Galil and TomoTherapy Target Cancerous Tumors with Precision

Focused radiation continues to be an effective means for treating cancerous tumors, particularly when there is a clear-cut shot at the target. Getting a clear-cut shot is no simple task, especially since the target is often surrounded by healthy tissue, can grow, shrink or shift over time, and is affected by changes in the patient's anatomy.

To address this challenge for clinicians, TomoTherapy Incorporated of Madison, WI, developed its Hi·Art® treatment system, a radiation therapy device that effectively utilizes 3D CT imaging to ensure accurate treatments for patients on a daily basis. To do this, the Hi·Art® treatment system was designed to leverage the ring gantry geometry used in CT scanning so it can deliver intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) from all angles around the patient with minimized side effects for patients—all in a single machine.

Graham Reitz, Research Engineer, says "Most cancer centers and solution providers now know the need for image guidance. Our co-founders, Rock Mackie and Paul Reckwerdt, understood this need first. They got together 17 years ago at the University of Wisconsin and decided to mount the linear accelerator of the Hi·Art® treatment system on a ring gantry. This allowed for helical fan-beam delivery of IMRT, with integrated megavoltage CT imaging. The advance lets clinicians better focus radiation beams, and treat the most complex cases."