of in-office visits over several weeks, and then the therapy is complete.

Having a cancer diagnosis is enough to frighten anyone and disrupt their life. At Cochise Oncology, we have a dedicated and seasoned team of experts and a support staff of compassionate professionals who make your comfort our top priority. With the precision available with Adaptive Radiation Therapy, we can accurately and aggressively target your cancer while minimizing any damage to your healthy tissues. We’re here to see you through this with answers to your questions, guidance through your cancer therapies, and emotional support to help with anything else you may need.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about Adaptive Radiation Therapy? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page. We look forward to meeting you!

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Begin your path to healing with Cochise Oncology

Take the first step toward healing with Cochise Oncology. Guided by National Comprehensive Cancer Network standards, our experienced oncologists in Sierra Vista provides personalized cancer care, advanced radiation therapy, and comprehensive oncology services. Schedule a consultation today to receive compassionate support and a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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